Telling us his story is Professor Nasser Rabbat, head of the Aga Khan Program for Islamic Art and Architecture at MIT.
But why should we care about a mediaeval Egyptian historian? Well, he left a rich legacy of writings that offer a window into the social, economic, and cultural life of the Islamic world at the time. His meticulous documentation of Cairo's history was used centuries later by the Ottomans to understand the land they had inherited. It was also appropriated by Napoleon’s teams for their monumental Description de l’Égypte, so his work became the go-to source for anyone studying the country.
Maqrizi’s writing continues to influence the nation to this day. Egyptian nationalists in the 20th century considered him as the voice of the true Egyptian, while novelists and poets referred to him as the embodiment of resistance to corruption and oppression.
Professor Rabbat calls him a rebel: Maqrizi’s commentaries remind us of the importance of looking critically at our own societies and learning from history’s successes and failures - a theme that resonates across time and cultures.
The episode is peppered with references to our history and Imams which will surprise. Search for 'Muslim Footprints' on you favourite podcast platform, and take a listen today.
