Latest news with #Mamluk
See - Sada Elbalad
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- See - Sada Elbalad
Mohamed Ramadan, Ahmed Dash Reunite in Film "Assad"
Yara Sameh Ahmed Dash and Mohamed Ramadan are teaming up again on Mohamed Diab's historical action thriller film "Assad". Maged El Kedwany, Khaled Elsawy, Razane Jammal, and Aly Kassem are also on board to star. Mohamed Diab directs from a script he co-wrote with Sherine Diab and Khaled Diab. "Assad" is set in 1280 AD in the Mamluk era and features Ramadan portraying Ali bin Muhammad Al-Farsi, who is sold in the slave market and later leads the revolution against the Abbasid army. It reunites Ramadan with Dash for the third time after working together on the 2023 TV series " Gaafar El Omda " and the 2020 TV series " Al Prince ". Ramadan previously said that the film took three years to prepare for, and because of it, he didn't make any new TV series due to the film's complexity and time frame. "Assad" marks the actor's second foray into the historical genre, after starring in 2017's "The Treasure" and its follow-up, 2019's "The Treasure 2: Love and Destiny", both directed by Sherif Arafa. read more New Tourism Route To Launch in Old Cairo Ahmed El Sakka-Led Play 'Sayidati Al Jamila' to Be Staged in KSA on Dec. 6 Mandy Moore Joins Season 2 of "Dr. Death" Anthology Series Don't Miss These Movies at 44th Cairo Int'l Film Festival Today Amr Diab to Headline KSA's MDLBEAST Soundstorm 2022 Festival Arts & Culture Mai Omar Stuns in Latest Instagram Photos Arts & Culture "The Flash" to End with Season 9 Arts & Culture Ministry of Culture Organizes four day Children's Film Festival Arts & Culture Canadian PM wishes Muslims Eid-al-Adha News Egypt confirms denial of airspace access to US B-52 bombers News Ayat Khaddoura's Final Video Captures Bombardment of Beit Lahia News Australia Fines Telegram $600,000 Over Terrorism, Child Abuse Content Arts & Culture Nicole Kidman and Keith Urban's $4.7M LA Home Burglarized Sports Former Al Zamalek Player Ibrahim Shika Passes away after Long Battle with Cancer Sports Neymar Announced for Brazil's Preliminary List for 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers News Prime Minister Moustafa Madbouly Inaugurates Two Indian Companies Arts & Culture New Archaeological Discovery from 26th Dynasty Uncovered in Karnak Temple Business Fear & Greed Index Plummets to Lowest Level Ever Recorded amid Global Trade War Arts & Culture Zahi Hawass: Claims of Columns Beneath the Pyramid of Khafre Are Lies
Jordan Times
22-05-2025
- Science
- Jordan Times
Scholar highlights Ayyubid legacy, challenges of distinguishing it from Mamluk period
The Ayyubid castle of Ajloun, located in the northwestern part of Jordan, overlooking the Jordan Valley (Photo courtesy of ACOR) AMMAN — For Professor Bethany Walker from Bonn University, it is a true challenge to differentiate some pottery objects whether they belong to Ayyubid (1171-1260) or Mamluk (1250-1517) period. Walker wants to separate two periods that are often called Ayyubit-Mamluk and belong to Middle Islamic era. "Ayyubid period was much shorter than Mamluk period," Walker said during the lecture " Jordan in the Ayyubid Age" held at the Department of Antiquities of Jordan on Wednesday, adding that if one excavates on the Mamluk site they will not find many remains older than the Mamluk period. Mamluk's powerful visual presence in Jordan also underlines Ayyubid Sultanate contribution, Walker continued, adding that Mamluks re-used Ayyubid buildings. "Vernacular buildings didn't change much from 12th until early 20th century in Jordan," Walker said, noting that to differentiate between these two periods became a challenge. The Ayyubids laid foundation for administrative buildings, fortresses and castles, as well as way stations for pilgrims and store houses for agricultural produce. They invested in network of roads and castles, reviving the world economy. One of the achievements of the Ayyubids was the beginning of the sugar industry in Jordan Valley and the Dead Sea area, where the sugar technology was brought from the Indian Subcontinent (sugar canes). "The major achievement of the Ayyubids in Jordan was economic," Walker stressed, adding that agricultural sector flourished during their reign. Rural area was economically stimulated to produce certain types of crops during that period. "The most active of the Ayyubid rulers was AlMu'azzam (1218-1227) who ruled from Damascus," Walker said, noting that in the early decades of the 13th century Karak became a scientific and educational centre. However, there are no architectural traces of these activities as no remains of madrasas and hospitals survived to our days. Al Mu'azzam built villages and the state stimulated different types of migrations to urban and rural centres. Nasser Dawoud in 1244/1245 renovate the Karak Castle, adding that palatine halls at Karak and Shobal castles represent the Ayyubid architecture. Regarding the Ayyubid bathhouse, Walker said:" It's relatively small, with three to four rooms." The Mamluks would tear down old, decrepit buildings and reuse the material for new structures, and that is one of the reasons why it is often difficult to distinguish which building belonged to the Ayyubid and which to the Mamluk period. "In some textual documentation there is evidence of these demolitions, like in chronicles, where villages around the Shobak Castle are mentioned. Here we have accounts what still functions and what is in ruins," Walker said, adding that ruins had a commercial value as a building material.
Al Etihad
16-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Al Etihad
Louvre Abu Dhabi announces calendar of exhibitions for 2025-2026 season
16 May 2025 16:52 ABU DHABI (ALETIHAD)Louvre Abu Dhabi's 2025-2026 season will showcase an ambitious lineup of exhibitions that span centuries and continents, bringing together diverse artistic traditions and perspectives. Focusing on historical legacies, contemporary expressions, and groundbreaking collaborations, the upcoming season reinforces the museum's role as a hub for cultural dialogue and artistic season will open with Mamluks: Legacy of an Empire, organised in partnership with the Musée du Louvre and the French Muséums. It offers a deep dive into the powerful Mamluk dynasty and its cultural influence across vast this, Art Here 2025 and the Richard Mille Art Prize, in partnership with Richard Mille, will highlight the works of contemporary artists based in the GCC and Japan, as well as artists based in the MENA region and connected to the GCC. A major highlight of the season, Picasso, the Figure, organised in partnership with Musée national Picasso-Paris and France Muséums, will explore Picasso's revolutionary approach to the human form, tracing his engagement with mythological, surrealist, and classical themes throughout his Rabaté, Director of Louvre Abu Dhabi, said: "Louvre Abu Dhabi's exhibitions embody our commitment to offering visitors enriching and inspiring experiences." He added, "This season, we are proud to present a compelling dialogue between Eastern and Western artistic traditions, showcasing masterpieces that celebrate cultural heritage and innovation. Through these exhibitions, we reaffirm the museum's role as a space for meaningful exchange, fostering a deeper appreciation of artistic expression across different cultures and time periods."Dr. Guilhem André, Director of Scientific, Curatorial, and Collections Management at Louvre Abu Dhabi, said: "We aim to offer a space where art serves as a bridge between cultures, inviting visitors to engage with diverse artistic traditions and perspectives from ancient worlds to contemporary periods. These exhibitions will provide a unique opportunity to explore the connections between different movements and histories, deepening our collective appreciation of creativity and shared human stories." Mamluk Sultanate Heritage Mamluks: Legacy of an Empire (September 17, 2025 to January 25, 2026) explores the rich heritage of the Mamluk Sultanate (1250–1517), a powerful dynasty that ruled for over two and a half centuries. The sultanate controlled a vast expanse of territory, including Egypt, Bilad al-Sham (modern-day Levant), a small part of Eastern Anatolia (modern-day Turkey), and the Hejaz (modern-day Saudi Arabia), which encompassed the most significant Islamic holy curated by Dr Souraya Noujaim, Director of the Department of Islamic Arts at Musée du Louvre, and Dr. Carine Juvin, Curator, Medieval Near and Middle East, Department of Islamic Arts at Musée du Louvre, with the support of Fakhera Alkindi, Senior Curatorial Assistant at Louvre Abu Dhabi, the exhibition offers a comprehensive exploration of the diverse Mamluk society through a remarkable selection of objects. The exhibition also highlights the Mamluks' role as active participants in a vast network of international exchanges linking Europe, Africa, and highlights on loan from Musée du Louvre include Reception of a Venetian Delegation by the Mamluk Governor of Damascus, 1500-1540 and Baptistery of Saint Louis (Syria or Egypt, c. 1330–1340), an exceptional masterpiece that epitomises the height of Mamluk artistry and continues to be a symbol of cultural exchange and artistic achievement, reflecting the enduring legacy of the Mamluk dynasty. Also featured is a notable piece from Louvre Abu Dhabi's collection: Carpet Decorated with Three Medallions, produced in Egypt in the second half of the 15th century. Art Prize Louvre Abu Dhabi Art Here 2025 and the Richard Mille Art Prize (October 8, 2025 to December 28, 2025), will see the fifth edition of Louvre Abu Dhabi Art Here, in partnership with Swiss luxury watchmaker Richard Mille, is currently accepting proposals from contemporary artists based in the GCC and Japan, as well as artists based in MENA and connected to the GCC. Curated by Swiss Japanese curator Sophie Mayuko Arni, this year's theme, Shadows, explores the interplay of light and darkness, drawing inspiration from Japanese and Arabian Gulf artistic traditions. The exhibition invites contemporary artists to reimagine these influences through site-specific monumental works, reflecting on how shadow and light shape architectural and cultural narratives. Works by the shortlisted artists will be displayed in the Art Here 2025 exhibition starting in October, and of these, one outstanding artist will be awarded the prestigious Richard Mille Art Prize in December 2025. Exploring Picasso's Works Picasso, the Figure (January19 to May 31, 2026) in partnership with the Musée national Picasso-Paris and France Muséums, Picasso, the Figure explores Pablo Picasso's evolving depiction of the figure and encompasses various techniques such as painting, sculpture, and drawing. Featuring key works from the early 1900s to his later years, the exhibition highlights how Picasso redefined shape, expression, and meaning, revolutionising modern art. Jointly curated by Cécile Debray, President of Musée national Picasso-Paris, Virginie Perdrisot, Chief Curator and Head of Sculpture, Ceramics and Giacometti Furniture at Musée national Picasso-Paris, and Aisha AlAhmadi, Curatorial Assistant at Louvre Abu Dhabi, the show offers a rare insight into the artist's continuous experimentation with the human form across different periods of his highlights include paintings by Picasso from Louvre Abu Dhabi's collection, such as Woman with a Mandolin (Miss Léonie seated), dating to 1911, and Portrait of a Seated Woman (Olga), dating to 1923, in addition to loans from Musée national Picasso-Paris such as Woman Sitting in Front of the Window, dating to 1937. In addition to these major exhibitions, Louvre Abu Dhabi will host a dynamic range of cultural and educational programmes, a new immersive experience, and events designed to foster curiosity, engagement and dialogue. The 2025 – 2026 season at Louvre Abu Dhabi is set to be a celebration of creativity, cultural exchange, and artistic exploration. Source: Aletihad - Abu Dhabi
Jordan Times
27-04-2025
- Politics
- Jordan Times
Gaza's historic mosques, shrines reduced to rubble in Israeli offensive
Qasr Al Basha destroyed by Israeli offensive in Gaza Strip (Photo of J.-M de Tarragon) AMMAN — Not a single historic mosque in Gaza remains untouched following months of relentless Israeli bombardment, according to British archaeologist Claudine Dauphin. 'Every historic mosque in Gaza has been either partially or completely destroyed,' said Dauphin, who is affiliated with several archaeological missions in the region. Among the most significant losses are the Omari Mosque and the KatibWilaya Mosque, both located in the Zaytun quarter of Gaza's Old City. The KatibWilaya Mosque was originally constructed with funding from Ahmad Bey, the province's chief secretary (katibwilaya) in 1586 during the Ottoman period. Its minaret once stood beside the bell tower of the Church of St. Procopius, symbolizing centuries of Muslim-Christian coexistence in Gaza—a connection also evident in the mosaic floors of the nearby Jabaliya Church. 'In the Shuja'iyya quarter, the Mamluk-era Zafardamri Mosque, built in 1360, was deliberately leveled in an airstrike,' Dauphin added. 'The Mahkama Mosque, also Mamluk in origin, was similarly destroyed during the 2014 assault and again in the current offensive.' The destruction extended beyond Mamluk and Ottoman heritage. The Othman Bin Qashqar Mosque was struck during an air raid in December 2023, and the Sayyid Hashim Mosque, built in Ottoman style and covering 2,400 square meters, was razed in the Daraj quarter. Shrines, too, have been systematically targeted. The shrine of the Prophet Yusuf near Jabaliya, destroyed in 2014, was followed by widespread losses since October 2023. Among the shrines destroyed are the Al Husseini, Abu Al Azim, Ali Abu Al Kass, and Ali ibn Marwan shrines in Gaza City, as well as the Sheikh 'Ali Al Mintar and Shaykh Radwan shrines on Tel Al-Mintar. Numerous other maqamat (shrines) in Al Shaykh 'Ajlun were also obliterated. Of special cultural and interfaith significance was the shrine of Al Khidr in Rafah, which held particular meaning for Christians who believed it housed the tomb of St. Hilarion, founder of Palestinian monasticism. Modern mosques, built after the Ottoman period, were not spared. According to a January 2024 report by the Palestinian Ministry of Awqaf and Religious Affairs, at least 1,000 of the 1,200 modern mosques in the Gaza Strip have been partially or entirely destroyed. 'Among the losses in Gaza City are the Ali Ibn Marwan, Shaikh Zakaria, Al Mughrabi, and Sett Ruqayya mosques,' Dauphin noted. Cultural and educational institutions were also hit. The Al Kamiliya Madrasa, built in 1237 by Ayyubid Sultan Al Kamil and featuring a central courtyard and two floors, was the last historic madrasa still standing in Gaza before it was destroyed. It had served both as a Quranic school and a shelter for poor students and travelers until 1930. Cemeteries have not been spared either. At least 16 Muslim cemeteries across the Gaza Strip have been damaged or destroyed since October 2023. Among them is the Beit Hanoun Cemetery near Khan Yunis, which was reportedly excavated by Israeli forces. The Israeli military claimed they were searching for a Hamas tunnel or hostages, but provided no evidence, and independent verification of the alleged tunnel has not been possible. 'These sacred spaces, mosques, shrines, schools, and cemeteries, are not only part of Gaza's cultural fabric,' Dauphin said. 'Their destruction represents a profound loss of historical heritage, not just for Palestinians but for humanity.' Page 2
Jordan Times
20-04-2025
- General
- Jordan Times
Scholar calls for ‘deeper' use of Ottoman tax registers in Mamluk archaeology
AMMAN — The archaeology of the Mamluk period, as practiced today, is a form of historical archaeology heavily informed by anthropological models, noted an American professor. One methodological development of the last decade has been in the engagement with the written record. The combination of written and material sources is the greatest challenge of any archaeology of historical periods, particularly so with the Mamluk period, which produced a wealth of texts, Professor Bethany Walker said, adding that many excavations and survey reports now include an explanation, however brief, of how historical sources are used. There has been a very gradual shift from dependence on texts for interpreting archaeological data to creating a dialogue between the two in ways that inform project design, the professor said. Because written sources and archaeological data answer different sets of questions about human behaviour and can differ in chronological scale of inquiry, they can and should be used in tandem to write a multi-faceted history of Mamluk societies, Walker explained. 'In short, one data set can inform the other. the challenge is to decide which kinds of sources are most appropriate to the subject at hand and to write a coherent, analytical narrative that uses them in complement with one another," Walker highlighted. The professor added that archaeologists of the Mamluk period ('Middle Islamic' period in archaeological terminology) have generally relied on written sources that are geographically and chronologically useful and readily available in print form (and frequently translated into European languages). Narrative sources (primarily chronicles and geographies) and administrative manuals that help identify sites and provide a historical framework for their physical development. When used responsibly, such sources, in combination with archaeological evidence, can produce a rich narrative of Mamluk history. "What has been largely missing is an engagement with contemporary documentary sources. One notable exception is the early Ottoman tax registers (singular, daftar-imufassal) of the ninth/sixteenth century.' 'During the first century of Ottoman rule in Syria, many elements of the Mamluks' administration in the region were retained, including the general administrative structure, some personnel, and many of the larger landed endowments [awqāf]," Walker underlined. The registers document anticipated income from taxable commodities, though not actual taxes collected, and describe in some detail the status of rural property, whether a settled village (qaryah), a village formerly settled but now abandoned (kharāb), a piece of cultivated land (such as a garden, qiṭʿah), or a tract of cultivated land not associated with a village (mazraʿah). Tax-liable commodities (summer crops, winter crops, livestock, processed agricultural goods and animal by-products such as honey, endowments) are listed along with their estimated revenues, Walker elaborated. Specific references to land tenure and use, along with incidental information, such as how a plot of land was acquired and what its access was to water, are occasionally included. the registers, moreover, are organised according by tax districts, yielding important details on the administrative structure of the region. The registers of 1534, 1538–39, 1551–52 and 1596– 97 are preserved in manuscript form, and from these several segments have been published for Palestine and Jordan. The majority of the publications are in Turkish with Arabic summary and commentary; 11 the most widely cited one, though, is in English. "Unfortunately, these sources have not been used as fully as they could be: The general trend has been to look up an individual site name and determine whether the place was inhabited and its land continued to be cultivated after Ottoman annexation. The registers, however, yield much more important place specific data than this," Walker said. The professor added that the estimated number of households in each location is included and the dhimmīs liable for the jizyah are mentioned in each entry of a qaryah. Although the numbers are not reliable for population statistics, they do reflect the religious composition of villages, a demographic characteristic that is not readily recognisable in the archaeological record. the registers note, though inconsistently, abandoned villages, the location of roads and waterways, and the existence of facilities such as mills. 'In spite of this, their potential for studying environmental and land use has not been realised. Furthermore, because the Ottomans taxed many landed awqāf at a rate of 10 per cent, endowments made during Mamluk rule that were retained as such by the Ottoman state are also named in the registers," Walker underlined. The professor added that in many cases these are the only references we have to these local endowments of grain fields, orchards, and gardens, as they have not been thus far identified in Mamluk-era waqfīyāt or chronicles. They attest to the continued economic viability of agricultural land in the region and provide invaluable data on cropping patterns during the transition from Mamluk to Ottoman rule; the value of this data has been largely overlooked, Walker underlined.
