The book explores current questions of historiography, using Islamic historiography as an example, focusing on time and temporality, the past's uses, historical periodisation, categorisation, and the constitution of historical objects, including civilisation and Islam. It aims to apply standard conceptual equipment to Islamic materials and exercise a comparativist outlook.

Format: Hardback
Length: 330 pages
Publication date: 17 January 2025
Publisher: Central European University Press

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Islamic Historiography: A Collection of Essays on Current Questions

Islamic historiography is a rich and diverse field that explores the past and its significance for understanding the present. This collection of essays delves into various aspects of Islamic historiography, including conceptions of time and temporality, the uses of the past, historical periodisation, historical categorisation, and the constitution of historical objects, particularly those called civilization and Islam. The book aims to apply the standard conceptual equipment used in historical study to Islamic materials and to exercise a large-scale comparativist outlook. By doing so, it seeks to shed light on the complex and multifaceted nature of Islamic history and its impact on the world.

Concepts of Time and Temporality

One of the key concerns in Islamic historiography is the concept of time and temporality. Islamic scholars have developed a unique perspective on time that differs from the Western concept of linear time. Islamic time is cyclical, with each period representing a different stage in the history of humanity. This perspective has implications for the way that Islamic historians approach the past and the way that they interpret historical events. Islamic historians often focus on the long-term trends and patterns that shape the history of a particular region or society, rather than on individual events or personalities. This approach allows them to gain a deeper understanding of the underlying causes of historical events and to make more accurate predictions about the future.

Uses of the Past

The past is used in Islamic historiography for a variety of purposes. It is used to validate religious beliefs and practices, to justify political and social policies, and to promote cultural identity. Islamic historians often use historical narratives to illustrate the moral and ethical principles that are important to Islam. They also use historical events to demonstrate the superiority of Islam over other religions and cultures. However, Islamic historians also recognize the negative aspects of the past and the need to learn from them. They often use historical criticism to examine the accuracy of historical narratives and to identify any biases or errors.

Historical Periodisation

Historical periodisation is another important aspect of Islamic historiography. Islamic historians have developed a variety of periodisation schemes that differ from the Western periodisation schemes. These schemes are based on different criteria, such as the political, social, and cultural developments of a particular region or society. Islamic historians often use these periodisation schemes to analyze the historical development of a particular region or society and to identify the key events and trends that shaped its history. However, Islamic historians also recognize the limitations of periodisation schemes and the need to be flexible in their approach to historical analysis.

Historical Categorisation

Historical categorisation is another important aspect of Islamic historiography. Islamic historians have developed a variety of categorisation schemes that differ from the Western categorisation schemes. These schemes are based on different criteria, such as the religious, social, and political characteristics of a particular region or society. Islamic historians often use these categorisation schemes to analyze the historical development of a particular region or society and to identify the key factors that contributed to its success or failure. However, Islamic historians also recognize the limitations of categorisation schemes and the need to be flexible in their approach to historical analysis.

Constitution of Historical Objects

The constitution of historical objects is another important aspect of Islamic historiography. Islamic historians have developed a variety of theories and methods for analyzing historical objects. These theories and methods include textual analysis, archaeological analysis, and historical geography. Islamic historians often use these theories and methods to analyze the historical significance of historical objects and to identify the key factors that contributed to their creation and development. However, Islamic historians also recognize the limitations of these theories and methods and the need to be open to new approaches and techniques.

Applying Standard Conceptual Equipment to Islamic Materials

One of the aims of the book is to apply the standard conceptual equipment used in historical study to Islamic materials. This includes the use of historical sources, the analysis of historical narratives, and the use of historical methods. Islamic historians have developed a rich tradition of historical writing that includes a wide range of sources, including historical texts, archaeological artifacts, and oral traditions. Islamic historians have also developed a variety of historical methods, including textual analysis, archaeological analysis, and historical geography. By applying these standard conceptual equipment to Islamic materials, the book seeks to shed light on the complex and multifaceted nature of Islamic history and its impact on the world.

Exercise of Large-Scale Comparativist Outlook

Another aim of the book is to exercise a large-scale comparativist outlook. Islamic historians have a long history of engaging with other cultures and civilizations, and they have developed a variety of comparative approaches to historical analysis. These approaches include the comparison of Islamic history with other historical traditions, the comparison of Islamic history with other religious traditions, and the comparison of Islamic history with other social and political systems. By exercising a large-scale comparativist outlook, the book seeks to shed light on the similarities and differences between Islamic history and other historical traditions and to identify the key factors that contributed to its success or failure.

Conclusion

Islamic historiography is a rich and diverse field that explores the past and its significance for understanding the present. This collection of essays delves into various aspects of Islamic historiography, including conceptions of time and temporality, the uses of the past, historical periodisation, historical categorisation, and the constitution of historical objects, particularly those called civilization and Islam. The book aims to apply the standard conceptual equipment used in historical study to Islamic materials and to exercise a large-scale comparativist outlook. By doing so, it seeks to shed light on the complex and multifaceted nature of Islamic history and its impact on the world.

Weight: 608g
Dimension: 168 x 235 x 26 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9789637326738