Behrens-Abouseif, Doris.
London : I.B. Tauris, 2014.
Added to CLICnet on 10/15/2015
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Part of the series Library of Middle East history v. 44;Library of Middle East history v. 44.
Notes:
- Includes bibliographical references and index.
- Part One: The culture of gifts — The world of the Mamluks — Protocol and codes of gift exchange — Part Two: Gifts in the geo-political contexts — The Red Sea and Indian Ocean Connection — Africa — The Black Sea, Anatolia, Iran and Central Asia — Europe — Part Three: The Gifts — Tradition and legacy — Gifts for and from the Mamluks — Gifts and Mamluk identity — Conclusion.
- Elaborate and sensational gifts were the hallmark of Mamluk diplomacy. From Cairo, where they controlled the medieval spice trade and the holy sites of Christianity and Islam, the Mamluk Sultans – conscious of their humble slave origins – augmented their claims to legitimacy through brilliant displays of diplomatic gift-giving, creating a celebrated reputation for the Sultanate from Europe to the Far East. From spices, ceremonial textiles and military objects to elephants and giraffes, and even humans – either living or as severed heads – the offerings varied in combination and emphasis according to the status and circumstances of giver and receiver, but always created a sensation. Through an unparalleled study of primary sources and rigorous fieldwork, this original book – richly illustrated in color – explores the unpredictable and nuanced art of the regal gift in the Mamluk Sultanate from 1250-1517. Doris Behrens-Abouseif not only provides the first study of this subject, but makes an important contribution to the study of diplomacy, economics, visual arts and material culture in the medieval period. — Provided by publisher.
Subjects:
- Mamelukes — Social life and customs.
- Diplomatic gifts — Egypt — History.
- Egypt — History — 1250-1517.
- Egypt — Foreign relations.
- History. fast (OCoLC)fst01411628
Requested by Zaman, M.