Orientalism History

North Africa’s Fatimid Caliphate: An Empire of Power and Pluralism

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Episode notes

We explore the  history of the Fatimid Caliphate with Dr. Shainool Jiwa, a historian and Senior Research Fellow at the Institute of Ismaili Studies. The Fatimid Caliphate, a North African empire that thrived from the 10th to the 12th centuries, is known for its remarkable approach to governance, cultural inclusivity, and intellectual achievements.

Dr. Jiwa takes us on a journey through the origins and expansion of the Fatimid dynasty, highlighting their establishment of Cairo as a center of power and the founding of the Al-Azhar Mosque, which remains one of the world’s most prestigious centers of Islamic learning. We also delve into the unique structure of the Fatimid administration, where Jewish and Christian officials held prominent positions.

Professor Shainool Jiwa: https://www.iis.ac.uk/our-people/units/constituency-studies-research/shainool-jiwa

The Fatimids 1 - The Rise of a Muslim Empire: https://www.iis.ac.uk/publications-listing/2017/the-fatimids-1/

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