After the Umayyad dynasty's fall, the Abbasids sought a new capital to symbolize their reign. They chose a site near the Sassanid capital of Ctesiphon, with Caliph Al-Mansur commissioning Baghdad's construction on July 30, 762. Guided by the Barmakids, the city's location was selected for its strategic position along the Tigris River, abundant water supply, and control over trading routes.

Baghdad's design was influenced by Sassanian urban planning, featuring a distinctive circular layout known as the "Round City." This design facilitated efficient administration and defense, while the city's infrastructure, including parks, gardens, and an advanced sanitation system, showcased its sophistication. The construction attracted engineers and laborers worldwide, emphasizing astrological timing for prosperity and growth.

Cultural richness defined Baghdad, with vibrant nightlife, public baths accessible to all classes, and intellectual gatherings that fostered stories like those in "Arabian Nights." The city's walls, named after the gates pointing to Kufa, Basra, Khurasan, and Syria, symbolized Baghdad's connection to the wider Islamic world.

The Golden Gate Palace, at the city's heart, signified the caliphal power and luxury, surrounded by administrative and residential buildings. Despite changes over time, including the palace's eventual disuse, Baghdad remained a symbol of Islamic cultural and political ascendancy. The city's planning and architecture reflected a blend of Islamic, Persian, and even pre-Islamic influences, with its founders employing experts from diverse backgrounds to create a capital that stood as a testament to the Abbasid dynasty's ambition and vision.