The Buyid confederation existed within the Islamic empire from 945 to 1055. They were originally part of the Daylamite peoples of Gilan and Daylam in northern Iran. In pre-Islamic times they had served as mercenaries for the Sasanian kings of Iran, but were independent from their rule. They were considered a formidable military force, especially their ability as foot soldiers. Succession of power was hereditary, fathers dividing their land among their sons. During the time of Harun al-Rashid, the Alid people sought refuge among them.

The start of the Buyid confederation was led by Ali b. Buya and his two younger brothers, al-Hasan and Ahmad. After having secured a partnership with an important Persian landowner named Zayd b. Ali al-Nawbandajani , Ali was able to recruit an army to defeat a Turkish general from Baghdad named Yaqut_(General) in 934. After that they established power within the crumbling Abbasid empire in the form of a confederation rather than a new empire. They were known for the revival of Persian culture. Buyid leaders were known as Shâhanshâh (شاهنشاه), literally king of kings.

See also Abbasid.