- The caliphate's vast size and its diverse population meant that it was exposed to a wide range of cultural influences, from the Byzantine Empire in the west to the Sassanid Empire in the east.
- The caliphate's wealth allowed it to patronize the arts and sciences, and the caliphs were themselves often educated and cultured men.
- The caliphate's religious tolerance meant that it was a haven for scholars and artists from all over the world, who were able to freely exchange ideas and knowledge.
Some of the specific influences that led to developments in Abbasid culture include:
- The translation of Greek and Persian works into Arabic, which gave Muslims access to a vast body of knowledge that had previously been unavailable to them.
- The development of new scientific instruments and methods, which allowed Muslim scholars to make significant contributions to astronomy, mathematics, and medicine.
- The rise of Islamic mysticism (Sufism), which produced some of the most beautiful and enduring works of Islamic literature, art, and music.
- The Abbasids were also influenced by the cultural traditions of the Sassanian Persians, who had ruled the region before the Arab conquest. The Sassanian influence can be seen in the architecture, art, and literature of the Abbasid caliphate.