The Orientalist Reinhart Duzi and his Influence on the Establishment of the Fatimid State through his Book Muslims in Andalusia

Abstract

The research addressed a side of the rich scientific contribution of the Dutch orientalist Dozy (1820-1883 AD). This man is considered by many to be one of the most famous orientalists who have made great contributions to the Arab-Islamic heritage in general and to our Andalusian history in particular. For this reason, I saw it as my duty to study his personality and learn about his most prominent contributions to the study of Islamic history, with a focus on his influence on the establishment of the Fatimid state in some detail, through his book entitled "Muslims in Andalusia."

The research began by shedding light on the author of the aforementioned book by introducing him and the stages he went through in his life, until he became a researcher and student of Arabic and Islamic sciences, with a focus on history. We also mentioned the scientific positions he held, and the connection of all this with his abundant and diverse scientific output, which occupies a high and distinguished place in Andalusian history.

We tried to identify the most important historical suspicions and slanders that Dozy mentioned in his book, where we dealt with the most important issues he addressed and raised about the history of the Fatimid state and its origin. We also clarified the religious and ethnic bigotry that appeared clearly in Dozy's writings, and he is not much different from the rest of the European orientalists in his presentation of issues of Islamic history, where they tried to distort Islamic history and civilization.

The book "Muslims in Andalusia" is considered one of the most important works written by orientalists on the history of Andalusia. It is characterized by historical accuracy and analysis of events that took place according to the circumstances in which they occurred. It is distinguished from other classical works that are characterized by narrating events without discussion or analysis.