Al-Bakri facts for kids

Abū ʿUbayd ʿAbd Allāh ibn ʿAbd al-ʿAzīz ibn Muḥammad ibn Ayyūb ibn ʿAmr al-Bakrī (born around 1040, died 1094), often called al-Bakrī, was an Arab historian and geographer. He lived in Al-Andalus, which was the Muslim-ruled part of what is now Spain and Portugal. He is known for his detailed writings about different places and cultures.

Life of Al-Bakrī

Al-Bakrī was born in Huelva, a city in present-day Spain. His father was the ruler of a small area there. This area became self-governed after the Caliphate of Córdoba (a large Muslim state) broke apart in 1031.

Al-Bakrī's family belonged to the Banu Bakr Arab tribe. Later, his father was removed from power by another ruler named Abbad II al-Mu'tadid. After this, al-Bakrī moved to Córdoba. In Córdoba, he studied with important scholars. His teachers included the geographer al-Udri and the historian Ibn Hayyan.

Al-Bakrī spent his whole life in Al-Andalus. He lived mostly in the cities of Seville and Almeria. Interestingly, he wrote about many places around the world, but he never actually traveled to them himself. He died in Córdoba in 1094.

Al-Bakrī's Writings

Al-Bakrī wrote about many regions. These included Europe, North Africa, and the Arabian peninsula. Only two of his books have survived until today.

His Books

One of his surviving books is called Mu'jam mā ista'jam. This book lists many place names. Most of these places are in the Arabian Peninsula. The book also includes an introduction that explains the geography of these areas.

His most important work is the Kitāb al-Masālik wa-al-Mamālik. This title means "Book of Highways and of Kingdoms." He finished writing it in 1068. Al-Bakrī gathered information for this book from other writings. He also used reports from merchants and travelers. Some of these travelers included Muhammad ibn Yūsuf al-Warrāq and Abraham ben Jacob.

Important Information in His Works

The Book of Roads and Kingdoms is a very important source. It helps us understand the history of West Africa. It gives key details about the Ghana Empire and the Almoravid dynasty. It also describes the trans-Saharan trade, which was a major trade route across the Sahara Desert.

Al-Bakrī wrote about early cities in the trans-Saharan trade. These cities started to adopt Islam in the late 900s. For example, Gao was one of the first cities along the Niger River to have Muslim residents. Other cities like Takrur, Songhay, Kanem-Bornu, and Hausa territories followed.

By the 1000s, news about these thriving Islamic cities reached Al-Andalus. This allowed Al-Bakrī to write in his book: "The city of Ghana consists of two towns situated on a plain." He also noted that "One of these towns, which is inhabited by Muslims, is large and possesses twelve mosques." He mentioned that these mosques had paid Imams (prayer leaders) and Muezzins (callers to prayer). There were also Jurists (legal scholars) and Scholars.

Al-Bakrī's writings are known for being fair and factual. For each area, he described the people and their customs. He also wrote about the geography, climate, and main cities. He even included interesting stories about each place. Sadly, some parts of his main work have been lost. Also, some parts that still exist have never been published.

Legacy

A crater on the Moon is named after him. It is called Al-Bakri.

See also

In Spanish: Abdallah al-Bakri para niños

• Muhammad al-Idrisi, a 12th-century Moroccan geographer who lived in Sicily.