The Fatimids 2: The Rule from Egypt
"World of Islam" series published by the Institute of Ismaili Studies
In her latest work, "The Fatimids 2: The Rule from Egypt," Shainool Jiwa delves into the rich tapestry of one of the Muslim world's most illustrious dynasties, the Fatimids, who reigned from 909 to 1171. The book picks up the narrative with the Fatimids' historic conquest of Egypt in 969, a pivotal moment that laid the foundation for a burgeoning empire that would leave an indelible mark on the Mediterranean region. Through meticulous research and vivid storytelling, Jiwa explores how the Fatimid Imam-caliphs, claiming both religious and political authority through direct descent from the Prophet's family, established Cairo as a flourishing capital.
Jiwa's narrative is both comprehensive and captivating, detailing the sophisticated systems of administration, judiciary, and governance that the Fatimids put in place, fostering an era of stability and inclusion. Cairo, under the Fatimids, emerged as a beacon of culture and intellectualism, thriving through patronage of the arts, architecture, and scholarship. This volume not only charts the empire's expansion and the factors contributing to its eventual decline at the hands of Saladin but also examines the enduring legacy of the Fatimids within contemporary Ismaili communities. "The Fatimids 2: The Rule from Egypt" is enriched with maps and color images, drawing on an extensive array of primary sources to guide readers through the dynamic two centuries of the only sustained Shi'i caliphate in the medieval Islamic world, making it an essential read for those interested in Islamic history and the profound impact of the Fatimids on today's world.
Author: Dr. Shainool Jiwa
Link to Purchase: Bloomsbury