History and religion of the Arab-Muslim world II

Duration

30h Th

Number of credits

Lecturer

Frédéric Bauden, Zacharie Mochtari de Pierrepont

Language(s) of instruction

French language

Organisation and examination

Teaching in the second semester

Schedule

Schedule online

Units courses prerequisite and corequisite

Prerequisite or corequisite units are presented within each program

Learning unit contents

Medieval Egypt and the History of the Near East: Societies, Cultures, and Powers (13th-16th Century)

This course offers a rigorous examination of the historical trajectory of Egyptian society during the expansive period from the 13th to the 16th century, contextualized within the Middle East regional framework. The primary emphasis of this scholarly exploration centres on the emergence of the Mamluks, freed military slaves who exercised a distinctive authority in the Sultanate of Cairo (1250-1517). This epoch unfurled against the historical tapestry marked by the gradual conclusion of the Crusades and the advent of the formidable Mongol Empire (1206-1294) in the Near East. It bore witness to profound transformations encompassing both territorial and societal dimensions within medieval Egypt, until the early 16th century. These transformative currents had deep influence not only in Egypt, but in the broader Eastern Mediterranean, Red Sea, and Indian Ocean regions, and encompassed the economic ascendancy of Italian city-states, the circumnavigated the Cape of Good Hope in 1488 by the Portuguese, and the demise of the Cairo Sultanate in 1517, as it succumbed to the Ottomans.

 Our journey through this historical landscape starts with an exploration of Arab historiography, laying the foundation for a comprehensive analysis of the pivotal phases characterizing these transformations. The first part of the quadrimester is dedicated to a scholarly exploration of the salient political and geopolitical developments of Egypt. This endeavour serves as the bedrock, facilitating the construction of an initial framework replete with crucial events and chronological milestones. Subsequently, the latter portion of the semester delves into an array of diverse thematic dimensions, interwoven with the tapestry of Egyptian society, culture, and economy within the broader canvas of its regional milieu. Each session introduces a specific thematic element, ranging from inquiries into justice, commerce, economics, to an examination of religious conflicts. This approach ensures a comprehensive studyof Egypt's historical narratives, providing students with a nuanced understanding of this pivotal era.

Learning outcomes of the learning unit

By the course's conclusion, students will possess a comprehensive grasp of Egypt and Near East's historical narratives spanning from the 13th century to the initial decades of the 16th century. They will also develop an enriched understanding of the abundant variety found within Near Eastern societies. This will be able to dissect distinct phases in Islamic history, dismantle misconceptions surrounding the clash of civilizations, and delve deeper into examinations of the societal changes in medieval Near East, going beyond the simplistic notion of decline in these societies. Additionally, they will be well-equipped to engage in critical contemplation concerning the modern uses of Islamic history.

Prerequisite knowledge and skills

None

Planned learning activities and teaching methods

The course will be given ex cathedra, but students are warmly invited to ask questions about the subject and / or express their incomprehension. The last part of each course will be an opportunity for a more open exchange with the instructor regarding the concepts studied.

Mode of delivery (face to face, distance learning, hybrid learning)

Masterful presentation with Powerpoint presentations.

Recommended or required readings

The bibliography will be discussed during the first class, to give provide a better orientation in the process of learning. A more specific bibliography will be provided for distinct thematics studied during the course, for students wishing to go further.

The power point of the course will be put on MyULiège at the end of each session.

 

Required readings


Ducellier, M. Kaplan, B. Martin et F. Micheau, Le Moyen Âge en Orient. Byzance et l'Islam, Hachette Supérieur, Paris, 2003 (rééd. 2014).

Lecture introductive obligatoire. Cet ouvrage donne un cadre de référence simplifié mais utile pour s'initier à l'histoire du Proche-Orient (les chapitres à étudier seront mis en ligne sur le site MyULiège)    

J.-C. Garcin et alii, États, sociétés et cultures du monde musulman médiéval (Xe-XVe siècles). Tome 1, L'évolution politique et sociale, Paris, Nouvelle Clio, 1995.

 

General handbooks and synthesis on the history of the Medieval Middle East (Muslim Worlds, Byzantium)

Th. Bianquis, P. Guichard, M. Tillier (dir.), Les débuts du monde musulman, VIIe-Xe siècle, Paris, PUF, 2012.

C. Aillet, E. Tixier du Mesnil, E. Vallet (dir.) Gouverner en Islam entre le Xe et le XVe siecle, Paris, Atlande, 2014.

C. Cheynet, Histoire de Byzance, Paris, PUF, « Que sais-je ? », 2004.

C. Cheynnet (dir.), Le monde byzantin. L'Empire byzantin (641-1204), Paris, Nouvelle Clio, 2006.

A. Ducellier, M. Kaplan, B. Martin et F. Micheau, Le Moyen Âge en Orient. Byzance et l'Islam, Hachette Supérieur, Paris, 2003 (rééd. 2014).

A. Ducellier et al., Byzance et le monde orthodoxe, Paris, A. Colin, 1995.

J.-C. Garcin et alii, États, sociétés et cultures du monde musulman médiéval (Xe-XVe siècles). Tome 1, L'évolution politique et sociale, Paris, Nouvelle Clio, 1995.

J.-C. Garcin et alii, États, sociétés et cultures du monde musulman médiéval (Xe-XVe siècles). Tome 2, Sociétés et cultures, Paris, Nouvelle Clio, 1995.

Morrisson et A. Laiou, Le monde byzantin. L'empire grec et ses voisins (XIIIe-XVe siècle), Paris, Nouvelle Clio, 2011.

C. Picard, Le monde musulman du XIe au XVe siècle, Paris, Broché, Paris, 2000 (rééd. 2014).

Van Steenbergen, A History of the Islamic World 600-1800: Empire, Dynastic Formations, and Heterogeneities in Pre-modern Islamic West-Asia, Routledge, London, 2020.

Specialized works on medieval Egypt during the reign of the Mamluk sultans

J. Loiseau, Les Mamelouks (XIIIe-XVe siècle), une expérience du pouvoir dans l'Islam médiéval, Le Seuil, 2014.

C. Petry, The Mamluk sultanate, Cambridge University Press, Cambridge, 2022.

General handbooks and synthesis on the Crusades

M. Balard, Les Latins en Orient (XIe-XVe siècle), Paris, Nouvelle Clio, 2001.

P. Holt, The Age of the Crusades. The Near East from the Eleventh Century to 1517, London, New York, Routledge, 1986.

Editions and collections of translated sources

A.-M. Eddé, F. Micheau, L'Orient au temps des croisades, Paris, Flammarion, 2002.

M. Balard, A. Demurger, P. Guichard, Pays d'Islam et monde latin, Paris, Hachette, 2000.

F. Gabrieli, Chroniques arabes des croisades. Textes recueillis et traduits, Paris, Sindbad, 1977.

A.-I. Silvestre de Sacy, La Chrestomathie arabe ou extraits de divers écrivains arabes tant en prose qu'en vers, Paris, 1826 [nouvelle édition revue par l'Académie tunisienne des Sciences, des Lettres et des Arts, Paris, 2008]

More specialised articles & studies

D. Aigle, « La légitimité islamique des invasions de la Syrie par Ghazan Khan », Eurasian Studies 5/1-2, 2006, p. 5-29.

D. Aigle, « La conception du pouvoir en islam. Miroirs des princes persans et théories sunnites (XIe-XIVe siècles), Perspectives médiévales, 31, 2007, p. 17-44.

F. Apellaniz Ruiz de Galaretta, Francisco, Pouvoir et finance en Méditerranée pré-moderne: Le deuxième État mamelouk et le commerce des épices (1382-1517), Barcelona, Consejo Superior de Investigiones Cientificas, 2009.

F. Bauden, M. Dekkiche (éds)., Mamluk Cairo: a Crossroads for Embassies: Studies on Diplomacy and Diplomatics. 2019, Leiden: Brill.

M. Bonner, Le Jihad. Origines, interprétations, combats, Paris, Téraèdre, 2004.

C. E. Bosworth, « Saldju?ides », Encyclopédie de l'Islam, seconde édition.

M. Canard, « Fatimides », Encyclopédie de l'Islam, seconde édition.

S. Denoix, « L'exercice du pouvoir à l'âge des sultanats », Annales Islamologiques, 46, 2012, p. 255-272.

A.-M. Eddé, « Baybars et son double. De l'ambiguïté du souverain idéal », dans D. Aigle (dir.), Le Bilad al-Šam face aux mondes extérieurs. La perception de l'Autre et la représentation du Souverain, Beyrouth, 2012, p. 73-86

J.-C. Garcin, « Le Caire et la province: constructions au Caire età Qûs sous les Mameluks bahrides », Annales islamologiques 8, (1969), p. 47-62; repris dans id., Espaces, pouvoirs et idéologies de l'Égypte médiévale, Londres, Variorum Reprints, 1987

J.-C. Garcin, Un centre musulman de la Haute-Égypte médiévale: Qüs, Le Caire, lfao, «TAEI» 6, 1976.

J.-C. Garcin, « Le Caire des Ayyoubides et des Mamelouks (1174-1517)», dans André Raymond (dir.), Le Caire, Paris, Citadelle-Mazenod, 2000, p. 147-275.

J.-C. Garcin, (Dir.), Grandes Villes méditerranéennes du monde musulman médiéval, Rome, École française de Rome, « Collection de !'École française de Rome» 269, 2000.

J. Jomier, Le Mahmal et la caravane égyptienne des pèlerins de La Mecque (xw'-xx' siècle), Le Caire, Ifao, «RAPH» 20, 1953.

Chr. Lange et S. Mecit (éd.), The Seljuqs: politics, power and culture, Edinburgh, Edinburgh University Press, 2011.

A. Levanoni, A Turning Point in Mamluk History. The Third Reign of al-Na?ir Mu?ammad ibn Qalawun (1310-1341), Leyde, 1995

J. Loiseau, Reconstruire la Maison du sultan Ruine et recomposition de l'ordre urbain au Caire (1350-1450), Institut français d'archéologie orientale, Le Caire, 2010, 2 vols.

Y. Lev, State and Society in Fatimid Egypt, Brill, Leiden, 1991.

A. Zouache, Armées et combats en Syrie de 491/1098 d569/I I74. Analyse comparée des chroniques médiévales latines et arabes, Damas, Ifpo, 2008.

Any session :

- In-person

oral exam

- Remote

oral exam

- If evaluation in "hybrid"

preferred remote


Additional information:

Oral examination

Work placement(s)

Organisational remarks and main changes to the course

Contacts

Course director

Prof. Frédéric BAUDEN
Département des Sciences de l'Antiquité
Place du 20-Août, 7 à B-4000 Liège
Tél. 04 366 53 32 - Fax 04 366 56 55
E-mail F.Bauden@ulg.ac.be
Secrétariat
Valérie ELIAS
Tél. 04 366 55 44

Course instructor
Zacharie Mochtari de Pierrepont
Département des Sciences de l'Antiquité
Place du 20-Août, 7 à B-4000 Liège
Tél. 04 366 53 32 - Fax 04 366 56 55
E-mail z.depierrepont@gmail.com (preferred contact)

zde.pierrepont@uliege.be

 

Association of one or more MOOCs

Items online