Al-Hakim Mosque
Religion and Propaganda in Fatimid Egypt
Will be published approx. on 31. July 2025
Book
Hardback
312 pages
978-1-3995-3873-2 (ISBN)
Description
This study explores the distinctive features of Fatimid ideology and propaganda, as demonstrated in the largest and most notable mosque of this era, built in Cairo during the Fatimid period (909-1171 AD). It specifically examines the numerous Quranic inscriptions decorating various parts of the mosque. These inscriptions are scrutinized in light of Arabic theosophic writings from the same period. This study also highlights the mosque's significance as a primary medium for Fatimid propaganda (da'wa), aimed at disseminating Fatimid religious ideology throughout the Islamic world. A substantial part of this work is dedicated to the figure of Imam al-?akim, who played a key role in the completion of the mosque bearing his name and was revered as a divine representative on Earth.
Reviews / Votes
This book deals with a fascinating topic, namely the messages conveyed by the structure of the mosque associated with the sixth Fa?imid Imam-Caliph, al-?akim bi-Amr Allah and in particular by the Qur?anic verses adorning both the exterior and the interior. Richly illustrated, it has the potential of making a significant and original contribution to Islamic history and thought, Islamic art and architecture and Qur?anic studies. -- Camilla Adang, Tel Aviv University Housni Alkhateeb Shehada's coverage of the subject is comprehensive both in terms of material and references. His approach to the inscriptions found inside and outside the mosque is innovative. No similar monograph has been devoted to this topic. -- Frederic Bauden, University of LiegeMore details
Series
Language
English
Place of publication
Edinburgh
United Kingdom
Target group
College/higher education
Illustrations
79 illustrations (75 colour and 4 black & white)
Dimensions
Height: 162 mm
Width: 242 mm
Thickness: 22 mm
Weight
812 gr
ISBN-13
978-1-3995-3873-2 (9781399538732)
Copyright in bibliographic data and cover images is held by Nielsen Book Services Limited or by the publishers or by their respective licensors: all rights reserved.
Schweitzer Classification
Person
Housni Alkhateeb Shehada, Ph.D. is a Senior Lecturer at The Academic College Levinsky-Wingate, Tel Aviv, and Bezalel, Academy of Arts and Design, Jerusalem. His academic activities and interests concern classical Arabic and modern literature; Islamic history with particular attention to the treatment of animals; history of art, particularly Islamic art and architecture, and contemporary Palestinian art (including curations of exhibitions and their catalogues). He has also published two books of Arabic poetry.
Content
List of Illustrations
Acknowledgments
Introduction
1. The Early Fatimid Period and al-?akim bi-Amr Allah
2. The Da?wa Apparatus and the Dissemination of Fatimid Religious Tenets during al-?akim's Reign
3. The Mosque of al-?akim bi-Amr Allah
4. The Mosque's Inscriptions: Some General Remarks
5. The Inscriptions of the Mi?rab Area, the Central Dome and Central Passage
6. The Inscriptions in the First Aisle (Riwaq) on Both Sides of the Mi?rab Area, Including the Two Lateral Domes
7. The Inscriptions in the Other Riwaqs (2-5) to the Right of the Central Passage
8. The Inscriptions in the Other Riwaqs (2-5) to the Left of the Central Passage
9. The External Inscriptions of the Mosque of al-?akim
Conclusions
Epilogue
Bibliography
Index
Acknowledgments
Introduction
1. The Early Fatimid Period and al-?akim bi-Amr Allah
2. The Da?wa Apparatus and the Dissemination of Fatimid Religious Tenets during al-?akim's Reign
3. The Mosque of al-?akim bi-Amr Allah
4. The Mosque's Inscriptions: Some General Remarks
5. The Inscriptions of the Mi?rab Area, the Central Dome and Central Passage
6. The Inscriptions in the First Aisle (Riwaq) on Both Sides of the Mi?rab Area, Including the Two Lateral Domes
7. The Inscriptions in the Other Riwaqs (2-5) to the Right of the Central Passage
8. The Inscriptions in the Other Riwaqs (2-5) to the Left of the Central Passage
9. The External Inscriptions of the Mosque of al-?akim
Conclusions
Epilogue
Bibliography
Index