Ibn Sa'id al-Andalusi - Revision history

Seignobos at 14:51, 1 March 2015

2015-03-01T14:51:39Z

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	As for those [Nūba and Sūdān], who dwell in regions near the equator, as well as the natives [of the land lying beyond] as far as the southern end of the inhabited Earth, the climate (''hawāʾ'') of their countries is very hot and the surrounding atmosphere (''jaw'') is burning, because they have the sun over their heads for long spells of time. For this reason they have hot tempers, ardent humours, black complexion and curly hair. Also for the same reason, they do not enjoy the benefit of the power of the mind, intelligence and steadiness of character; consequently ignorance and laziness are common among them. Such is the condition of those Blacks (''Sūdān'') who live in the remotest parts of the country of the Ḥabasha, the Nūba, the Zanj etc. ...		As for those [Nūba and Sūdān], who dwell in regions near the equator, as well as the natives [of the land lying beyond] as far as the southern end of the inhabited Earth, the climate (''hawāʾ'') of their countries is very hot and the surrounding atmosphere (''jaw'') is burning, because they have the sun over their heads for long spells of time. For this reason they have hot tempers, ardent humours, black complexion and curly hair. Also for the same reason, they do not enjoy the benefit of the power of the mind, intelligence and steadiness of character; consequently ignorance and laziness are common among them. Such is the condition of those Blacks (''Sūdān'') who live in the remotest parts of the country of the Ḥabasha, the Nūba, the Zanj etc. ...

	As for those peoples in this category whom I have not mentioned on any account, they are similar to these, in ignorance (''jahl''), although in different degrees. Yet, a trait which is common to them all is that they have never endeavoured to acquire Wisdom (''ḥikma''), nor do they like to learn Philosophy (''falsafah''). Despite all this, certain groups, who live in towns and abhor nomadic life possess in some regions, whether east, or west, north or south, some form of monarchic rule (''siyyāsah mulūkiyya''), which they follow at present and also observe some divine laws (''nāmūs ilāhī''). Among them, no man who is endowed with reason (''alīf al-'aql''), dares to trespass this human order or break these laws (''ta’līf''). If an exception is made it is for some desert dwellers and the inhabitants of waterless plains such as the scattered multitude (''~~rumāqh~~'') of the Beja, the barbarians (''hamaj'') of the 'Anah '''[p. 247]''' (Ghāna?), the remotest Zanj and the like. (Cheikho, pp. 8-9; Ar. Ist.II, pp. 191 - 194).		As for those peoples in this category whom I have not mentioned on any account, they are similar to these, in ignorance (''jahl''), although in different degrees. Yet, a trait which is common to them all is that they have never endeavoured to acquire Wisdom (''ḥikma''), nor do they like to learn Philosophy (''falsafah''). Despite all this, certain groups, who live in towns and abhor nomadic life possess in some regions, whether east, or west, north or south, some form of monarchic rule (''siyyāsah mulūkiyya''), which they follow at present and also observe some divine laws (''nāmūs ilāhī''). Among them, no man who is endowed with reason (''alīf al-'aql''), dares to trespass this human order or break these laws (''ta’līf''). If an exception is made it is for some desert dwellers and the inhabitants of waterless plains such as the scattered multitude (''rumāgh'') of the Beja, the barbarians (''hamaj'') of the 'Anah '''[p. 247]''' (Ghāna?), the remotest Zanj and the like. (Cheikho, pp. 8-9; Ar. Ist.II, pp. 191 - 194).

	From "Le Livre des Categories"		From "Le Livre des Categories"

Seignobos at 14:17, 25 February 2015

2015-02-25T14:17:12Z

Adam Simmons at 17:11, 22 February 2015

2015-02-22T17:11:36Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 17:11, 22 February 2015
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	From "Arabskiye Istochniki"		From "Arabskiye Istochniki"

	(The fourth nation) includes the Copts (Qibṭ), who are the indigenous population of Egypt, and other peoples dwelling south (of Egypt) and are divided into different branches of Blacks (''Sūdān''), such as the Ḥabasha, the Nūba, the Zanj<ref>Of East Africa.</ref> and others in the Maghrib and among the Berbers (''barābir'') and their neighbours. (Cheikho, p. 7; Ar.Ist.II, p. 193).		[The fourth nation] includes the Copts (Qibṭ), who are the indigenous population of Egypt, and other peoples dwelling south [of Egypt] and are divided into different branches of Blacks (''Sūdān''), such as the Ḥabasha, the Nūba, the Zanj<ref>Of East Africa.</ref> and others in the Maghrib and among the Berbers (''barābir'') and their neighbours. (Cheikho, p. 7; Ar.Ist.II, p. 193).

	As for the category (''tabraqra'') which is unfit for cultivating any branch of Science (''al-‘ulmūm''), this includes all the other peoples (''umam'') not mentioned in the list (of the learned peoples)<ref>See the list in the biographical introduction, above (“Indians” etc.).</ref>, viz. the peoples of Gog and Magog, the Turks, ''al-Burtās'' (in the Volga basin)<ref>Unidentified.</ref> '''[p. 246]''' ''as-Sarīr'', the Khazar, Hawran (''Jurjān''), Kashal (Kossack?), al-Lān (Alains), the Slavs, the Bulgars, al-Burjān (a branch of Bulgars), the Berbers and such kinds of Sūdānese, such as the Ḥabasha, the Nūba, the Zanj and the others.		As for the category (''tabraqra'') which is unfit for cultivating any branch of Science (''al-‘ulmūm''), this includes all the other peoples (''umam'') not mentioned in the list (of the learned peoples)<ref>See the list in the biographical introduction, above (“Indians” etc.).</ref>, viz. the peoples of Gog and Magog, the Turks, ''al-Burtās'' [in the Volga basin]<ref>Unidentified.</ref> '''[p. 246]''' ''as-Sarīr'', the Khazar, Hawran (''Jurjān''), Kashal (Kossack?), al-Lān (Alains), the Slavs, the Bulgars, al-Burjān (a branch of Bulgars), the Berbers and such kinds of Sūdānese, such as the Ḥabasha, the Nūba, the Zanj and the others.

	As for those (Nūba and Sūdān), who dwell in regions near the equator, as well as the natives (of the land lying beyond) as far as the southern end of the inhabited Earth, the climate (''hawāʾ'') of their countries is very hot and the surrounding atmosphere (''jaw'') is burning, because they have the sun over their heads for long spells of time. For this reason they have hot tempers, ardent humours, black complexion and curly hair. Also for the same reason, they do not enjoy the benefit of the power of the mind, intelligence and steadiness of character; consequently ignorance and laziness are common among them. Such is the condition of those Blacks (''Sūdān'') who live in the remotest parts of the country of the Ḥabasha, the Nūba, the Zanj etc. ...		As for those [Nūba and Sūdān], who dwell in regions near the equator, as well as the natives (of the land lying beyond) as far as the southern end of the inhabited Earth, the climate (''hawāʾ'') of their countries is very hot and the surrounding atmosphere (''jaw'') is burning, because they have the sun over their heads for long spells of time. For this reason they have hot tempers, ardent humours, black complexion and curly hair. Also for the same reason, they do not enjoy the benefit of the power of the mind, intelligence and steadiness of character; consequently ignorance and laziness are common among them. Such is the condition of those Blacks (''Sūdān'') who live in the remotest parts of the country of the Ḥabasha, the Nūba, the Zanj etc. ...

	As for those peoples in this category whom I have not mentioned on any account, they are similar to these, in ignorance (''jahl''), although in different degrees. Yet, a trait which is common to them all is that they have never endeavoured to acquire Wisdom (''ḥikma''), nor do they like to learn Philosophy (''falsafah''). Despite all this, certain groups, who live in towns and abhor nomadic life possess in some regions, whether east, or west, north or south, some form of monarchic rule (''siyyāsah mulūkiyya''), which they follow at present and also observe some divine laws (''nāmūs ilāhī''). Among them, no man who is endowed with reason (''alīf al-'aql''), dares to trespass this human order or break these laws (''ta’līf''). If an exception is made it is for some desert dwellers and the inhabitants of waterless plains such as the scattered multitude (''rumāqh'') of the Beja, the barbarians (hamaj) of the 'Anah '''[p. 247]''' (Ghāna?), the remotest Zanj and the like. (Cheikho, pp. 8-9; Ar.Xst.II, pp. 191 - 194).		As for those peoples in this category whom I have not mentioned on any account, they are similar to these, in ignorance (''jahl''), although in different degrees. Yet, a trait which is common to them all is that they have never endeavoured to acquire Wisdom (''ḥikma''), nor do they like to learn Philosophy (''falsafah''). Despite all this, certain groups, who live in towns and abhor nomadic life possess in some regions, whether east, or west, north or south, some form of monarchic rule (''siyyāsah mulūkiyya''), which they follow at present and also observe some divine laws (''nāmūs ilāhī''). Among them, no man who is endowed with reason (''alīf al-'aql''), dares to trespass this human order or break these laws (''ta’līf''). If an exception is made it is for some desert dwellers and the inhabitants of waterless plains such as the scattered multitude (''rumāqh'') of the Beja, the barbarians (hamaj) of the 'Anah '''[p. 247]''' (Ghāna?), the remotest Zanj and the like. (Cheikho, pp. 8-9; Ar.Xst.II, pp. 191 - 194).
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	From "Le Livre des Categories"		From "Le Livre des Categories"

	Some scientists well versed in Astrology propose the following reason (in order to explain the ability of Indians to cultivate Science). They say that Mercury and Saturn exercise a certain influence on the physical destiny of the Indians, so that these, under the influence of Saturn have a dark complexion, and under the influence of Mercury, a sound mind and a bright intelligence. The scientists also claim that (the influence of) Saturn is responsible for their steadiness of character and their profundity in philosophical research. Therefore, thanks to this double influence, the Indians have reached a high degree of mental capacity and a perfection of reasoning, by which they differ so much from all the peoples who dwell among the ''sūdān'', the Nūba, the Zanj and Ḥabasha. (Blachère, p. 44).		Some scientists well versed in Astrology propose the following reason [in order to explain the ability of Indians to cultivate Science]. They say that Mercury and Saturn exercise a certain influence on the physical destiny of the Indians, so that these, under the influence of Saturn have a dark complexion, and under the influence of Mercury, a sound mind and a bright intelligence. The scientists also claim that [the influence of] Saturn is responsible for their steadiness of character and their profundity in philosophical research. Therefore, thanks to this double influence, the Indians have reached a high degree of mental capacity and a perfection of reasoning, by which they differ so much from all the peoples who dwell among the ''sūdān'', the Nūba, the Zanj and Ḥabasha. (Blachère, p. 44).

	Since then (the conversion of Emperor Constantine) the Christian religion never ceased expanding so far and wide as to conquer the majority of the peoples (bordering on the Roman Empire), viz. the Galicians (?) (''jalāliqa''), the Slavs, the Burjān, the Russians, all the Copts of Egypt, as well as the ''sūdān'' such as the Ḥabasha, the Nūba and others. (ibid., p. 79).		Since then (the conversion of Emperor Constantine) the Christian religion never ceased expanding so far and wide as to conquer the majority of the peoples (bordering on the Roman Empire), viz. the Galicians [?] (''jalāliqa''), the Slavs, the Burjān, the Russians, all the Copts of Egypt, as well as the ''sūdān'' such as the Ḥabasha, the Nūba and others. (ibid., p. 79).

	<references/>		<references/>

	[[Category:Literary Sources]]		[[Category:Literary Sources]]

Adam Simmons at 17:39, 20 February 2015

2015-02-20T17:39:26Z

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	'''[pp. 245-247]'''		'''[pp. 245-247]'''

	ABŪ-L-~~QASĪM~~... IBN SA'ĪD AL-ANDALUSĪ		ABŪ-L-QAṢĪM... IBN ṢA'ĪD AL-ANDALUSĪ

	''(1029 - 1070 A.D.)''		''(1029 - 1070 A.D.)''

Adam Simmons at 17:35, 20 February 2015

2015-02-20T17:35:13Z

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	'''[pp. 245-247]'''		'''[pp. 245-247]'''

	ABŪ-L-~~QASIM~~... IBN SA'ID AL-~~ANDALUSI~~		ABŪ-L-QASĪM... IBN SA'ĪD AL-ANDALUSĪ

	(1029 - 1070 A.D.)		''(1029 - 1070 A.D.)''

	''An Arab-Spanish historian.		''An Arab-Spanish historian.''

	K. ~~Tabaqat~~ al-~~umam~~ ("The Categories of Nations").		''K. Tabāqat al-umām ("The Categories of Nations").''
	Here the ability of different peoples to cultivate Science is discussed. The author divides the peoples into two groups: the first includes the peoples who made achievements in the various fields of Knowledge (Indians, Jews, Egyptians, Persians, Chaldeans, Greeks, Romans, and Arabs); the second those unfit for Science.''

	Ed.: ~~L. Cheikho~~, ~~Beyrouth 1912~~. ~~French transl.: R. Blachere,~~ ''~~Livre des Categories des Nations'', Paris 1935.~~		''Here the ability of different peoples to cultivate Science is discussed. The author divides the peoples into two groups: the first includes the peoples who made achievements in the various fields of Knowledge (Indians, Jews, Egyptians, Persians, Chaldeans, Greeks, Romans, and Arabs); the second those unfit for Science.''

	Exc.: Ar.Ist: Cheikho II, pp. 191-194.		''Ed.: L. Cheikho, Beyrouth 1912. French transl.: R. Blachere, ''Livre des Categories des Nations'', Paris 1935.''

			''Exc.: Ar.Ist: Cheikho II, pp. 191-194.''

			''T.: Ar.Ist.; Blachére A:0 and A: 1''

	~~T.: Ar.Ist.; Blachére A:0 and A: 1~~

	From "Arabskiye Istochniki"		From "Arabskiye Istochniki"

Adam Simmons at 18:19, 12 February 2015

2015-02-12T18:19:28Z

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Adam Simmons at 18:27, 9 February 2015

2015-02-09T18:27:40Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 18:27, 9 February 2015
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	'''[p. 399-416]'''		'''[pp. 399-416]'''

	IBN SA'ID AL-ANDALUSI		IBN SA'ID AL-ANDALUSI
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	The course of the Nile is first encountered in the western part of this section. On its banks live the Nūba. When the Nile has passed their territory, it divides and its two branches surround the island of Bilāq<ref>The MC French translation has “Balāq”; we prefer “Bilāq”. For the location of this town, see Idrisi (q.v.) footnote 16. In a map drawn by Ibn Sa’īd (MC fol. 1093) Balāq (Bilāq) is shown as an island as the junction of a river coming from S-E and ending in the Nile (“Nile of Egypt”) half-way between ‘Alwa and Aswān.</ref>, on which stands the town of Bilāq. This place is well known to travellers. The town lies along the eastern branch of the river. It is upstream of this point that the Nile of the Ḥabasha empties into the (main) channel. The position of the town is Long. 59° 20' Lat. 19°. Continuing its course, the Nile flows eastwards till the famous mountain known as the Cataracts (''al-Janādil'') at Long. 56° 30’ Lat.'22° 30'. North of this mountain begins the mountain barrier (''hājīz'') which extends up to al-Fayyūm. Nubian boats sail northwards only as far as this Cataract, while the boats from Egypt do not sail beyond this point. This is because the [Cataract] mountain is very steep on its southern slope; therefore the water falls precipitously over a river bed strewn with rocks. Then the Nile turns northwards and soon reaches the town of Aswan which lies on its eastern bank.		The course of the Nile is first encountered in the western part of this section. On its banks live the Nūba. When the Nile has passed their territory, it divides and its two branches surround the island of Bilāq<ref>The MC French translation has “Balāq”; we prefer “Bilāq”. For the location of this town, see Idrisi (q.v.) footnote 16. In a map drawn by Ibn Sa’īd (MC fol. 1093) Balāq (Bilāq) is shown as an island as the junction of a river coming from S-E and ending in the Nile (“Nile of Egypt”) half-way between ‘Alwa and Aswān.</ref>, on which stands the town of Bilāq. This place is well known to travellers. The town lies along the eastern branch of the river. It is upstream of this point that the Nile of the Ḥabasha empties into the (main) channel. The position of the town is Long. 59° 20' Lat. 19°. Continuing its course, the Nile flows eastwards till the famous mountain known as the Cataracts (''al-Janādil'') at Long. 56° 30’ Lat.'22° 30'. North of this mountain begins the mountain barrier (''hājīz'') which extends up to al-Fayyūm. Nubian boats sail northwards only as far as this Cataract, while the boats from Egypt do not sail beyond this point. This is because the [Cataract] mountain is very steep on its southern slope; therefore the water falls precipitously over a river bed strewn with rocks. Then the Nile turns northwards and soon reaches the town of Aswan which lies on its eastern bank.

	From Aswān, the route to al-Ḥījāz points in an eastern direction. Travelling eastwards, one is oneself on al-Waḍaḥ, where the route coining from Aswān and the one '''[p. 412]''' coming from Qos meet. Al-Waḍaḥ is so called because it is a track wide and clearly distinguishable (''wāḍiḥ'') through the plain. It is located at Long. 61° almost at the same Lat. as Aswān. Pilgrims, however, preferably take the upper route (''at-tarīq al-'ulyā'') which turns south. To the right of this route lies the town of 'Allāqī, which is the royal town of the king of the Beja, at Long. 63° Lat. 20° 3'. The Beja (''al-buja'') are Blacks: some of them are Moslems, some Christians and some idolaters. It is they who guide the pilgrims and merchants through these deserts on their camels. They are well known as trustworthy guides. The danger comes rather from the Nūba, who mounted on their tawny camels carry out raids. The mountain region of 'Allāqī is famous for the mines of high quality gold situated in its wadis (''awdiya'').		From Aswān, the route to al-Ḥījāz points in an eastern direction. Travelling eastwards, one is oneself on al-Waḍaḥ, where the route coining from Aswān and the one '''[p. 412]''' coming from Qos meet. Al-Waḍaḥ is so called because it is a track wide and clearly distinguishable (''wāḍiḥ'') through the plain. It is located at Long. 61° almost at the same Lat. as Aswān. Pilgrims, however, preferably take the upper route (''at-tarīq al-'ulyā'') which turns south. To the right of this route lies the town of 'Allāqī, which is the royal town of the king of the Beja, at Long. 63° Lat. 20° 3'. The Beja (''al-buja'') are Blacks: some of them are Moslems, some Christians and some idolaters. It is they who guide the pilgrims and merchants through these deserts on their camels. They are well known as trustworthy guides. The danger comes rather from the Nūba, who mounted on their tawny camels carry out raids. The mountain region of 'Allāqī is famous for the mines of high quality gold situated in its wadis (''awdiya'').

	'Aydhāb is a well known seaport at Long. 64° Lat. 21° plus a few minutes. The distance between 'Aydhāb and Jedda (''Judda'') is two degrees, but Jedda is located a few minutes north of 'Aydhāb.		'Aydhāb is a well known seaport at Long. 64° Lat. 21° plus a few minutes. The distance between 'Aydhāb and Jedda (''Judda'') is two degrees, but Jedda is located a few minutes north of 'Aydhāb.
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	The second section of the Seventh Part includes the countries inhabited by the Ḥabasha. Its boundaries are: to the West, the Nile; to the East, the Red Sea; to the .South, the country of the Gold Mountains beyond the Equator, and, to the North, the country of Karak (''bilād K.'') until Aswān, and Egypt. One of the Ḥabasha towns within this section is Kūkū, their capital (''hādirat al-Ḥabasha'')... situated on a Nile island.		The second section of the Seventh Part includes the countries inhabited by the Ḥabasha. Its boundaries are: to the West, the Nile; to the East, the Red Sea; to the .South, the country of the Gold Mountains beyond the Equator, and, to the North, the country of Karak (''bilād K.'') until Aswān, and Egypt. One of the Ḥabasha towns within this section is Kūkū, their capital (''hādirat al-Ḥabasha'')... situated on a Nile island.

	... In the southernmost part of this section, on the margin of the inhabited land, lies the town of Malqa, a royal residence of the Ḥabasha (''dār mamlakat al-Ḥabasha''). On the western side, the population of this country is far away from the Nile, while it is rather near the Sea of al-Yaman on the East. (MC 1090 r: fol. 37 v).		... In the southernmost part of this section, on the margin of the inhabited land, lies the town of Malqa, a royal residence of the Ḥabasha (''dār mamlakat al-Ḥabasha''). On the western side, the population of this country is far away from the Nile, while it is rather near the Sea of al-Yaman on the East. (MC 1090 r: fol. 37 v).

	'''[p. 416]''' From "''Kitāb al-mughrib''".		'''[p. 416]''' From "''Kitāb al-mughrib''".

Seignobos at 18:30, 12 November 2014

2014-11-12T18:30:54Z

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	2.) K. al-mughrib fī hulā al-maghrib (The Visitor of the Marvels of the Maghrib).		2.) K. al-mughrib fī hulā al-maghrib (The Visitor of the Marvels of the Maghrib).

	Ed.: (partly) K, Vollers, ''~~Fraqmente~~ aus dem Muqhrib das Ibn Said'', Berlin 1894; Zaki Moh. Hasan, Cairo 1953; A. Dayf, Cairo 1955.		Ed.: (partly) K, Vollers, ''Fragmente aus dem Muqhrib das Ibn Said'', Berlin 1894; Zaki Moh. Hasan, Cairo 1953; A. Dayf, Cairo 1955.

	T.: Vollers A:0''		T.: Vollers A:0''

Seignobos at 17:31, 12 November 2014

2014-11-12T17:31:52Z

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	'''[p. 399- ]'''		'''[p. 399-416]'''

	IBN SA'ID AL-ANDALUSI		IBN SA'ID AL-ANDALUSI

Seignobos at 16:20, 12 November 2014

2014-11-12T16:20:57Z

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← Older revision		Revision as of 14:17, 25 February 2015
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	''K. Tabāqat al-umām ("The Categories of Nations").''		''K. Tabāqat al-umām ("The Categories of Nations").''

	''Here the ability of different peoples to cultivate Science is discussed. The author divides the peoples into two groups: the first includes the peoples who made achievements in the various fields of Knowledge (Indians, Jews, Egyptians, Persians, Chaldeans, Greeks, Romans, and Arabs); the second those unfit for Science.''		''Here the ability of different peoples to cultivate Science is discussed. The author divides the peoples into two groups: the first includes the peoples who made achievements in the various fields of Knowledge (Indians, Jews, Egyptians, Persians, Chaldeans, Greeks, Romans, and Arabs); the second those unfit for Science.''

	''Ed.: L. Cheikho, Beyrouth 1912. French transl.: R. Blachere, ''Livre des Categories des Nations'', Paris 1935.''		''Ed.: L. Cheikho, Beyrouth 1912. French transl.: R. Blachere, ''Livre des Categories des Nations'', Paris 1935.''

	''Exc.: Ar.Ist: Cheikho II, pp. 191-194.''		''Exc.: Ar.Ist: Cheikho II, pp. 191-194.''

	''T.: Ar.Ist.; Blachére A:0 and A: 1''		''T.: Ar.Ist.; Blachére A:0 and A: 1''
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	From "Arabskiye Istochniki"		From "Arabskiye Istochniki"

	[The fourth nation] includes the Copts (Qibṭ), who are the indigenous population of Egypt, and other peoples dwelling south [of Egypt] and are divided into different branches of Blacks (''Sūdān''), such as the Ḥabasha, the Nūba, the Zanj<ref>Of East Africa.</ref> and others in the Maghrib and among the Berbers (''barābir'') and their neighbours. (Cheikho, p. 7; Ar.Ist.II, p. 193).		[The fourth nation] includes the Copts (''Qibṭ''), who are the indigenous population of Egypt, and other peoples dwelling south [of Egypt] and are divided into different branches of Blacks (''Sūdān''), such as the Ḥabasha, the Nūba, the Zanj<ref>Of East Africa.</ref> and others in the Maghrib and among the Berbers (''barābir'') and their neighbours. (Cheikho, p. 7; Ar.Ist.II, p. 193).

	As for the category (''~~tabraqra~~'') which is unfit for cultivating any branch of Science (''al-‘ulmūm''), this includes all the other peoples (''umam'') not mentioned in the list (of the learned peoples)<ref>See the list in the biographical introduction, above (“Indians” etc.).</ref>, viz. the peoples of Gog and Magog, the Turks, ''al-Burtās'' [in the Volga basin]<ref>Unidentified.</ref> '''[p. 246]''' ''as-Sarīr'', the Khazar, Hawran (''Jurjān''), Kashal (Kossack?), al-Lān (Alains), the Slavs, the Bulgars, al-Burjān (a branch of Bulgars), the Berbers and such kinds of ~~Sūdānese~~, such as the Ḥabasha, the Nūba, the Zanj and the others.		As for the category (''tabraqa'') which is unfit for cultivating any branch of Science (''al-‘ulmūm''), this includes all the other peoples (''umam'') not mentioned in the list [of the learned peoples]<ref>See the list in the biographical introduction, above (“Indians” etc.).</ref>, viz. the peoples of Gog and Magog, the Turks, ''al-Burtās'' [in the Volga basin]<ref>Unidentified.</ref> '''[p. 246]''' ''as-Sarīr'', the Khazar, Hawran (''Jurjān''), Kashal (Kossack?), al-Lān (Alains), the Slavs, the Bulgars, al-Burjān [a branch of Bulgars], the Berbers and such kinds of Sudanese, such as the Ḥabasha, the Nūba, the Zanj and the others.

	As for those [Nūba and Sūdān], who dwell in regions near the equator, as well as the natives (of the land lying beyond) as far as the southern end of the inhabited Earth, the climate (''hawāʾ'') of their countries is very hot and the surrounding atmosphere (''jaw'') is burning, because they have the sun over their heads for long spells of time. For this reason they have hot tempers, ardent humours, black complexion and curly hair. Also for the same reason, they do not enjoy the benefit of the power of the mind, intelligence and steadiness of character; consequently ignorance and laziness are common among them. Such is the condition of those Blacks (''Sūdān'') who live in the remotest parts of the country of the Ḥabasha, the Nūba, the Zanj etc. ...		As for those [Nūba and Sūdān], who dwell in regions near the equator, as well as the natives [of the land lying beyond] as far as the southern end of the inhabited Earth, the climate (''hawāʾ'') of their countries is very hot and the surrounding atmosphere (''jaw'') is burning, because they have the sun over their heads for long spells of time. For this reason they have hot tempers, ardent humours, black complexion and curly hair. Also for the same reason, they do not enjoy the benefit of the power of the mind, intelligence and steadiness of character; consequently ignorance and laziness are common among them. Such is the condition of those Blacks (''Sūdān'') who live in the remotest parts of the country of the Ḥabasha, the Nūba, the Zanj etc. ...

	As for those peoples in this category whom I have not mentioned on any account, they are similar to these, in ignorance (''jahl''), although in different degrees. Yet, a trait which is common to them all is that they have never endeavoured to acquire Wisdom (''ḥikma''), nor do they like to learn Philosophy (''falsafah''). Despite all this, certain groups, who live in towns and abhor nomadic life possess in some regions, whether east, or west, north or south, some form of monarchic rule (''siyyāsah mulūkiyya''), which they follow at present and also observe some divine laws (''nāmūs ilāhī''). Among them, no man who is endowed with reason (''alīf al-'aql''), dares to trespass this human order or break these laws (''ta’līf''). If an exception is made it is for some desert dwellers and the inhabitants of waterless plains such as the scattered multitude (''rumāqh'') of the Beja, the barbarians (hamaj) of the 'Anah '''[p. 247]''' (Ghāna?), the remotest Zanj and the like. (Cheikho, pp. 8-9; Ar.~~Xst~~.II, pp. 191 - 194).		As for those peoples in this category whom I have not mentioned on any account, they are similar to these, in ignorance (''jahl''), although in different degrees. Yet, a trait which is common to them all is that they have never endeavoured to acquire Wisdom (''ḥikma''), nor do they like to learn Philosophy (''falsafah''). Despite all this, certain groups, who live in towns and abhor nomadic life possess in some regions, whether east, or west, north or south, some form of monarchic rule (''siyyāsah mulūkiyya''), which they follow at present and also observe some divine laws (''nāmūs ilāhī''). Among them, no man who is endowed with reason (''alīf al-'aql''), dares to trespass this human order or break these laws (''ta’līf''). If an exception is made it is for some desert dwellers and the inhabitants of waterless plains such as the scattered multitude (''rumāqh'') of the Beja, the barbarians (''hamaj'') of the 'Anah '''[p. 247]''' (Ghāna?), the remotest Zanj and the like. (Cheikho, pp. 8-9; Ar. Ist.II, pp. 191 - 194).

	From "Le Livre des Categories"		From "Le Livre des Categories"
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	Some scientists well versed in Astrology propose the following reason [in order to explain the ability of Indians to cultivate Science]. They say that Mercury and Saturn exercise a certain influence on the physical destiny of the Indians, so that these, under the influence of Saturn have a dark complexion, and under the influence of Mercury, a sound mind and a bright intelligence. The scientists also claim that [the influence of] Saturn is responsible for their steadiness of character and their profundity in philosophical research. Therefore, thanks to this double influence, the Indians have reached a high degree of mental capacity and a perfection of reasoning, by which they differ so much from all the peoples who dwell among the ''sūdān'', the Nūba, the Zanj and Ḥabasha. (Blachère, p. 44).		Some scientists well versed in Astrology propose the following reason [in order to explain the ability of Indians to cultivate Science]. They say that Mercury and Saturn exercise a certain influence on the physical destiny of the Indians, so that these, under the influence of Saturn have a dark complexion, and under the influence of Mercury, a sound mind and a bright intelligence. The scientists also claim that [the influence of] Saturn is responsible for their steadiness of character and their profundity in philosophical research. Therefore, thanks to this double influence, the Indians have reached a high degree of mental capacity and a perfection of reasoning, by which they differ so much from all the peoples who dwell among the ''sūdān'', the Nūba, the Zanj and Ḥabasha. (Blachère, p. 44).

	Since then (the conversion of Emperor Constantine) the Christian religion never ceased expanding so far and wide as to conquer the majority of the peoples (bordering on the Roman Empire), viz. the Galicians [?] (''jalāliqa''), the Slavs, the Burjān, the Russians, all the Copts of Egypt, as well as the ''sūdān'' such as the Ḥabasha, the Nūba and others. (ibid., p. 79).		Since then [the conversion of Emperor Constantine] the Christian religion never ceased expanding so far and wide as to conquer the majority of the peoples [bordering on the Roman Empire], viz. the Galicians [?] (''jalāliqa''), the Slavs, the Burjān, the Russians, all the Copts of Egypt, as well as the ''sūdān'' such as the Ḥabasha, the Nūba and others. (ibid., p. 79).

	<references/>		<references/>

	[[Category:Literary Sources]]		[[Category:Literary Sources]]