# Al-Maqrizi

> Egyptian historian (1364–1442)

**Wikidata**: [Q293604](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q293604)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Al-Maqrizi)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/al-maqrizi

## Summary

Al-Maqrizi was born on January 1, 1364, in Cairo.[1][2][3][4][5][6][7][8][9][10][11][12] He was a historian, writer, economist, and geographer.His religion was Islam. He died on February 8, 1442, in Cairo.[1].

## Summary
Al-Maqrizi was an Egyptian historian, writer, and economist born in 1364, known for his extensive contributions to Islamic history, economics, and geography. He is recognized as one of the most significant medieval Islamic historians and chroniclers of Egypt and the broader Islamic world.

## Biography
- Born: 1364, Cairo, Egypt
- Nationality: Egyptian
- Education: Not specified in source material
- Known for: Writing influential historical, economic, and geographic works on Islamic and Egyptian history
- Employer(s): Not specified in source material
- Field(s): History, economics, geography, Islamic studies

## Contributions
Al-Maqrizi authored several notable works that remain central to the study of medieval Islamic history and economics:
- **"Mawāʿiẓ wa al-iʿtibār fī dhikr al-khiṭaṭ wa al-āthār"** (Admonitions and Observations on the Monuments and Antiquities) – A comprehensive historical and geographic account of Egypt, particularly Cairo, that remains a key source for understanding medieval Egyptian society.
- **"Kitāb al-Khiṭaṭ"** (The Book of Descriptions) – A major geographic and historical work detailing the urban and architectural features of Egypt.
- **"Al-Mawārid fī'l-funūn wa'l-tawārikh"** – A treatise on economics and history, focusing on the financial systems and economic life of the Mamluk era.
- **"Al-Nubdha al-saniya fī akhbār al-awṣāt wa al-mulūk"** – A chronicle of rulers and notable figures in Islamic history.
- **"Tārīkh Miṣr"** – A historical account of Egypt, focusing on the Fatimid and Ayyubid periods.

These works are foundational in the study of Islamic historiography and are cited extensively in academic and historical research.

## FAQs
### What fields did Al-Maqrizi contribute to?
Al-Maqrizi contributed to history, economics, geography, and Islamic studies. His works are considered essential references for understanding medieval Egypt and the broader Islamic world.

### What are Al-Maqrizi's most important writings?
His most important writings include "Mawāʿiẓ wa al-iʿtibār fī dhikr al-khiṭaṭ wa al-āthār," "Kitāb al-Khiṭaṭ," "Al-Mawārid fī'l-funūn wa'l-tawārikh," and "Tārīkh Miṣr." These texts are regarded as authoritative sources in their respective domains.

### How is Al-Maqrizi's work relevant to the study of Islamic history?
His works provide detailed accounts of the political, economic, and social conditions of medieval Egypt and the Islamic world. They are widely used by historians and scholars for their depth and accuracy.

### Where can Al-Maqrizi's works be found today?
Al-Maqrizi's works are preserved in libraries, academic institutions, and digital archives worldwide. Many are also available in critical editions and translations for scholarly use.

### What is Al-Maqrizi's legacy in historical scholarship?
Al-Maqrizi is considered one of the most important medieval Islamic historians. His works continue to be referenced in academic research and are foundational in the study of Mamluk-era Egypt.

## Why They Matter
Al-Maqrizi's works are critical to understanding the history, economics, and geography of medieval Egypt and the broader Islamic world. His detailed documentation of urban life, architecture, and economic systems provides scholars with invaluable primary sources. His influence extends to modern historiography, where his texts are used to reconstruct and interpret the social and political dynamics of his time. Without his meticulous records, much of the historical context of medieval Egypt would be lost or significantly less understood.

## Notable For
- Authoring "Mawāʿiẓ wa al-iʿtibār fī dhikr al-khiṭaṭ wa al-āthār," a foundational historical and geographic work on Egypt
- Writing "Kitāb al-Khiṭaṭ," an authoritative text on the urban and architectural history of Egypt
- Producing "Al-Mawārid fī'l-funūn wa'l-tawārikh," a key work on the economics of the Mamluk period
- Composing "Tārīkh Miṣr," a historical chronicle of Egypt during the Fatimid and Ayyubid eras
- Being one of the most significant medieval Islamic historians and geographers
- Providing detailed insights into the social, economic, and political life of medieval Egypt

## Body
### Early Life and Background
Al-Maqrizi, born in 1364 in Cairo, Egypt, was a polymath whose expertise spanned history, economics, and geography. His early life and education remain largely undocumented, but his intellectual contributions place him among the most important medieval Islamic scholars.

### Career and Major Works
Al-Maqrizi's career was defined by his meticulous documentation of historical, geographic, and economic life in medieval Egypt. His major works include:
- **"Mawāʿiẓ wa al-iʿtibār fī dhikr al-khiṭaṭ wa al-āthār"** – A comprehensive historical and geographic study of Egypt, particularly focusing on Cairo. This work is considered one of the most detailed accounts of medieval Egyptian urban life.
- **"Kitāb al-Khiṭaṭ"** – A foundational text describing the architectural and geographic features of Egypt, essential for understanding the physical and cultural landscape of the time.
- **"Al-Mawārid fī'l-funūn wa'l-tawārikh"** – A treatise focusing on the economic systems and financial history of the Mamluk period.
- **"Al-Nubdha al-saniya fī akhbār al-awṣāt wa al-mulūk"** – A chronicle of rulers and notable figures in Islamic history.
- **"Tārīkh Miṣr"** – A historical account of Egypt during the Fatimid and Ayyubid periods, providing critical insights into political and social dynamics.

### Influence and Legacy
Al-Maqrizi's works are foundational in the study of medieval Islamic history. His writings are cited extensively in academic research and are used to reconstruct the social, political, and economic conditions of his time. His influence extends to modern historiography, where his texts remain essential references for understanding the complexities of medieval Egypt and the broader Islamic world.

### Academic and Cultural Impact
Al-Maqrizi's contributions have had a lasting impact on the fields of history, economics, and geography. His works are studied in academic institutions worldwide and are considered authoritative sources for understanding the medieval Islamic world. His legacy is preserved in libraries, archives, and digital repositories, ensuring continued access to his invaluable insights.

### Recognition and Honors
Al-Maqrizi is recognized as one of the most significant medieval Islamic historians. His works are celebrated for their depth, accuracy, and historical importance. He is frequently cited in academic literature and continues to influence modern scholarship on Islamic history and culture.

## References

1. Virtual International Authority File
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14. Catalogue of the Unione Romana Biblioteche Scientifiche
15. Bibliography of the History of the Czech Lands
16. MAK
17. Trove
18. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
19. [Source](https://islamansiklopedisi.org.tr/makrizi)
20. HMML Authority File
21. Digital Scriptorium Catalog