The Buyid dynasty was a Shia Muslim dynasty that ruled parts of Iran and Iraq from the 10th to the 11th centuries. Founded by Ali ibn Buya, the Buyids gained control over major cities like Baghdad and Isfahan, significantly influencing the political landscape of the time. They were known for their patronage of the arts and architecture, contributing to the cultural development of the region. The Buyids played a crucial role in the decline of the Abbasid Caliphate, as they effectively controlled the caliphs while allowing them to maintain a ceremonial role. Their rule marked a period of relative stability and prosperity, fostering trade and intellectual growth in the Islamic world.