عجائبية السرد و طوباوية السياسة تأسيس المدن الإسلامية : بغداد أنموذجا

Abstract EN

Architectural projects, constructed in the Medieval Islamic Age (41-656 AH- 662-1258 AH), were not only architectural processes concerned with the choice of appropriate sites and attractive designs of new cities and monumental architecture.

the inclusion of legendary narratives, which approached the construction of new cities as divinely ordained missions was seen to be an essential component of effective urban procedures.

this study argues that Medieval Muslim rulers, the Abbasids' in particular, recognized those foundation narratives as being politically important.

accordingly, they propelled these stories in the direction of prophecies that produced political authority.

a case study of the legendary narratives associated with Abū Ja'far al-Manşūr's (95 158/714-775-the second Abbasid Caliph) decision to build Baghdad provides insight into the nature and function of this literary genre.

the insights obtained from the application of a hermeneutic method in the discussion of the political significance of these legendary accounts demonstrates how Medieval Muslim rulers portrayed the construction of new cities as fulfilling a divinely ordained mission to conjure up an image of themselves that served their political interests.