Myths in the Book of Geography by Abo Abdullah Muhammad ibn Abi Bakr al _ Zuhri (Date: mid-6 th Cemtury AH) A Historical Study

Abstract

The emergence of myths was not linked to a specific society, a particular place, or a certain historical period; rather, it is a phenomenon that can be described as deeply rooted in most societies. It is difficult to determine its origins in terms of time and place, as it has been associated with human imagination since ancient times and has become one of the fundamental elements that shape the social, cultural, and artistic identity of every society. Its protagonists are often humans, animals, the forces of nature, talismans, and other elements that influence human beings and their environment, and human behavior is sometimes connected to the implications of these myths.

Numerous factors contributed to the appearance of myths in the writings of Muslim historians until they became part of historical documentation across various periods. One of the most important of these factors was the exchange of knowledge through cultural contact between Muslims and other civilizations, such as the Greek and Persian civilizations, among others. This was particularly evident in the flourishing translation movement, during which many works from these civilizations were translated from their original languages into Arabic in various fields of knowledge, especially philosophy and history. This process led to the transfer of many myths into the works of Muslim historians and their inclusion in their writings. In addition, the personal motive played a role, as Muslim historians sought to incorporate and employ these myths in their writings, either to make their works more engaging or to expand their knowledge of the history and civilizations of other nations through these myths and the historical, social, and geographical accounts they contained.

The book al-Jaʿrāfiyya (Geography) by the historian and geographer Abu Abd Allah Muhammad ibn Abi Bakr al-Zuhri, one of the historians of the 6th century AH, contains many myths presented under the title of “marvels” (ʿajāʾib). These are diverse in subject matter and are not limited to a specific geographical region or a particular society; rather, they include various kingdoms, states, and cities.