Medieval Urban Landscape in Northeastern Mesopotamia

This book explores the urban landscape of northeastern Mesopotamia from the 6th to 19th centuries, focusing on archaeological and historical insights. Medieval Urban Landscape in Northeastern Mesopotamia offers a comprehensive analysis.

The book Medieval Urban Landscape in Northeastern Mesopotamia delves into the intricate urban network that existed from the 6th to the 19th centuries in northeastern Mesopotamia, a region defined by the Great Zāb, Little Zāb, and Tigris rivers. This comprehensive study examines over fifteen sites, both confirmed and speculated to have been urban centers, highlighting their significance in the historical landscape. The research emphasizes the remarkable preservation of these archaeological sites, which are well-documented in satellite imagery, making them accessible for in-depth investigation.

In Medieval Urban Landscape in Northeastern Mesopotamia, the authors present a synthesis of archaeological findings and historical data, providing a unique lens through which to understand the diversity and dynamics of urban development in the area surrounding Baghdad and Samarra. These two prominent cities served as super-centers during the Old World era, and the study aims to explore the relationships between various urban settlements within this context. The analysis includes a detailed examination of pottery collected from surface surveys, enriching the narrative of the urban network.

The final report from this three-year project is not only materially rich but also includes an interpretative chapter that focuses on topographical comparisons among the sites. By examining their landscape contexts and urban system dynamics, this monograph contributes significantly to the understanding of Near-Eastern Islamic-period cities and their evolution over centuries.