The Fatimid State in ALMaqrizi's Al-Mawaez wa ALatebar Bzker Alkotat wa ALathar (845 A.H/1441 A.D)

Abstract

This study attempts to investigate Al-Maqrizi’s sources in his book Al-Mawaez wa Alatebar by examining the sources related to the Fatimid state, as it is assumed that the sources of the Fatimid state have a special importance that stems from the importance and specificity of their study.

      The methodology of the study was based on inventorying Al-Maqrizi’s material, and monitoring the most important sources that he revealed, after the researcher made an approach to classify the material to facilitate the study, and reveal the specificity of the author’s effort in studying the Fatimid state. It became clear that the type of material he deals with requires benefiting from certain sources made available to Al-Maqrizi sometimes, which was reflected in the value of the material he provided for Fatimid history. Al-Maqrizi's keenness to present a comprehensive picture of the state was clearly evident, in terms of presenting novels specialized in their subject as primary sources, and he was distinguished by providing information from his knowledge that added importance to the value of his material. The study concluded that he selected his novels from sources of value in their subject matter, yet he even interfered in evaluating some sources, whether primary or secondary.