One of the major roles that muslim cities and urban areas is the cultural role. During the Post-classical Age, Al-Hijari, an Iberian Muslim of Arab origin, boasted that Cordoba became a superior region after the Arab conquest of the Iberian Peninsula. He stated that the under the Umayyads, Cordoba became the center of seekers of science and poetry and other intellectuals. He has regarded this urban area as highly developed in the areas of research and investigations of science and literature under the …show more content…
In document one, the Spanish Muslim traveler and geographer Ibn Jubayr described Damascus as an important religious city in regards to Islam. Ibn Jubayr describes Damascus as one of the most spectacular, breathtaking cities and that even Arab desert dwelling nomads considered it a paradise. He stated that Damascus is religiously significant because Damascus is where Allah gave refuge to Jesus and Mary. Ibn Jubayr’s viewpoint is also important because he is a traveler and geographer, making his opinion will be unbiased and objective. In document 10, Arab historian and geographer Al-Ya’qubi relates the importance of pilgrimage to Mecca for muslims, a task that was forbidden by citizens of Syria since the Syrian caliph was enemies with Caliph Abd al-Malik. The document describes the importance of taking on the pilgrimage through the Ibn Shihab al-Zuhri, who stated that Muhammad said to make a journey to Mecca, Medina, and Jerusalem. This is also related to document 7 and 4, which portray the difference in the two main sects of Islam, Sunni and Shia. In document 7, Arab scholar Al-Tabiri describes the preparation in separation of the city from intruders. Document 4 describes the separation of important Sunni and Shia Holy cities. A document from the other major religious viewpoints on the Muslim Holy cities is needed to further understand the religious roles of these cities …show more content…
In document 5, Nasier-e-Khusraw, a Persian Muslim traveler and Ismaili spy, stated that Cairo contained endless caravansaries, bath houses, other public buildings, and at least twenty thousand shops, all belonging to the Sultan Saladin, which demonstrates the importance of trade in Cairo. This viewpoint is important because Nasier-e-Khusraw’s role is to provide important and accurate information about Cairo. In document 8, a conversation between scholar Abd al-Rahman and poet Al-Jahiz reveals that Abd al-Rahman describes the skilled labor and trade in major cities of the area and the influence of these cities on the point of view of the citizens of certain areas. In document 9, a map is shown that describes the Muslim sea and land trade routes. It shows extensive trade networks the spread all across Europe, Africa, and Asia. It shows the area of influence that is offered through trade. In document 6, Marco Polo, an italian merchant, describes the situation of trade in the city of Tabriz. He stated that Tabriz very noble one and that since it was quite appropriately situated for trade, merchants from numerous parts of Europe traveled there to purchase and sell