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The Crusaders' Capture of "Jerusalem" in 1099: Revealing Jewish and Islamic Lament through Genizah Fragments and Arabic Sources
Abstract by Ahmed Sheir On Session   (Expressions of the Medieval Self)

On Thursday, November 14 at 11:30 am

2024 Annual Meeting

Abstract
This paper aims to shed light on the pivotal historical event of the Crusaders' Destruction and Capture of "Jerusalem" in 1099, with a specific emphasis on nuanced perspectives drawn from Arabic poetic sources and Judeo-Arabic fragments found in the Genizah collection. The inquiry encompasses a diverse range of Arabic sources from the 12th century, including poetry, folk stories, and written accounts. Emphasizing the significance of poetry and correspondence within the Genizah as primary sources, the research strives to unveil the emotions and narratives surrounding these tragic events. The study seeks to provide a comprehensive understanding of the Jewish and Islamic lament surrounding the Crusaders' actions in "Jerusalem." It examines the correlation between Jews' self-perception and their perspectives on non-Jews, specifically Latin Europeans (Crusaders), who conquered the Holy City of Jerusalem. The city had been a place where Muslims, Christians, and Jews had coexisted peacefully under Islamic rule for centuries prior to this event. Simultaneously, the examination of Islamic laments aims to explore the voices of Islamic Jihad in defending the city, examining its connection with the city's significance in Islam. Additionally, the study delves into how Jews associated the crusading conquest with imaginative memories of the destruction of the Temple, diaspora, and the enduring longing for Jerusalem and the Promised Land, all of which collectively shaped the memory of Jews during that period.
Discipline
History
Geographic Area
Arab States
Egypt
Europe
Islamic World
Israel
Mashreq
Mediterranean Countries
Sub Area
None