Whap

During the Post-Classical Age, cities and urban areas in Muslim Society played cultural, religious, and interactive role. The first role cities and urban areas played was a cultural role. Al-Hijara, an Iberian Muslim of Arab origin, boasted that Cordoba became a superior and sought after region after the Arab conquest of the Iberian Peninsula; he attributed that fame to the fact that much research and investigation of literature and sciences took place there (Doc 2). A document from an unbiased citizen from a region other than Cordoba is needed to test if Al-Hijara’s statements about Cordoba’s achievements are true. The Spanish Muslim traveler and geographer Ibn Jubayr believed that Damascus was one of the most spectacular, breathtaking cities and that even Arab desert dwelling nomads considered it a paradise (Doc 1). A conversation between scholar Abd al-Rahman and poet Al-Jahiz reveals that Abd al-Rahman believed that cities and countries had more depth and areas of influence than what the average person may have believed (Doc 7). Document 10, which depicts a drawing of the round city of Baghdad, illustrates the reason behind the unique architecture of Baghdad.
In addition to a cultural role, cities and urban areas conducted a religious role as well. Ibn Jubayr, the Spanish Muslim traveler and geographer, also stated that Damascus was an important religious city because according to Islam, Allah gave refuge to Jesus and Mary in Damascus (Doc 1). Arab historian and geographer Al-Ya’qubi related the importance of the pilgrimage to Mecca for Muslims, which citizens of Syria were forbidden to make since the Syrian caliph’s enemy tended to seize the caliph’s citizens during their pilgrimage (Doc 4). Document 9 exemplifies the many important Muslim holy cities and their locations in North Africa, the Mediterranean, and the Middle East. A document from the viewpoint of a Christian on Islam is needed to further understand the religious roles of cities.
Cities and urban