The role of memory in the narrative of history by Mirza Mohammad Amin Manguri

Abstract

This study explores memory and historical writing, focusing on the role of recollection in the historical works of Mirza Muhammad Amin al-Manguri. It sheds light on his stance toward reviving the past and on the connection between the historian’s awareness, memory, and his treatment of historical events. The paper also highlights the characteristics of memorial writing in his works and discusses both the positive and negative dimensions of memory in recording history—particularly its role in conveying certain historical events inaccurately, which draws the reader’s attention. Furthermore, the study points out the weaknesses of al-Manguri’s historical memory and how these gaps appear through his reliance on recollection in interpreting events. It emphasizes the extent to which some of his information was influenced by the personal and social circumstances he experienced, leading to variations in his approach to recalling different historical periods.