Walid II, Umayyad Caliph

?-744/126 AH, r. 743-744/125-126 AH

Syria

Walid ibn Yazid, also known as Walid II, was an Umayyad caliph who reigned for a short period from 743-744/125-126 AH. He was the son of Yazid II and grandson of 'Abd al-Malik ibn Marwan. Walid II's birth date is unknown and sources vary on his age at time of death. Walid II's brief political career was marked by significant opposition from factions within the ruling class, which ultimately lead to his murder in 744/126 AH.

Arabic sources dating to the ninth and tenth centuries describe Walid II as a bon vivant who engaged in revelry and debauchery. This infamous reputation influenced early historians of Islamic architecture to interpret the lavish decorations at Umayyad qusur like Khribat al-Mafjar as a representation of this caliph's taste. The attributions of these monuments to Walid II are now questioned. What is certain is that Walid II was a distinguished poet known for his innovative contributions to the genres of khamriyya (wine poetry) and ghazal (love poetry). His diwan contains over one hundred poems.

Sources:

Jacobi, Renate. “Al-Walid.” Encyclopedia of Islam, Second Edition. Edited by P. Bearman, Th. Bianquis, C.E. Bosworth, E. van Donzel, and W.P. Heinrichs. 

http://dx.doi.org/10.1163/1573-3912_islam_SIM_7846 

(Accessed August 8, 2017).