Routes and Transformations in the Maghrebi Space (Second-Eighth c. AH / Eighth-Fourteenth c. AD)

Abstract

The traditional idea according to which the Maghreb should occupy a peripheric space in the islamicate world has been clearly overlapped by new historiographical approaches. Choosing the Maghreb for this special issue responds to the intention to place it a central position, as does the research project to whic it is linked[1]. The geographical location of the Maghreb allows its study as a space with internal mobility and projection, but also as a connection to other areas: al-Andalus, the orient and Africa south of the Sahara.

This monograph section intends to contribute to the study of the mobility of populations associated to the Maghreb, as well as its own territorial and inhabitation structure in the medieval period. To this end, we have based it upon a wide catalogue of Arabic medieval sources that refer to the medieval Islamic West, in order for our studies to enable a diachronic and diverse vision of the concerned phenomena. The mobilities of groups and individuals respond to an abundant casuistry which is difficult to apprehend, but, however, we have tried that at least part of the variety of reasons behind displacements is shown in the articles that conform this special issue.

[1] This special issue is part of the results of the “Transits and Migrations in North Africa: Diachronic Analysis of the Population and its Environment (DIANA)” (HAR2017-82152-C2-2-P; P.I. Helena de Felipe, Universidad de Alcalá), which, together with the Research Sub-Project “Transformations in Maghrebian Space through a Historic Perspective (TRAMAGHIS)” (HAR2017-82152-C2-1-P; P.I. Miguel Ángel Manzano, IEMYRhd, Universidad de Salamanca), is integrated in the Coordinated Research Project “Transits and Transformations in Maghrebian Space and Population (MAGNA II)” (MICIN/AEI/10.13039/501100011033 y FEDER Una manera de hacer Europa, coord. Miguel Ángel Manzano).