Maqrizi, Taqi al-Din Abu al-Abbas Ahmad ibn Ali ibn al-Qadir al-Maqrizi: A Comprehensive Insight
Definition and Meaning
Maqrizi, Taqi al-Din Abu al-Abbas Ahmad ibn Ali ibn al-Qadir al-Maqrizi, widely recognized as “al-Maqrizi,” was born in Cairo and lived from 1364 to 1442. He was an eminent Egyptian historian, scholar, and judge who held various administrative, religious, and teaching roles in Cairo and Damascus. Renowned for his meticulous research and detailed writings, Maqrizi dedicated his later years to teaching and authored numerous influential works covering topography, geography, biography, and natural science.
Etymology
The name “Maqrizi” refers to his place of ancestral origin, Maqriz, a locality in Syria.
Background
Maqrizi was born into a scholarly family in Cairo in 1364. His education was comprehensive, covering Islamic jurisprudence, theology, and history. Throughout his life, he held several prominent positions including as a judge (qadi) and a teacher in Cairo and Damascus.
Historical Facts and Dates
- 1364: Born in Cairo.
- 1408: Appointed as a judge in Cairo.
- 1411: Began his tenure as a teacher in the Mosque of Sayyidah Nafisa.
- 1442: Passed away in Cairo.
Cultural Differences and Similarities
Maqrizi’s works reflect not only Egyptian culture but also provide insights into the broader Islamic world of the Middle Ages. His work is thus significant for understanding both the local Egyptian context and the wider Islamic civilization.
Synonyms and Antonyms
Synonyms:
- Historian
- Chronicler
- Scholar
Antonyms:
- Fiction writer
- Novelist
Related Terms with Definitions
- Qadi (قاضي): A judge in Islamic countries.
- Topography: Descriptive modeling of the physical features of a region.
- Islamic Jurisprudence: The study and interpretation of Islamic law (Sharia).
Exciting Facts
- Maqrizi’s work “al-Khitat” provides an exhaustive topographical description of Cairo.
- His detailed accounts of Egyptian history are considered among the most comprehensive for that period.
- Maqrizi also produced shorter treatises on diverse topics ranging from economics to mineralogy.
Quotations from Notable Writers
“He was the most meticulous chronicler of his time, whose works remain indispensable to scholars of medieval Egypt.” — Ibn Hajar al-Asqalani
References and Suggested Literature
- “Maqrizi’s Egypt: Histories of the Culture and Politics of Medieval Egypt” by Alastair Hamilton.
- “The Last of the Great Medieval Historians by Carl F. Petry.”
- “The Sultans of Cairo and the Mamluk Cultural Artefacts” by Doris Behrens-Abouseif.
- Maqrizi, “al-Mawaiz wa al-‘iʿtibaar bi dhikr al-khitat wa al-᾿athar (مواعظ والاعتبار بذكر الخطط والآثار),” his magnum opus on Egypt’s topography.
Translations
- Arabic (مقريزي، تقي الدين أبو العباس أحمد بن علي بن القادر المقرزي): Biography and historical works available both in Arabic original and translated forms.
- Urdu (مقرزسی): Maqrizi’s works have been translated into Urdu offering an insightful window into medieval Egypt.
- Persian (مقریزی): His major works are also accessible in Persian, serving historians and students interested in Islamic history.
Osman Ibn Yasin
Reflect upon the lives of past scholars to truly appreciate the depths of human knowledge. 🌟
