SOAS Research Online

Abstract

This thesis is divided into three parts. Part One summarises the description of individual localities in the Northern Hijaz as presented in the writings of the Arab geographers in the period 800-1150. Since it is not practicable to include all the information they proffer on all localities of this region, a representative selection of places is given, arranged alphabetically, each entry containing a synopsis of the data supplied by the Arab geographers of this period. This part of the thesis is essentially informative except when, in order to eliminate contradictions, it has been necessary to examine the evidence thoroughly and refer to authors of later periods. Under Qura 'Arabiyyah and Nakhlah where there is great confusion, a few paragraph - are added to elaborate the conclusions to be drawn from the investigation. The second part is devoted wholly to the pilgrim routes in the Northern Hijaz as described by the Arab geographers. The tables of the routes frequented by the Iraqis are based on the original mileages as recorded by the geographers. In this part, fewer authors outside the period have to be consulted; when they are, it is usually in connection with the pilgrimage rites and administration. The third and last part consists of a general survey of the information supplied by the Arab geographers of the period on the Northern Hijaz, and deals with sources, quotations, mis-quotations and borrowings as well as attempts at the authentication of works of disputed authorship. It also discusses the characteristics of these geographers, geographic poetry, the rise and decline of towns and villages, and the dependencies of Medina and Mecca. Discussion of the two cities of Mecca and Medina has been excluded from this thesis.