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'Ibn Khaldun and his Readers': Paradoxical Ideological Approaches

'Ibn Khaldun and his Readers': Paradoxical Ideological Approaches
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'Ibn Khaldun and his Readers': Paradoxical Ideological Approaches

'Ibn Khaldun and his Readers': Paradoxical Ideological Approaches

Some call him the first founder of sociology, and some say his thoughts belong to the 20th century despite that he lived in the 14th century. In his books, he focused on the rules of human settlement, and this is why he was called the founder of the Ekistics science. Ibn Khaldun deciphered the concepts of crowd psychology, tribalism, and the stages of state collapse. He was one of the greatest developers of political thinking, given his contributions to the philosophy of history and political systems.

This is Ibn Khaldun who still inspires people around the world and prompts many to write about him. The latest publication on the famous philosopher is a French book dubbed "Ibn Khaldun and his Readers" by Ahmed Abdul Salam, which has also been translated into Arabic by Al-Sadek al-Misawi, and recently published by The Tunisian Academy of Sciences, Letters and Arts "Beït al-Hikma".

In the abstract, Abdul Salam said his book includes a number of lectures he delivered at the Collège de France, which he believes they contribute to the revival of the diverse Kaldunian studies and their content of philosophic expressions, sociology terms, and historic vocabulary. Hence, the study of Ibn Khaldun's works required different scientific readings, and various ideological approaches adopted in the advanced orientalist studies that link his works to sociology or to the philosophy of history.

The Khaldunian thinking has contributed to the emergence of many schools like the Khaldunian Madhab led by Hajji Khalifa in Turkey. European orientalists have also looked at Ibn Khaldun's "Muqaddimah" after "they noticed similarity between its content and the thoughts of leading figures from the Age of Enlightment like Montesquieu."

This is why Joseph von Hammer-Purgstall referred to Ibn Khaldun as "Montesquieu of the Arabs", and others called him "Montesquieu of the East."

Ahmed Abdul Salam explains that the interest in Ibn Khaldun was not limited to historians studying the Ekistics causes, but he was also studied in many papers and dissertations, such as the publications of the Austrian Philosopher Friedrich August von Hayek who was astonished by the thoroughness of Ibn Khaldun's theses in the political and social fields.

According to Abdul Salam, the comparative criticism between Ibn Khaldun and the greatest western philosophers was the main reason behind the interest of European orientalists in the Muqaddimah writer.

For instance, the Sweden orientalist Jacob Graber compared Ibn Khaldun to Machiavelli, confirming the influence of the Khaldunian thinking on the prince's companion. he European orientalists' interest in Ibn Khaldun also appears in the translation of the Muqaddimah into several international languages including French by Baron de Slane.

Those are the different readings and readers of Ibn Khaldun on various ideological, epistemological, and contextual levels; no one can doubt the eligibility of each reading, even Ibn Khaldun himself, because the text belongs to the reader as long as he has the required knowledge tools.

The Muqaddimah includes some philosophic reflections, even if some readers denied them. Some sees Ibn Khaldum's understanding of Ekistics as a field of sociological research, while others classifies it under other knowledge contexts.

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Wooden Doors: Testament to Aseer's Artistic Heritage

Wooden doors are testament to Aseer's artistic heritage. (SPA)
Wooden doors are testament to Aseer's artistic heritage. (SPA)
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Wooden Doors: Testament to Aseer's Artistic Heritage

Wooden doors are testament to Aseer's artistic heritage. (SPA)
Wooden doors are testament to Aseer's artistic heritage. (SPA)

Researchers in architecture consider intricately decorated wooden doors, which have endured for centuries, as prime examples of the exceptional craftsmanship and artistic depth that have characterized the Arabian Peninsula, particularly the Aseer region.
Traditional decorations on wooden doors and windows have been a hallmark of architecture in the Arabian Peninsula since ancient times. These decorative elements have not only served as a reflection of a carpenter's skill, they have also played a significant role in marketing their work.
In an interview with the Saudi Press Agency, Dr. Ali Marzouq, professor of archaeology and Islamic arts at King Khalid University, emphasized the social significance of this art form. He noted that people derive psychological comfort from beautifying their belongings, and the decorative motifs associated with Islamic architecture, such as engravings and writings on doors and windows, became an integral part of building design, enhancing both functionality and aesthetic appeal.
Researcher Dr. Saleh Abu Arad concurred and highlighted the importance of the "door and window industry" as a skilled craft that relies on the use of local wood and the application of various techniques to create doors and windows of different sizes. These structures are often adorned with beautiful engravings and may include metal accents such as handles or rings.
The type of wood used in door and window construction significantly impacts the final product. The talh tree (red acacia), known for its cohesive fibers, is a preferred material for high-quality doors and intricate decorations. Carpenters have excelled in engraving decorations on both external and internal doors, taking advantage of the talh tree's properties.
Internal wooden doors and windows are often decorated by the housewife or with the help of female relatives and neighbors. These decorations incorporate a variety of geometric, botanical, and symbolic motifs, creating a welcoming atmosphere for guests and visitors.
Aseer region has a rich tradition of skilled carpenters who have mastered the art of creating traditional architecture doors and windows. These craftsmen have demonstrated their expertise in incorporating various geometric and botanical motifs into their designs, drawing inspiration from the surrounding natural world. While they avoid using human or animal figures, they skillfully employ plant, geometric, and symbolic elements to create unique decorative compositions.
Researcher Maryam Al-Omari said that popular artists frequently used geometric shapes, such as triangles and diamond shape, in their door designs. These were often combined in various ways, creating intricate patterns.
Due to the creativity and skill involved in carving and engraving wooden doors, they have become symbols of social status.
Marzouq said that the main door holds significant social importance, reflecting the owner's wealth and status. Elaborately decorated doors made from expensive wood are often found in the houses of wealthy villagers, while simpler doors are more common in the houses of ordinary people.
The tradition of decorating doors continues today, with people often renewing the decorations on their doors to celebrate holidays or special occasions.
In coastal Tihama, some people even plant aromatic plants around their main doors, creating a fragrant entrance.
In 2021, the Ministry of Culture recognized the importance of preserving this heritage and republished the works of the late French professor Thierry Mouget whose extensive photographic documentation of southern Saudi Arabia in the 1980s captured the region's architectural style, historical legacy, social life, and customs. His work sheds light on the rich cultural heritage of the Aseer region.