How to Found an Islamic City

A groundbreaking study on the foundation of Islamic cities reveals that urban planning in early Islam was driven by strategic and symbolic considerations, with Samarra Archaeological City serving as a key example. The research combines historical accounts and archaeological evidence to challenge conventional narratives, avoiding value judgments while providing nuanced insights into the motivations behind city foundations. Notably, Sayf b. Umar's detailed description of Kufa's establishment in 638 AD offers the most comprehensive surviving account of an early Islamic urban foundation, shedding light on the rapid post-conquest development of cities like Samarra. This work builds upon earlier scholarship, including Hourani and Stern's seminal volume, to redefine our understanding of Islamic urbanism.

Kennedy, H. (2017). How to Found an Islamic City. Cities, Texts and Social Networks, 400–1500, 45–63. https://doi.org/10.4324/9781315572130-3