Cities & Civilizations
What was “the West” known as in the eleventh century?
Maghrib
True or False:
The Nile River runs from the North to the South
False
Who were the Imam-Caliphs?
They were both spiritual leaders and the rulers of the Fatimid empire
What are some features of a common house in Fustat? (4 features for full points)
- Front and Entrance
- Hallway
- Courtyard
- Living Room
- Bay Window
- Water Well
- Side rooms
- Storage rooms
Who was Ibn-Hani?
a famous Arab poet during the Fatimid Caliphate.
Damascus
What is the main canal that leads from the River Nile to Cairo called?
Al-Khalij
What are 5 roles that the Imam-Caliphs played in the Fatimid Empire?
Providing education
Supporter of the poor and sick
Building of cities, roads and canals
Ensuring justice and fairness
Leader in arts and science
Religious and spiritual guidance
Keeping people healthy
Defending the country
Collecting taxes
Supporting farmers
What were the names of the two main gates in the city of Cairo (during the Fatimid Period)
Bab-al-Futuh and Bab Zuwayla
Which Fatimid Figure was known as The Great Thinker of the Fatimid Era
Al-Kirmani
In what city did Imam al-Hakim bi Amr Allah repair old mosques?
Fustat
What are 3 types of boats that you may find on The Nile River in the Fatimid Era?
- Sailing Ships (transport heavy cargo & passengers)
- Service Boats (used to carry passengers & cargo from large ships to shore)
- Skiffs (single-person boats)
- River Barges (used for transporting heavy goods)
- Nile Boats (often used by merchants)
What famous monument during the Fatimid Period was used as a place for prayer and had distinct architectural features?
The Mosque of Imam al-Hakim
What is a Shadirwan?
A sloping marble slab with a thin film of water that flowed over it- It was used as a device to cool the house!
What was Al-Mu'yyad's role in helping grow the Fatimid Community
Al-Muʾayyad was a dāʿī, which means a person who teaches and spreads the message of Islam.
Which Imam created the plans that lead to the founding of Cairo?
Imam al-Muizz
At what time of year was The Nile River at its lowest water level?
Mid-March to mid-July
What monument from the Fatimid Period was used as a teaching center and is now known as a historic university in the Muslim world?
The Mosque of al-Azhar
Which famous figure spent 3 years in Cairo and documented detailed descriptions of the city, its people, and their daily life?
Dai Nasir-i-Khusraw
Which Fatimid Personality, who was a wise judge and scholar, wrote the book "Da'a'im al-Islam"?
Qadi al-Nu'man
Who did Imam-al-Muizz send to start developing the city of Cairo and what was his role
Jawhar al-Siqilli? (The General of the Fatimid army)
What were Nilometers used for?
They were used to measure the level of the flooding Nile to determine if it would be a good or bad year for farmers.
What are 3 examples of court visitors and officials that visited the Imam-Caliphs & what was their roles?
- Governors: in charge of the provinces
- The Vizier: looked after the daily affairs of the state.
- The Chief Judge: responsible for the law.
- The Chancellor: looked after the treasury.
- The Dais: teachers who preached the Ismaili Faith
What happened at the end of the Fatimid Period (4 specific events)?
(*Hints: Someone was appointed by Imam al-Mustansir, they went against his wishes, they ruled until another dynasty took over)
1. Imam al-Mustansir appointed his eldest son Hazrat Nizar
2. The vizier wanted control over the empire and installed Imam-al-Mustansir's youngest son as the next caliph
3. For 77 years the Mustalian Caliphs Rule
4. The Fatimid Empire came to an end and the Ayyubid Dynasty took over
Which Fatimid Figure said the following quote:
"The seeker of truth is not one who studies the writings of others, but who investigates the truth by himself"
*Hint: He was a brilliant scientist and thinker and was often called the "Father of Optics"
Ibn-al-Haytham