The Economic Resources of the Fatimid State: Selected Examples from *Al-Khitat* by Al-Maqrizi (d. 845 AH)

Abstract

This research examines the economic resources of the Fatimid State, focusing on selected examples from Al-Maqrizi’s Al-Mawa'iz wa al-I'tibar bi-Dhikr al-Khitat wa al-Athar, commonly known as Khitat al-Maqrizi. The study aims to identify the principal economic foundations that contributed to the strength, stability, and prosperity of the Fatimid State during its rule in Egypt. The Fatimid economy was characterized by a diversity of natural and human resources and by state policies that supported agriculture, trade, industry, and financial administration. Agriculture represented one of the most important foundations of the economy, particularly because of the central role played by the Nile River in Egyptian economic life. The Fatimids paid considerable attention to irrigation, canals, agricultural lands, and the management of water resources, which contributed to agricultural production and increased state revenues. The research also discusses the importance of internal and external trade. Egypt’s strategic geographical position between the Maghrib and the eastern Islamic regions, together with its connection to the Mediterranean Sea and the Red Sea, enabled the Fatimids to develop important commercial networks. Cairo and Fustat became major centers of commercial activity, while Egyptian ports facilitated the movement of goods between different regions, including Europe and India

The study further examines industry and handicrafts, emphasizing the contribution of local skills to the development of production. It also analyzes the principal sources of state revenue, including kharaj (land tax), jizya, zakat, rents from residential properties, customs duties, endowments (awqaf), confiscated wealth, unclaimed inheritances, and various taxes and fees. These diverse sources provided the Fatimid administration with financial resources to support governmental institutions and strengthen its political and economic position. The research demonstrates that the Fatimid economic system depended on the integration of agricultural production, commercial activity, industrial development, taxation, and administrative institutions. It also highlights the influence of environmental conditions, especially fluctuations in the Nile’s water level, on agricultural production, food supplies, prices, and government revenues. Overall, the study shows that the prosperity of the Fatimid economy was closely associated with the diversity and effective management of its resources, the strategic geographical position of Egypt, and the development of financial and administrative mechanisms for collecting and managing state revenues.