Description
The Perfume of Friendship. Arab Diplomatic Correspondence in Spanish Archives (13th–17th Centuries)
Book Summary
This work presents the catalog of a unique exhibition that brings together a selection of original diplomatic letters written in Arabic and preserved in Spanish archives. Through these documents, the reader gains access to the correspondence maintained by the kings and authorities of Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia, Libya, and Egypt with the monarchs of the Crown of Aragon between the 13th and 17th centuries. An exceptional testimony to the political, commercial, and cultural relations between the Islamic world and medieval and modern Spain.
What is it about?
The book is the catalog of the exhibition held at the Palace of the Viceroys in Barcelona, focusing on the Arab diplomatic correspondence preserved in Spanish historical archives. The letters, originally written in Arabic, were sent by sovereigns and high-ranking authorities from North African kingdoms (Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia, Libya) and Egypt to the monarchs of the Crown of Aragon over the course of more than four centuries. The work not only reproduces and contextualizes these documents but also analyzes their historical significance and their value as a source for studying international relations and cultural exchange between both shores of the Mediterranean. Themes such as diplomacy, alliances, conflicts, trade, and the mutual perception between Christian and Islamic societies are explored.
Main Themes
- Arab diplomatic correspondence in Spanish historical archives.
- Political and diplomatic relations between the Crown of Aragon and the kingdoms of North Africa and Egypt (13th–17th centuries).
- History of international relations in the medieval and modern Mediterranean.
- Historical documentation and Arabic paleography.
- Cultural and commercial exchange and alliances between the Islamic world and Christian Spain.
Who is it recommended for?
This book is aimed at historians, researchers, and university students specializing in the medieval and modern history of Spain and the Islamic world. It is also of great interest to archivists, paleographers, and experts in diplomatics. Furthermore, it is a valuable work for those interested in the history of international relations, the Mediterranean, and the Arab documentary legacy in Spain.
What this book provides
- Access to a unique selection of original diplomatic documents in Arabic, with their historical context.
- Detailed understanding of the relations between the Crown of Aragon and the Islamic powers of North Africa and Egypt over more than four centuries.
- A specialized view of diplomacy, communication, and cultural exchange in the medieval and modern Mediterranean.
- Reference material for scholars of Arabic paleography and historical documentation.
- An opportunity to learn about a documentary heritage little known to the general public.
Data Sheet
- Author: Various Authors
- Publisher: Ministry of Education, Culture and Sport. Area d
- Language: Spanish
- Subject: EXHIBITION CATALOGS AND SPECIFIC COLLECTIONS, HISTORY OF EUROPE
- Collection: PENDING COLLECTION
- Binding: Other
- Publication date: January 2009
- Number of pages: 283
- Weight: 1400 g
Editorial Review
This is an exhibition catalog of great academic value, which makes an exceptional documentary corpus available to the specialized reader. The work stands out for its historical rigor and the relevance of the materials it presents, which originate from Spanish archives and are written in Arabic. Its primary interest lies in offering a direct window into diplomatic communication between the Christian and Islamic worlds during a key period in Mediterranean history. It is an essential publication for researchers and a valuable resource for anyone interested in the history of relations between Spain and North Africa.