Presence of Muslim Slaves in the Court of Palermo During the 6th Century AH/12th Century AD In Light of Andalusian Travel Literature: "Al-Tadhkira bi’l-Akhbar ‘an Ittifaqat al-Asfar" by Ibn Jubayr as a Model
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.63939/AJTS.3y8xtf44Keywords:
Muslim Slaves, Palermo, Andalusian Travel Literature, Islamic Civilization, Ibn Jubayr’s JourneyAbstract
As a result of economic ties and military operations between both shores of the Mediterranean during the medieval period, many peoples and ethnic groups moved-either voluntarily or forcibly-to regions beyond their original homelands. Among the most significant of these regions were Al-Andalus and Sicily. The latter witnessed significant political settlement and the widespread influence of Islam and its civilization from the 2nd century AH/8th century AD. Although Islamic rule in Sicily came to an end in the 5th century AH/11th century AD due to the Reconquista and the shifting balance of power between the East and West in the Mediterranean world, Muslim communities continued to exist there.
Despite being at the lowest ranks of the social hierarchy, these Muslim groups played a crucial role in the political and social life of Sicily, particularly in the courts of its rulers and its great capital, Palermo. Among these groups was the class of "slaves and servants", whose presence and contributions are partially documented in Ibn Jubayr’s travelogue Al-Tadhkira bi’l-Akhbar ‘an Ittifaqat al-Asfar. This study explores the role and contributions of this Muslim community and social class in Sicily, with a particular focus on Palermo.
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