The political, economic and social conditions in the region of Barqah (from the seventh century to the tenth century AH)

Abstract

This study investigated the political, economic and social conditions in the Libyan region of Barqah since the seventh century until the tenth century AH. The study came to a great importance as it contained a brief and clear picture of the events. It aimed to clarify the most important situations arising from the three aspects: political, economic and social, and to show the relationship of Barqah region with neighboring countries. The study based on the methodologies of induction and descriptive analysis, and the research plan was divided into an introduction, a preamble, and three sections. The first section dealt with the political situations in the region. It discussed the aspects of strength and weakness of the political rule, and the political influence of neighboring countries on Barqah region. As for the second section, it dealt with the economic conditions in the region. This section explained the most important economic aspects, the factors of economic activity, and the economic impact of neighboring countries on the region. The third section discussed the social conditions in the region; including the population, the classes of society, and the aspects of social life. The study concluded with the following important findings and recommendations. The importance of the geographical location of Barqah and the economic fertility of its lands made it the focus of attention of the rulers and sultans in the Islamic state, as it is really considered the western protector of Egypt and a large economic stock for the state. The region of Barqah was subjected, from the seventh century AH until the tenth century AH, to the political rule of each of the Ayyubids, the Mamluks and the Ottomans, which affected the political, economic and social life, and resulted in extensive relations with neighboring states and countries.

Keywords: Economic aspects, political conditions, territory, Islamic state, Barqa site