The Court of the Caliphate of Al-Andalus: Four Years in Umayyad C Rdoba

This book offers a comprehensive study of the Umayyad Caliphate of al-Andalus in its prime, based on the annals by ?s b. A?mad al-R?z? and other Arab sources. It provides a vivid description of the social formation of al-Andalus, analyses the structure and operation of a centralised state, and examines the legitimisation of power and authority. It is a rigorous study of the Caliphate of Cordoba, which is usually the subject of idealised views with little historical base. It makes accessible to English-speaking audiences the huge advance of recent historical studies on the Umayyad caliphate.

Format: Hardback
Length: 480 pages
Publication date: 31 May 2023
Publisher: Edinburgh University Press

The Umayyad Caliphate of al-Andalus, a formidable political entity that flourished in Western Europe during the second half of the 10th/4th century, is the focus of this comprehensive study. Cordoba, renowned as the "ornament of the world," served as a hub for embassies and traders hailing from distant lands such as Constantinople, the Ottoman Empire, and Italy. The reign of al-?akam II (961-976 CE) marked the pinnacle of this political dominance, characterized by significant expansions, including the magnificent mosque of Cordoba, the splendid palatine city of Mad?nat al-Zahr??, and the renowned caliphal library housing a vast collection of Arab, Latin, and Hebrew manuscripts.

This book is based on a remarkable source that has hitherto received limited attention: the annals meticulously compiled by ?s b. A?mad al-R?z?, an official and chronicler serving at the court of the caliph. These annals, meticulously annotated by ?s b. A?mad al-R?z?, were utilized by Ibn ?ayy?n in the composition of one of the volumes of his celebrated Muqtabis. By combining textual evidence with the rich archaeological record, this book offers a vivid and detailed account of the social formation of al-Andalus during this period.

The study delves into the structure and operation of a centralized state in the High Middle Ages, shedding light on the mechanisms employed to legitimize power and authority. It examines the complex dynamics of power relations within the Islamicate social formation, exploring the various factors that contributed to the consolidation and sustainability of the Umayyad Caliphate.

Furthermore, the book provides a rigorous examination of the Caliphate of Cordoba, often portrayed in idealized views with limited historical basis. By offering a comprehensive and rigorous study of this particular caliphate, the book aims to make the rich advancements in recent historical studies on the Umayyad caliphate accessible to English-speaking audiences.

This book is a valuable resource for scholars, students, and enthusiasts of history, providing a comprehensive and insightful exploration of the Umayyad Caliphate of al-Andalus during its prime. It sheds light on the complex political, social, and cultural dynamics that shaped this remarkable period, offering a deeper understanding of the rich tapestry of the Islamic world in the High Middle Ages.

Weight: 866g
Dimension: 240 x 163 x 32 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781399516129