Maqrizi, Taqi al-Din Abu al-Abbas Ahmad ibn Ali ibn al-Qadir al-
Maqrizi, Taqi al-Din Abu al-Abbas Ahmad ibn Ali ibn al-Qadir al- (d. 1442), was an eminent Egyptian historian, scholar, and judge. He is renowned for his extensive scholarly contributions to the historiography of Egypt, especially his meticulous accounts of Cairo and his insightful observations on various subjects.
Etymology and Translations
- Arabic: تقى الدين أحمد بن علي بن عبد القادر بن محمد المقريزي
- Turkish: Takiyüddin el-Makrîzî
Background and Career
Maqrizi was born in Cairo in 1364. Given his family’s scholarly lineage, he was well-positioned to engage in diverse fields such as administration, religious affairs, and academia. Maqrizi held key administrative, religious, and teaching positions in Cairo and Damascus before dedicating the latter years of his life to scholarship and teaching. His roles included:
- Administrative: Held positions like the inspector of the markets and chief preacher at the al-Azhar Mosque.
- Religious: Served as a judge, ensuring the later enforcement of Islamic law.
- Academic: Taught at various institutions and wrote extensively later in life.
Major Works
Maqrizi’s literary accomplishments span a wide array of topics:
- Topography and Urban History: Notably, “Khitat” (written fully as “al-Mawa`iz wa al-I’tibar bi Dhikr al-Khitat wa al-Athar”) which details the urban history and topography of Cairo.
- General Histories: “Kitab as-Suluk li-ma`rifat al-muluk” documents the history of Egypt under the Mamluks.
- Biographies: Compiled biographies of prominent figures in Egyptian society.
- Geography: Delved into geographical accounts of regions within Egypt and beyond.
- Natural Sciences: Brief treatises on minerals and bees illustrate his diverse intellectual pursuits.
Further Reading
For those interested in delving deeper into Maqrizi’s works and the historical context of his contributions, the following books are recommended:
- “Maqrizi’s History of the Mamluks” (translation and analysis of Maqrizi’s Kitab as-Suluk by Syed Farid al-Attas)
- “The Topography of Cairo and Egypt in Maqrizi’s Khitat” (by A. Crespellini & A. Hervan)
- “Maqrizi’s Studies in Islamic Historiography” (edited by Thomas D. Goodrich)
Takeaways
Maqrizi stands out in Islamic historiography for his methodical and comprehensive approach to documenting history and urban development. His breadth of knowledge and capacity to traverse various domains of Islamic scholarship make him a pivotal figure in understanding the scholarly and sociopolitical fabric of medieval Egypt.
Conclusion
Maqrizi’s dedicated engagement with Egyptian history and his detailed exploration of urban structures and lifestyles provide invaluable insights into the past. His authorization and judicious work highlight the importance of Cairo within the larger tapestry of Islamic civilization and its historical progression.
