Publication:ÌýTowards a Shi’i Mediterranean Empire: Fatimid Egypt and the Founding of Cairo
Translated by:ÌýDr Shainool
Questions addressed in the interview:
- Could you please elaborate on the title of the book and explain why you have chosen to call theÌýFatimidsÌýa ‘Mediterranean Empire’?
- The book’s introduction gives a succinct and informative account of the origins of theÌýFatimidsMajor Muslim dynasty of Ismaili caliphs in North Africa (from 909) and later in Egypt (973–1171) More. What were the key elements of the IsmailiÌýda‘waÌýthat attracted theÌýMaghrebisÌýand led to the founding of the Fatimid Empire there?
- In this book, you have translated part of al-Maqrizi’s work. Can you tell us a little bit about this 15th-century scholar and the reasons for his interest in the Fatimids?
- What were the distinctive features of Imam-caliph al-Mu‘izz rule, particularly with regard to his policies towards the people of Egypt and his relations with other states?
- Who else has written about Imam-caliph al-Mu‘izz and how do their accounts compare with Maqrizi’s writings?
- Who is the expected audience of ‘Towards a Shi‘i Mediterranean Empire’?
