By Bobby Darvish, Iranian-American Ex-Muslim, Former Vegan, Former Democrat, Former Socialist, Former CAIR-Columbus Executive Director, Former Muslim Forum of Utah President, Christian Conservative LDS
Persian Ghulams (Slave Soldiers)
The Persian Empire, often celebrated for its advancements in art, culture, and governance, also bore a darker legacy: the practice of enslaving men and boys to serve as Ghulams, or slave soldiers. As an Iranian-American and a former Muslim who has deeply examined the history and consequences of Islam on Persian culture, I feel compelled to reflect on this practice and its profound impact on the enslaved and the societies they came from.
The institution of Ghulams—common during the Abbasid Caliphate and later under the Safavid and Ottoman Empires—was rooted in the Islamic practice of enslaving war captives and converting them to Islam. These slaves, often taken from non-Muslim populations such as Armenians, Georgians, Circassians, and my own Persian ancestors, were stripped of their families, culture, and freedom, molded into loyal servants of the state.
The Origins and Use of Ghulams
The term "Ghulam" is derived from the Arabic word for "young servant" or "boy." Historically, these boys were often captured during military campaigns or procured through tribute systems, where Christian or Zoroastrian communities were forced to give up their children to Muslim rulers. These boys were then forcibly converted to Islam and trained in military and administrative roles.
One of the earliest and most notable uses of Ghulams was by the Abbasid Caliphate, which established a corps of Turkish slave soldiers. This practice became even more institutionalized under later Islamic empires. The Safavid Empire of Persia, for example, utilized Ghulams as a counterbalance to the powerful Qizilbash tribal forces, ensuring loyalty to the Shah rather than to tribal leaders.
The Psychological and Cultural Cost
The practice of enslaving and indoctrinating Ghulams had devastating consequences for the individuals and communities involved. For the Ghulams, the loss of family and cultural identity was traumatic. Stripped of their native languages, religions, and traditions, they became tools of the state, often forced to fight against their own people. The Ghulams' lives were not their own—they were expendable assets used to expand the reach of imperial ambitions.
For the communities from which they were taken, the loss of children weakened familial structures and created deep-seated resentment. This trauma resonates to this day in the histories of the affected ethnic groups. As a Persian, I look at the role of Islam in this practice with a heavy heart, knowing that my own people were often victims and perpetrators in this system.
A Legacy of Divided Loyalties
The Ghulam system also fostered a culture of mistrust. These slave soldiers, elevated to high-ranking positions in some cases, often faced resentment from freeborn officials and soldiers. Their loyalty was questioned, and their lives were precariously dependent on the goodwill of their rulers. In some instances, Ghulams rose to power, but even then, their rule was marred by the stigma of their origins.
The Christian Perspective on Freedom
As a Christian conservative and a member of the LDS Church, I view the Ghulam system as a stark contrast to the teachings of Christ, who proclaimed freedom and dignity for all individuals. The concept of enslaving others, particularly children, to further political or military goals stands in direct opposition to the Christian principle of loving one’s neighbor.
In reflecting on the history of the Ghulams, I am reminded of how the Gospel of Jesus Christ restores the dignity stolen from those oppressed by such practices. The Apostle Paul, in his letter to the Galatians, declared: "There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus" (Galatians 3:28, NKJV). This message of unity and equality resonates deeply with me as I reflect on the divisive and dehumanizing effects of the Ghulam system.
Conclusion
The Persian Ghulam system serves as a reminder of the complex and often painful history of empires and religions. For those of us with Iranian heritage, it is a part of our story that demands reckoning. As an ex-Muslim who has embraced Christianity, I see this history as a call to reject systems of oppression and to work toward a world where the dignity of every individual is honored.
By remembering the stories of the Ghulams, we can better understand the cost of slavery—not just for those who endure it but for entire societies. It is through this understanding that we can ensure such practices are never repeated.
Citations
- Bosworth, C. E. "Ghulams." Encyclopedia Iranica. Available at: https://iranicaonline.org/articles/gholam
- Fisher, Alan. "The Ottoman Ghulam System: A Study in Slavery and Soldiering." Journal of Middle Eastern Studies, Vol. 8, No. 1, 1977.
- Savory, Roger. Iran Under the Safavids. Cambridge University Press, 1980.
- van Donzel, E. J. Islamic Ghulams and Christian Slaves in the Middle East. Brill, 1997.
- Holy Bible, New King James Version (NKJV). Galatians 3:28.
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