DAR ABJARD IN THE ISLAMIC PERIOD: A HISTORICAL AND CIVILIZATIONAL STUDY (ST–4TH AH / 7TH–10TH CE)

Abstract

Dar Abjard was one of the prominent Persian cities in the Islamic period, distinguished by its geographical, economic, and cultural characteristics that contributed to its prosperity and sustained regional significance. Its strategic location enhanced its role in commercial networks across the Islamic world, while the high quality of its agricultural and industrial products strengthened its economic standing and extended its reputation beyond its immediate region. This study aims to present a concise and comprehensive overview of Dar Abjard during the Islamic era by examining its geographical location based on Arabic and Persian sources, and by discussing its foundation, urban development, and name, while highlighting the differing historical accounts related to these aspects. The study also addresses the Islamic conquest of the city, emphasizing the divergence among Muslim historians regarding its date and nature, as well as the associated political and military developments. In addition, the study explores the city’s economic activities, including agriculture, industry, and trade, as key factors in its prosperity. It further sheds light on the intellectual and cultural life of Dar Abjard through selected examples of its scholars who contributed to the fields of Hadith, grammar, and Islamic sciences, reflecting the city’s notable scholarly and civilizational role in the Islamic period. Dar Abjard is considered one of the most important cities of the Persian region with the Islamic period, due to its strategic location, which made it easily accessible from various Islamic cities. Its high-quality products further enhanced its standing among its contemporaries. Through historical sources and relevant studies, this research examines the citys geographical location and traces its development across Islamic eras. The study also sheds light on the economic, social, religious, and political aspects of the city, while addressing the question of the extent to which the inhabitants of Dar Abjard embraced Islam. It further explores the administrative organization of the city during the Islamic period. The research concludes with an examination of selected scholars originating from Dar Abjard in the Islamic era.