Cultural links between the scholars of Andalusia and Erbil in the sixth and seventh centuries AH.The twelfth and thirteenth century AD in the light of historical sources

Abstract

This paper is an investigation to the nature of scientific and cultural relations between Andalusian scientists and scientists from Irbil; the research tackles the effect of these relations on the cultural background of both cities. Although information on scientific exchanges from Irbil and vice versa is scarce, yet a profound look on the overall relationship reveals the importance of scientific and cultural exchange by both cities.   

Cultural and scientific exchange was always a corner stone for relationship between nations. Historical resources show that Irbil was an academic center for scholars, intellectuals and explorers especially in the sixth and seventh century, i.e. the period of this investigation. In this period, and due to the efforts of its ruler, Sultan Abi Saeed Kukabri (637 AH/ 1169 A.D.) and his assistants, Irbil turned into a center for science and cultural developments. Consequently, many scholars, such as Abi Mudhafar Mubarak, Ibin mulib, etc. moved to live and reside in the city.   

The research attempts to shed light on this historic period and illustrate the nature of relationships in those times in order to give a clearer picture of the period to the new generation