Surat Al-Ard

{{Main|Ibn Hawqal}}

Abu al-Qasim Muhammad Ibn Hawqal was an Arab Muslim writer, geographer, historian, traveler, and merchant who lived during the 10th century AD. His writings on geography contained original information gained from his extensive travels, which spanned over three decades. This unique insight distinguished him from his contemporaries and predecessors, whether in his theoretical contributions or in his cartographic representations, which he created with his own hands.Pioneers of the science of geography in Arab civilization. P. 107. In the words of Ibn al-Adim, he was described as follows: "He was a virtuous individual hailing from the Nusaybin region".Boghyat Altalab fi Tarikh Halab. p. 4672. In addition to his book Surat Al-Ard, he has another book entitled Kitab Saqalia, which is currently considered lost.[https://www.alaraby.co.uk/%D8%A7%D8%A8%D9%86-%D8%AD%D9%88%D9%82%D9%84-%D9%87%D8%AC%D8%A7%D8%A1-%D9%84%D8%A7%D8%B0%D8%B9-%D9%84%D8%A5%D9%85%D8%A7%D8%B1%D8%A9-%D8%B5%D9%82%D9%84%D9%8A%D8%A9-%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%B9%D8%B1%D8%A8%D9%8A%D8%A9 Taysir Khalaf. "Ibn Huqal. A scathing satire of the Arab Emirate of Sicily." The New Arab]. Archived from the [https://web.archive.org/web/20210608100220/https://www.alaraby.co.uk/%D8%A7%D8%A8%D9%86-%D8%AD%D9%88%D9%82%D9%84-%D9%87%D8%AC%D8%A7%D8%A1-%D9%84%D8%A7%D8%B0%D8%B9-%D9%84%D8%A5%D9%85%D8%A7%D8%B1%D8%A9-%D8%B5%D9%82%D9%84%D9%8A%D8%A9-%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%B9%D8%B1%D8%A8%D9%8A%D8%A9 original] on 2021-06-08. Accessed on 2021-06-07. He also published an article on the history of the Jews and their festivals in Hyderabad in 1947.Glossary of Islamic Heritage in the Libraries of the World, p. 2905. The dearth of available sources has resulted in a number of discrepancies regarding his life and work. For instance, there is a lack of consensus on the date of his birth, with some sources indicating that he was born in the fourth century AH, while others provide no specific date. Additionally, there is a divergence of opinions regarding the span of his travels. Some sources limit these to a mere 26 years between 331 and 357,Summary of the Islamic Encyclopaedia c. 10, p. 3085 while others extend them to nearly 32 years.[https://shamela.ws/book/31586/325 Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs - Egypt - (no year of publication). Encyclopedia of General Islamic Concepts. Pp. 307, c1.] Archived from the [https://web.archive.org/web/20210625115412/https://al-maktaba.org/book/31586/325 original] on 2021-06-25. There was considerable divergence of opinion regarding his loyalties and ideological and political leanings. Some held the view that he was a political advocate,History of Arab geographical literature. P. 200. while others alleged that he was engaged in espionage on behalf of the Fatimids.Notable Arab Geographers, p. 210. These views may be attributed to his association with the Qarmatians of Bahrain, his condemnation of the inhabitants of Sicily, and his remarks concerning Andalusia, which could be interpreted as encouragement for the Fatimids or Abbasids to intervene in the region.History of Arab geographical literature, p. 204. Furthermore, he presented the initial manuscript of his book to Sayf al-Dawla al-Hamdani.History of Arab geographical literature. P. 201. The subsequent edition of the book evinces a pronounced inclination towards the Sunni Samanids.Summary of the Islamic Encyclopaedia, c. 10, p. 3035[https://islamstory.com/ar/artical/20962/%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%AF%D9%88%D9%84%D9%87-%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%B3%D8%A7%D9%85%D8%A7%D9%86%D9%8A%D9%87-%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%B3%D8%A7%D9%85%D8%A7%D9%86%D9%8A%D9%88%D9%86 "The Story of Islam | The Samanids The Samanids". islamstory.com]. Archived from the [https://web.archive.org/web/20210629153318/https://islamstory.com/ar/artical/20962/%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%AF%D9%88%D9%84%D9%87-%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%B3%D8%A7%D9%85%D8%A7%D9%86%D9%8A%D9%87-%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%B3%D8%A7%D9%85%D8%A7%D9%86%D9%8A%D9%88%D9%86 original] on 2021-06-29. Accessed on 2021-06-25. The discrepancy in historical accounts regarding his allegiance may be attributed to the reliance of some historians on the Leiden and Oxford versions of the Sourat Al-Ard, which exhibit a pronounced and discernible Fatimid bias. This bias is absent in the Paris version and the other five Istanbul versions.Requiem pour Ibn Hawqal, p. 194. The date of his death is also a point of contention. Haji Khalifa asserted that he died in 350 A.H.Kashf al-Zunun An Asamy Al-Kotob wa Alfonon, c. 2, p. 1664. Al-Babani, in Hidayat al-'Arifin, proposed that he died in Andalusia,Ismail Pasha al-Baghdadi (1951), Hidayat al-'Arifin, Names of Authors and Monuments of Classifiers (i. 1), Istanbul: Maarif Agency, c. 2, p. 43, QID:Q19491231 - via Comprehensive Library while Tehrani, in a different source, stated that he died in 380 A.H.Aqa Bazarak al-Tahrani (1983). Al-Dhari'ah to Tasanif al-Shia (3rd ed.). Beirut: Dar al-Adwaa. c. 20. p. 377.

There is consensus among researchers and other historians and bibliographers regarding the attribution of the book to Ibn Hawqal. However, some of them have differing opinions regarding the nomenclature of the book. Al-Babani,Ismail Pasha al-Baghdadi (1951), Hidayat al-'Arifin, Names of Authors and Monuments of Classifiers (i. 1), Istanbul: Maarif Agency, c. 2, p. 43, QID:Q19491231 - via Comprehensive Library Elian Sarkis,Joseph Elian Sarkis (1928), Dictionary of Arabic and Arabic Prints: It is comprehensive of the names of books printed in Eastern and Western countries with the names of their authors and a glimpse of their translation, from the day the printing appeared to the end of the Hijri year 1339 corresponding to 1919 AD, Cairo: Sarkis Library, c. 1, p. 90, OCLC:15180963, OL:12205831W, QID:Q108889739 - via Comprehensive Library and Haji Khalifa,Kashf al-Zunun An Asamy Al-Kotob wa Alfonon, c. 2, p. 1664. as well as Ibn Khallikan, attributed it to him in multiple instances within the Wafayyat al-Ayyan.See Ibn Khalkan's Wafayyat al-Ayyan: c. 4, pp. 173 and 268. Part 6, p. 421, and Part 7, p. 115 and p. 138. Additionally, numerous Orientalists who translated or otherwise engaged with the text, including William Uziel, Kramers, Weit, and De Goeje, concurred with this attribution.{{Cite web |date=2021-06-11 |title=The oriental geography of Ebn Haukal, an Arabian traveller of the tenth century. {{!}} Library of Congress |website=Library of Congress |url=https://www.loc.gov/resource/gdclccn.03017835/?st=gallery |access-date=2024-07-18 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210611232443/https://www.loc.gov/resource/gdclccn.03017835/?st=gallery |archive-date=2021-06-11 }}

There is a discrepancy among sources regarding the specific title of Ibn Hawqal's book. This discrepancy is likely due to the varying starting points of the available copies of the book,Al-Mudadi, Mr. Ahmed. [https://nosos.net/%D9%83%D8%AA%D8%A7%D8%A8-%D8%B5%D9%88%D8%B1%D8%A9-%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%A3%D8%B1%D8%B6-%D9%84%D8%A7%D8%A8%D9%86-%D8%AD%D9%88%D9%82%D9%84/ "Ibn Hawqal's Surat Al-Ard". Contemporary texts.] Archived from the [https://web.archive.org/web/20210302130333/http://nosos.net/%D9%83%D8%AA%D8%A7%D8%A8-%D8%B5%D9%88%D8%B1%D8%A9-%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%A3%D8%B1%D8%B6-%D9%84%D8%A7%D8%A8%D9%86-%D8%AD%D9%88%D9%82%D9%84/ original] on 2021-03-02. Accessed on 2021-06-07. as evidenced by the differing titles given by Ibn KhallikanSee Ibn Khalkan's Wafayyat al-Ayyan: c. 4, pp. 173 and 268. Part 6, p. 421, and Part 7, p. 115 and p. 138. the author of Kashf al-Zunun,Kashf al-Zunun An Asamy Al-Kotob wa Alfonon, c. 2, p. 1664. who referenced it as "Al-Masalek wa Al-Mamalek".T.Leiden, Mahrousa, Ibn Hawqal wa Al-Masalek and Al-Mamalek- M. J. DE GOEJE. This is the title that was used for the first edition published in Leiden.Abu'l-Kasim Ibn Haukal; Goeje, M. J. de (Michael Jan) (1873). Al-Masalak wa al-Mamalek Ibn Hawqal [Viae et regna, descriptio ditionis moslemicae auctore Abu'l-Kasim Ibn Haukal;]. Lugdunum Batavorum, Brill. Archived from the [https://web.archive.org/web/20130223021722/http://archive.org/details/viaeetregnadescr02ibnh original] on 2013-02-23. The title of the second edition, which is primarily based on the Istanbul edition, is "Surat Al-Ard."Ibn Hawqal (1938). Surat Al-Ard (2nd ed.). Leiden, Netherlands: Brill Press. Pp. Book cover. However, Ibn al-Adim referred to the book as "Goghraphia," stating that Ibn Hawqal, upon his departure from Baghdad in 331 AH, commenced the compilation of a geographical treatise, and made mention of the same in several instances,Boghiat Al-Talab fi Tarikh Halab. Pp. 66, 72, 86, 108, 108, 117, 128, 348. which is the name given to the work in the title of a copy held at the Egyptian Book House.[http://41.33.22.69/uhtbin/cgisirsi.exe/?ps=Jp51NMEsx3/ELDAR/X/9 "National Books and Documents House". 41.33.22.69.] Archived from the [https://web.archive.org/web/20210730195701/http://41.33.22.69/uhtbin/cgisirsi.exe/?ps=Jp51NMEsx3/ELDAR/X/9 original] on 2021-07-30. Accessed on 2021-07-14. In addition, Sibt ibn al-Jawzi cites Ibn Hawqal on more than one occasion in Mirat al-Zaman, referring to his book as "Al-Aqaleem".Mirat al-Zaman, c. 1, pp. 74, 91, 100, 110. c. 2, p. 313. C. 16, p. 476. Furthermore, this information is also found in Al-Suyuti's Hosn al-Muhadhirah fi al-Tarikh Misr wa al-Qahira (The History of Egypt and Cairo).[https://shamela.ws/book/3283/30 al-Suyuti (1967). Hosn al-Muhadhirah fi al-Tarikh Misr wa al-Qahira (1st ed.). Egypt: Dar Ihya al-Kutub al-Arabiya. Pp. 23, c. 1]. Archived from the [https://web.archive.org/web/20210625112613/https://al-maktaba.org/book/3283/30 original] on 2021-06-25. A similar title is found in Copy 3012 in Topkapi, which begins with the words "Description of the Islamic regions and other provinces and the mountains and seas therein."Requiem pour Ibn Hawqal, p. 197. Sibt Ibn al-Jawzi makes reference to it in another sourceMirat al-Zaman, p. 313, c. 2 as "Ajaeb al-Dunya wa Sefteha," which is also the title of Copy 2934 in Hagia Sophia.Requiem pour Ibn Hawqal, p. 194.

Ibn Hawqal's account of the Earth is informed by a particular method of reporting information. When he encounters a piece of news that he questions, he prefaces it with one of three introductory phrases: "They claim," "it is said," or "it is narrated." In addition to providing descriptions of countries and kingdoms, Ibn Hawqal also offered insights into their economies, political systems, and natural environments.Pioneers of the science of geography in Arab civilization. P. 108. The text provides a detailed account of the city's infrastructure, including its roads, routes, economic resources, markets, and production. It also offers insights into the city's urbanization process, the prevailing political situation,[http://www.habous.gov.ma/daouat-alhaq/item/1778 "The Call of Truth - Ibn Hawqal in Morocco and Andalusia". Ministry of Endowments and Islamic Affairs]. Archived from the [https://web.archive.org/web/20200808060917/http://www.habous.gov.ma/daouat-alhaq/item/1778 original] on 2020-08-08. Accessed on 2021-06-07. and the characteristics and customs of its inhabitants.Al-Muqtabas, p. 768. Additionally, he was interested in accurately describing cities, including their commercial activities and facilities, as well as the relationship between their locations and climatic conditions.Ragheb al-Sarjani (2007). Science and Nation Building (in Arabic) (1st ed.). Cairo: Iqraa Foundation. Archived from the [https://web.archive.org/web/20150321083441/https://archive.org/details/waq89609 original] on 2015-03-21. Nevertheless, in a manner similar to that of the classical Arab geographical school, he confined himself to delineating the boundaries of the "Islamic Regions."History of Arab geographical literature, p. 205. The book's scope was not limited to geography; rather, it encompassed a diverse array of scientific disciplines. Additionally, the book encompasses historical, biographical, mineralogical, ethnographic, archaeological, and numismatic content, with select chapters structured in the format of a tourist guide.Al-Muqtabas, p. 770. Ibn Hawqal appropriated from Istakhri both the structure of the book and a portion of its content. A comparative analysis of the two texts reveals that Ibn Hawqal incorporated entire chapters from Istikhari, including sections on the Arabian peninsula, the Arabian Gulf, Khuzestan, Persia, Kerman, the Indus basin, Dilm, and the Caspian Sea. Although he added important but brief additions to it, additionally, he drew the majority of his research on Egypt, the Levant, Iraq, and Mesopotamia from him. Ibn Hawqal's ingenuity is most evident in the chapters on the Islamic West,Flags of Arab geographers. P. 211. which account for approximately 61 pages of his book.Ibn Hawqal and his geographical travels to the western wing of the Islamic state, p. 15.

Ibn Hawqal's work is distinguished by the incorporation of a dedicated map for each region he discussed.Pioneers of the science of geography in Arab civilization. P. 108. Moreover, his maps surpassed the precision of Istakhri's maps,Al-Rehla wa Al-Rahala Al-Muslimoon. P. 117. exhibiting a distinctive and original approach that set them apart from the cartographic works of other geographers.Summary of the Islamic Encyclopaedia, c. 10, p. 3085. However, he adopted the methodology of Muslim geographers, situating the south at the apex of the map.Evaluation of Ibn Hawqal's maps in Surat Al-Ard, p. 431. He commenced with the construction of a map entitled "The Picture of the Whole Earth," which depicted the known world of his era in a circular configuration, encompassed by the Ocean Sea on all sides. Additionally, he delineated the coastlines with linear and arc-shaped elements and depicted inland seas and islands with circular symbols.Iman Eid Abdul Hamid (2018). "Arabic Cartography in the Fourth Century AH (10th AD)". Journal of the Egyptian Scientific Society. Pp. 142-152. DOI:10.21608/JFNILE.2018.87178.

Ibn Hawqal drew upon a number of sources in his composition of Surat Al-Ard, including Abu Zayd Ahmad ibn Sahl al-Balkhi's who died in 934Summary of the Islamic Encyclopaedia, c. 10, p. 3032. book Surat Al-Aqaleem, which consists primarily of maps accompanied by succinct annotations.Ahsan al-taqasim fi ma'rifat al-qayyim al-qayyim, p. 12. The following books are of particular interest in this context: those of Muhammad ibn Khurdzaba, Qadama ibn Ja'far al-Kateb, Abu 'Uthman ibn Bahr al-Jahiz,Al-Muqtabas, p. 767. and Istikhari's Al-Masalek al Mamalek.[https://shamela.ws/book/31854/27083 "Al-Risala Magazine - Ibn Huqal". Modern Comprehensive Library.] Archived from the [https://web.archive.org/web/20210503154644/https://al-maktaba.org/book/31854/27083 original] on 2021-05-03. Accessed on 2021-05-02. Additionally, his observations during his travels constituted a substantial repository of material for his book.Al-Mudadi, Mr. Ahmed. [https://nosos.net/%D9%83%D8%AA%D8%A7%D8%A8-%D8%B5%D9%88%D8%B1%D8%A9-%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%A3%D8%B1%D8%B6-%D9%84%D8%A7%D8%A8%D9%86-%D8%AD%D9%88%D9%82%D9%84/ "Ibn Hawqal's Surat Al-Ard". Contemporary texts.] Archived from the [https://web.archive.org/web/20210302130333/http://nosos.net/%D9%83%D8%AA%D8%A7%D8%A8-%D8%B5%D9%88%D8%B1%D8%A9-%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%A3%D8%B1%D8%B6-%D9%84%D8%A7%D8%A8%D9%86-%D8%AD%D9%88%D9%82%D9%84/ original] on 2021-03-02. Accessed on 2021-06-07.

Ibn Hawqal's book has a multitude of manuscripts dispersed among various libraries. In Istanbul, within the Topkapi Saray Museum, there is a manuscript dating back to 1086 ADHistory of Arab geographical literature. P. 201. and catalogued as 3346,Ibn Hawqal (1938). Surat Al-Ard (2nd ed.). Leiden, Netherlands: Brill Press. Pp. 16. which originated from the treasury of Sultan Ahmed.Taysir Khalaf. [https://www.alaraby.co.uk/%D8%A7%D8%A8%D9%86-%D8%AD%D9%88%D9%82%D9%84-%D9%87%D8%AC%D8%A7%D8%A1-%D9%84%D8%A7%D8%B0%D8%B9-%D9%84%D8%A5%D9%85%D8%A7%D8%B1%D8%A9-%D8%B5%D9%82%D9%84%D9%8A%D8%A9-%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%B9%D8%B1%D8%A8%D9%8A%D8%A9 "Ibn Hawqal. A scathing satire of the Arab Emirate of Sicily." The New Arab.] Archived from the [https://web.archive.org/web/20210608100220/https://www.alaraby.co.uk/%D8%A7%D8%A8%D9%86-%D8%AD%D9%88%D9%82%D9%84-%D9%87%D8%AC%D8%A7%D8%A1-%D9%84%D8%A7%D8%B0%D8%B9-%D9%84%D8%A5%D9%85%D8%A7%D8%B1%D8%A9-%D8%B5%D9%82%D9%84%D9%8A%D8%A9-%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%B9%D8%B1%D8%A8%D9%8A%D8%A9 original] on 2021-06-08. Accessed on 2021-06-07. Another edition, No. 3347, and a third, No. 3012, copied in 867 AH/1463 AD,Requiem pour Ibn Hawqal, p: 200. was attributed by Thomas Day Goodrich to Ibn Hawqal in an article in which he focused on the geographical maps contained in the Topkapi library. However, other scholars have attributed it to Istikhari because some of its chapters are similar to his work, especially the chapter on the Kerman region. Nevertheless, a number of other chapters lend support to the initial hypothesis. The author discusses the inhabitants of Upper Souss, their division into Maliki Sunnis and Shiites, the conflicts between the two enemies of Fez, and his description of his visit to Andalusia and Udagast. These topics are not addressed by Istikhari.Requiem pour Ibn Hawqal, pp. 197-198. Additionally, two manuscripts of the book are housed at the Süleymaniye Library in Istanbul. Hagia Sophia 2934 contains meticulously positioned maps and a comprehensive dedication to Sayf al-Dawla, Emir of Aleppo and Hagia Sophia 2577MRequiem pour Ibn Hawqal, p. 194. which was copied in 711 AH-1311 AD.Requiem pour Ibn Hawqal, p: 200. The Museum of Antiquities possesses a copy of the manuscript, designated as No. 573, comprising 103 pages.Glossary of Islamic Heritage in the Libraries of the World, page 2906. A further manuscript, entitled Al-Masalek wa Al-Mamalek (No. 2215-FB), is held at the King Faisal Center for Research and Islamic Studies.[https://islamport.com/l/dll/5985/13141.htm "Treasury of Heritage Manuscripts Catalog". islamport.com]. Archived from the [https://web.archive.org/web/20210713121825/http://islamport.com/l/dll/5985/13141.htm original] on 2021-07-13. Accessed on 2021-07-13. This manuscript also contains pages not included in the previous manuscript, No. 2216-FB.{{Cite web |date=2021-06-11 |title=The oriental geography of Ebn Haukal, an Arabian traveller of the tenth century. {{!}} Library of Congress |website=Library of Congress |url=https://www.loc.gov/resource/gdclccn.03017835/?st=gallery |access-date=2024-07-18 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210611232443/https://www.loc.gov/resource/gdclccn.03017835/?st=gallery |archive-date=2021-06-11 }}

In the Leiden University Library in the Netherlands, there is a manuscript bearing the title Surat Al-Ard and the catalog number Or. 314,[https://catalogue.leidenuniv.nl/discovery/fulldisplay?vid=31UKB_LEU:UBL_V1&docid=alma9939281623902711&context=L&lang=en "catalogue.leidenuniv.nl". catalogue.leidenuniv.nl.] Archived from the [https://web.archive.org/web/20210709183231/https://catalogue.leidenuniv.nl/primo-explore/fulldisplay?vid=UBL_V1&lang=en_US&docid=UBL_ALMA21323374550002711&context=L original] on 2021-07-09. Retrieved 2021-07-04. copied on 23 Safar 926 (February 13, 1520).Requiem pour Ibn Hawqal, p: 200. A second copy, numbered 2214, is held by the National Library in Paris. This was created in 849 AH (1445 AD),[https://archivesetmanuscrits.bnf.fr/ark:/12148/cc12992d "Consultation". archivesetmanuscrits.bnf.fr.] Archived from the [https://web.archive.org/web/20210611043703/https://archivesetmanuscrits.bnf.fr/ark:/12148/cc12992d original] on 2021-06-11. Accessed on 2021-06-10. and represents an abbreviation of the text of copy 3346 in Istanbul. It includes a number of additional sections covering the period from 534 AH (1139 AD) to 580 AH (1184 AD). Additionally, a copy is housed in the Bodleian Library at Oxford University (Huntington 538).Requiem pour Ibn Hawqal, pp. 197-198. A fragment of the book, No. 3/800, titled Kitab al-Baladan, is housed in the Biblioteca Ambrosiana in Milan, Italy. It bears the computer number 12/14 and is written in Mashriqi script.{{Cite book |url=http://archive.org/details/waq24508 |title=waq24508 |language=Arabic}}

Additionally, there are other manuscripts that are primarily photocopies of previous manuscripts, including: A copy of the work, entitled The Book of Countries, is located in the Film Microfilm Library at the Department of Manuscripts at the Islamic University, catalogued as No. 800/3.[https://islamport.com/l/dll/5985/78343.htm "Treasury of Heritage Manuscripts Catalog". islamport.com.] Archived from the [https://web.archive.org/web/20210717023847/http://islamport.com/l/dll/5985/78343.htm original] on 2021-07-17. Accessed on 2021-07-13. The Doha Library in Qatar has two copies of the same item, one titled Description of the Islamic Regions and Others (No. F 374) and the other titled Kingdoms and Tracts (No. F 375). The former is from manuscript No. 3012 in the library of Ahmed III,[https://islamport.com/l/dll/5985/75891.htm "Treasury of Heritage Manuscripts Catalog". islamport.com]. Archived from the [https://web.archive.org/web/20210713130321/http://islamport.com/l/dll/5985/75891.htm original] on 2021-07-13. Accessed on 2021-07-13. while the latter is from Ahmed III, 30 Geography.[https://islamport.com/l/dll/5985/75893.htm "Treasury of Heritage Manuscripts Catalog". islamport.com.] Archived from the [https://web.archive.org/web/20210716124505/http://islamport.com/l/dll/5985/75893.htm original] on 2021-07-16. Accessed on 2021-07-13. Additionally, the Egyptian National Library and Archives has a copy comprising 273 illustrated pages and the 258th volume of the Geography series.[http://41.33.22.69/uhtbin/cgisirsi.exe/?ps=WRCQthIVzk/ELDAR/X/2/1000 "National Books and Documents House".] Archived from the [https://web.archive.org/web/20210725075907/http://41.33.22.69/uhtbin/cgisirsi.exe/?ps=WRCQthIVzk%2FELDAR%2FX%2F2%2F1000 original] on 2021-07-25. Accessed on 2021-07-14. Another, No. 259, is entitled "The Forms of the Earth's Forms and Their Magnitude in Longitude and Latitude," which is more commonly known as "Geography." This field of study encompasses the form and description of the Earth's forms, their magnitude in longitude and latitude, and the drawing thereof. Additionally, it includes the examination of countries and their regions, as well as the urbanization of Muslim countries. The presentation of relevant images is also a crucial aspect of this field of study.[http://41.33.22.69/uhtbin/cgisirsi.exe/?ps=Jp51NMEsx3/ELDAR/X/9 "National Books and Documents House". 41.33.22.69]. Archived from the [https://web.archive.org/web/20210730195701/http://41.33.22.69/uhtbin/cgisirsi.exe/?ps=Jp51NMEsx3/ELDAR/X/9 original] on 2021-07-30. Accessed on 2021-07-14. It is an exemplar of the Topkapi manuscript. The National Library of France possesses a copy of the Leiden manuscript, catalogued as number 2215.[https://gallica.bnf.fr/ark:/12148/btv1b11001815x Ibn ḤAWQAL Auteur du. Masalek wa Mamalek « Routes et royaumes », traité de géographie, par Ibn Ḥauqal (French)]. Archived from the [https://web.archive.org/web/20210715112834/https://gallica.bnf.fr/ark:/12148/btv1b11001815x original] on 2021-07-15.

As there are numerous manuscripts of the book, there are also a multitude of versions of the book.Requiem pour Ibn Hawqal, p: 200.

• The earliest extant version is dated approximately 355 AH (966 AD) and is based on manuscript Topkapi No. 3012.
• The 356 AH-967 AD copy is purported to have been dedicated to Sayf al-Dawla and is based on manuscripts. The relevant manuscripts are Hagia Sophia 2934, Topkapi 3347, and Paris 2214. This copy incorporates digressions and updates to passages of the original text, which may have been made by one or more authors from the 12th century AD. These updates concern the period between 540 and 580 AH, and also include intellectual amendments. For example, in other manuscripts, the phrase "Amir al-Mu'minin Ali (peace be upon him)" has been altered to "Amir al-Mu'minin Ali ibn Abi Talib (may Allah be pleased with him)." However, these ideological adjustments remain isolated and do not justify other anachronisms present in the text. Furthermore, evidence suggests that Ibn Hawqal himself participated in the editing of this version, specifically in the passage where he discusses Byzantine control of Aleppo. Ibn Hawqal did not offer an opinion regarding the incident. However, in the latest version, the passage has been modified to include a scathing criticism of Sayf al-Dawla, attributing the fall of Aleppo to "Sayf al-Dawla's mismanagement and his sickness."
• The anti-Fatimid version was produced between 972 and 976 AD. The text is based on the Leiden and Bodleian manuscripts.
• The final version, dating from 979 AD, is based on manuscript 3346. Hagia Sophia 2577M.

Surat Al-Ard has been subjected to similar criticism or praise as other literary works. In his book, History of Arabic Geographical Literature, the Russian orientalist Krachkovsky asserts that the book's material is presented accurately and in detail, while elucidating some essential points.History of Arab geographical literature, p. 202. Ahmed Ramadan Ahmed posited that the author's writing style is distinguished by a notable degree of ease and clarity. His sentences are concise and direct, devoid of poetic devices such as rhyme or metaphor.The Muslim Journey and Travelers, Ahmed Ramadan Ahmed, Dar al-Bayan al-Arabi, p. 118. In his research, Dr. Fawzi Marwan Mansouri characterizes the maps of the Earth's image as "independent of Greek and Roman foreign influence and belonging to the maps of the renewed Islamic school."Evaluation of Ibn Hawqal's maps in The Image of the Earth, p. 426. Nevertheless, Ibn Hawqal's work has been subjected to criticism for failing to provide specific names, omitting details regarding lengths and widths,Kashf al-Zunun on the names of books and arts, c. 1, p. 468. and focusing exclusively on the largest Islamic countries, while only briefly mentioning others. Additionally, he has been accused of committing errors and perpetuating misconceptions due to his reliance on first-hand observations and second-hand accounts without sufficient verification or scrutiny.Joseph Elian Sarkis (1928), Dictionary of Arabic and Arabic Prints: It is comprehensive of the names of books printed in Eastern and Western countries with the names of their authors and a glimpse of their translation, from the day the printing appeared to the end of the Hijri year 1339 corresponding to 1919 AD, Cairo: Sarkis Library, c. 1, p. 90, OCLC:15180963, OL:12205831W, QID:Q108889739 - via Comprehensive Library His account of Sicily is regarded as one of the most scarce and intriguing testimonies in Arabic geographical literature, offering a unique insight into the island's everyday life despite the challenging circumstances under which it was written.[https://www.alaraby.co.uk/%D8%A7%D8%A8%D9%86-%D8%AD%D9%88%D9%82%D9%84-%D9%87%D8%AC%D8%A7%D8%A1-%D9%84%D8%A7%D8%B0%D8%B9-%D9%84%D8%A5%D9%85%D8%A7%D8%B1%D8%A9-%D8%B5%D9%82%D9%84%D9%8A%D8%A9-%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%B9%D8%B1%D8%A8%D9%8A%D8%A9 Taysir Khalaf. "Ibn Hawqal. A scathing satire of the Arab Emirate of Sicily." The New Arab.] Archived from the [https://web.archive.org/web/20210608100220/https://www.alaraby.co.uk/%D8%A7%D8%A8%D9%86-%D8%AD%D9%88%D9%82%D9%84-%D9%87%D8%AC%D8%A7%D8%A1-%D9%84%D8%A7%D8%B0%D8%B9-%D9%84%D8%A5%D9%85%D8%A7%D8%B1%D8%A9-%D8%B5%D9%82%D9%84%D9%8A%D8%A9-%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%B9%D8%B1%D8%A8%D9%8A%D8%A9 original] on 2021-06-08. Accessed on 2021-06-07. Ibn Hawqal was quite critical of Sicily, citing the prevalence of mosques and describing the local teachers as uninformed and misguided.Journey and Muslim travelers. P. 120. He also asserted that many of them engaged in teaching as a means of evading jihad.[http://remacle.org/bloodwolf/arabe/ibnhaucal/Palerme.htm "IBN HAWQAL : Description de Palerme". remacle.org]. Archived from the [https://web.archive.org/web/20200810062100/http://remacle.org/bloodwolf/arabe/ibnhaucal/Palerme.htm original] on 2020-08-10. Accessed on 2021-06-11. Additionally, he expressed strong disapproval of the people of Andalusia and their knights, portraying them as inferior.Journey and Muslim travelers. P. 126. He presented a critical portrayal of the Andalusians and their military and administrative system, expressing astonishment at their ability to maintain independence until that point without being subject to the authority of the Islamic Levant.History of Arab geographical literature, p. 204. Ibn Said al-Andalusi offered a response in defense of the people of Andalusia. "I saw no reason to substantiate this chapter, despite the fact that my countrymen have been subjected to injustice and intolerance, which are not veiled. The language employed in the response is more eloquent than that of rhetoric. I question whether the people of this island have lost their faculties, opinions, spirits, and courage. They have managed it with their opinions and minds while observing its neighboring enemies for over five hundred years and protecting it with their valour from the nations with which they are connected, both within and outside of their territory."Ahmad al-Maqqari al-Tilmani (1997), [https://shamela.ws/book/1002 Nafh al-Tayyib mun Ghosn al-Andalus al-Rutayb, ed: Ihsan Abbas], Beirut: Dar Sadr, c. 1, p. 212, QID:Q120886066 - via Comprehensive Library Nevertheless, his description of Andalusia represents the first plausible yet comprehensive and coherent account of the region.Summary of the Islamic Encyclopaedia, c. 5, p. 1311.

The book was printed in Leiden by the Academic Press in 1822 AD and comprised 194 pages. The introduction, written in Latin, occupied 14 pages.[https://196.218.25.162/cgi-bin/koha/opac-ISBDdetail.pl?biblionumber=3752 "Institute of Arabic Manuscripts. 196.218.25.162.] Archived from the [https://web.archive.org/web/20210724195504/http://196.218.25.162/cgi-bin/koha/opac-ISBDdetail.pl?biblionumber=3752 original] on 2021-07-24. Accessed on 2021-07-13. In 1873 AD, the orientalist De Khoie published the book in Leiden under the title Tracts and Kingdoms. This was the second part of the Arab Geographical Library series, relying on copies from the Leiden and Oxford treasuries, as well as a copy from the Paris National Bookstore, which he called the Parisian compendium. In 1938, the orientalist Kramers published another edition at the Brill Press in Leiden, relying on the copy of the Antique Serai Treasury in Istanbul, the De Goeje edition, and some other sources.[https://ar.m.wikisource.org/wiki/%D9%85%D8%AC%D9%84%D8%A9_%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%B1%D8%B3%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%A9/%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%B9%D8%AF%D8%AF_354/%D8%A7%D9%84%D9%83%D8%AA%D8%A8 Korkis Awad. "Books". Al-Risala Magazine (Paperback). P. 354.] Archived from the [https://web.archive.org/web/20210625000113/https://ar.m.wikisource.org/wiki/%D9%85%D8%AC%D9%84%D8%A9_%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%B1%D8%B3%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%A9/%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%B9%D8%AF%D8%AF_354/%D8%A7%D9%84%D9%83%D8%AA%D8%A8 original] on 2021-06-25. Accessed on 2021-06-24. This edition was titled Saurt Al-Ard.[https://www.habous.gov.ma/daouat-alhaq/item/1778 "The Call of Truth - Ibn Hawqal in Morocco and Andalusia". Ministry of Endowments and Islamic Affairs.] Archived from the [https://web.archive.org/web/20200808060917/http://www.habous.gov.ma/daouat-alhaq/item/1778 original] on 2020-08-08. Accessed on 2021-06-07. In 1926 AD, the Adolf Helzhausen Press published in Vienna an edition titled Surat Al-Ard from Cities, Mountains, Seas, Islands and Rivers. This edition was produced under the care and correction of Hans von Muzik.[https://196.218.25.162/cgi-bin/koha/opac-detail.pl?biblionumber=3750 "Institute of Arabic Manuscripts".] Archived from the [https://web.archive.org/web/20210724200205/http://196.218.25.162/cgi-bin/koha/opac-detail.pl?biblionumber=3750 original] on 2021-07-24. Accessed on 2021-07-14. In the same year, an illustrated offset edition was published in Baghdad.[https://196.218.25.162/cgi-bin/koha/opac-detail.pl?biblionumber=3751 "Institute of Arabic Manuscripts"]. Archived from the [https://web.archive.org/web/20210724194222/http://196.218.25.162/cgi-bin/koha/opac-detail.pl?biblionumber=3751 original] on 2021-07-24. Accessed on 2021-07-14. The book was first printed in Beirut by Dar al-Sadr in 1938.[https://shamela.ws/book/11780 "Surat Al-Ard". Modern Comprehensive Library.] Archived from the [https://web.archive.org/web/20200703061301/https://al-maktaba.org/book/11780 original] on 2020-07-03. Accessed on 2021-01-02. Subsequently, in 1992, another edition was published by Al-Hayat Library.Surat Al-Ard. Beirut, Lebanon: Al-Hayat Library. 1992. An additional edition was published by Dar al-Kitab al-Islami, the date of publication of which is currently unknown.[http://41.33.22.69/uhtbin/cgisirsi.exe/?ps=PV598cSMsE/ELDAR/X/9 "National Books and Documents House". 41.33.22.69]. Archived from the [https://web.archive.org/web/20210730205716/http://41.33.22.69/uhtbin/cgisirsi.exe/?ps=PV598cSMsE/ELDAR/X/9 original] on 2021-07-30. Accessed on 2021-07-14. In Egypt, the Nawabag Al-Fikr Company published the inaugural edition of the book in 2009.[https://library.ecssr.ae/cgi-bin/koha/opac-detail.pl?biblionumber=194089&shelfbrowse_itemnumber=312132 The Book of Surat Al-Ard (1st ed.).] Cairo: Nawabag Al-Fikr Company. 2009. {{ISBN|978-977-6305-44-1}}. Archived from the [https://web.archive.org/web/20210724194310/https://library.ecssr.ae/cgi-bin/koha/opac-detail.pl?biblionumber=194089&shelfbrowse_itemnumber=312132 original] on 2021-07-24.

Ibn Hawqal's oriental geography was first published in London in 1800. The English edition was translated by Sir Willem Uzzelli from an earlier Persian version.[http://remacle.org/bloodwolf/arabe/ibnhaucal/Palerme.htm "IBN HAWQAL : Description de Palerme". remacle.org]. Archived from the [https://web.archive.org/web/20200810062100/http://remacle.org/bloodwolf/arabe/ibnhaucal/Palerme.htm original] on 2020-08-10. Accessed on 2021-06-11.[https://www.loc.gov/resource/gdclccn.03017835/?sp=5 "Image 5 of The oriental geography of Ebn Haukal, an Arabian traveller of the tenth century". Library of Congress, Washington, D.C. 20540 USA.] Archived from the [https://web.archive.org/web/20210612045149/https://www.loc.gov/resource/gdclccn.03017835/?sp=5 original] on 2021-06-12. Accessed on 2021-06-11. The book was translated into French by Kramers and Veit and published in Beirut and Paris in 1964 and 1965 under the title Configuration de la Terre.[https://ccfr.bnf.fr/portailccfr/ark:/16871/00110584266 Muhammad ibn 'Ali al-Nasibi Abu al-Qasim؛ undefined (1964–1965). Ibn Hawqal. Configuration de la terre, kitab Surat al-ard. Introduction et traduction, avec index, par J. H. Kramers et G. Wiet... Beyrouth: al-Lagna ad-duwaliya li-targamat ar-rawa'i'.] Archived from the [https://web.archive.org/web/20210612053303/https://ccfr.bnf.fr/portailccfr/ark:/06871/00110584266 original] on 2021-06-12. Additionally, the book was translated into Turkish by Ramazan Sisin and published in Istanbul in 2017 under the title Islamic Geography in the Tenth Century (Turkish: 10. Asırda İslam Coğrafyası).[http://kaynakca.hacettepe.edu.tr/eser/39060578/10-asirda-islam-cografyasi "10. Asırda İslam Coğrafyası". kaynakca.hacettepe.edu.tr]. Archived from the [https://web.archive.org/web/20210718130645/http://kaynakca.hacettepe.edu.tr/eser/39060578/10-asirda-islam-cografyasi original] on 2021-07-18. Accessed on 2021-07-16.

There are partial editions in which only parts of the book were published:[https://ar.m.wikisource.org/wiki/%D9%85%D8%AC%D9%84%D8%A9_%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%B1%D8%B3%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%A9/%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%B9%D8%AF%D8%AF_323/%D8%A7%D8%A8%D9%86_%D8%AD%D9%88%D9%82%D9%84 Mikhail Awad. "Ibn Hawqal". Al-Risala Magazine (paper). p. 323.] Archived from the [https://web.archive.org/web/20210624222719/https://ar.m.wikisource.org/wiki/%D9%85%D8%AC%D9%84%D8%A9_%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%B1%D8%B3%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%A9/%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%B9%D8%AF%D8%AF_323/%D8%A7%D8%A8%D9%86_%D8%AD%D9%88%D9%82%D9%84 original] on 2021-06-24. Accessed on 2021-06-24.

• In his 1822 Leiden publication, Orientalist Hamaker's study, entitled "Kholasat Akhbar Almosafer wa Aljam, fi Marefat Belad Iraq Alajam", focused on the non-Arab Iraqi population.
• The section on Sindh was published in Bonn in 1838, accompanied by a Latin translation.
• The section pertaining to Sajestan was published by the Orientalist Régis Blachère in his book. In 1932, the Monuments of Medieval Arab Geographers was published in Beirut. This work presents selections from the aforementioned texts in Arabic, with footnotes and notes in French.
• The section of the text pertaining to Africa is entitled: A French translation of Ibn Hawqal's Description de l'Afrique, translated by Baron McGuckin de Slane and printed in Paris in 1842.[https://babel.hathitrust.org/cgi/pt?id=uc1.31158004689260&seq=1 Abūʹl-Qāsim (1842). Description de l'Afrique,.] [Paris,. Archived from the [https://web.archive.org/web/20210717133451/https://babel.hathitrust.org/cgi/pt?id=uc1.31158004689260&view=1up&seq=1 original] on 2021-07-17.
• The section of the text pertaining to the capital of the island of Sicily, Palermo, entitled Description de Palerme (French: Description de Palerme au milieu du Xe siècle de l'ère vulgaire), was printed by the Italian orientalist Amari, with a French translation, at the Royal Press in Paris in 1845.[https://babel.hathitrust.org/cgi/pt?id=mdp.39015026682693&seq=9 Muhammad (1845.). Description de Palerme au milieu du Xe siècle de l'ère vulgaire,. Paris],Archived from the [https://web.archive.org/web/20210717133231/https://babel.hathitrust.org/cgi/pt?id=mdp.39015026682693&view=1up&seq=9 original] on July 17, 2021.
• Surat Al-Ard,Special part of Morocco and Spain (Spanish: Configuración del mundo; fragmentos al Magreb y España) is a Spanish translation published in 1971.[https://catalog.loc.gov/vwebv/search?searchCode=LCCN&searchArg=80467455&searchType=1&permalink=y&__cf_chl_jschl_tk__=59fa332c2974ba89965a5930dac0e7f7a196252a-1625484009-0-ARBdT1Jv0UmxTgiQ3G36YM57kHDE6_Mbqf1tScFxqrr54fUuCEQsQKkEjAl7-qnU9LFJ0fwUJsyCRuY9o26aJJ5XjbBGEpy3dqKKCWk-zRxAGoFFI8elf4ZwxFYCt43_2byrpWtlRTuZ0RdqkaY0FQzcdl0QpFK6qGjOHEjd-S8PFU3j99Yyz6Wqvt3p7wEGo5BdOOgN7Tk3TR9XeicUhAcI-2ODWd7VRacIdoZZaGNlJRo81NKyOzML9NevIGUe4YjvP6D2cg_N4SgFwFUcVHnrECeWZXmm0GyngVBz_rU8bNAmAtX1sgLtgCQOH4ntM9zUIUiJHpyjCsyUsltQ8p2lq2s0vyhxY_GO2Tmu9KJGvuGxRcxi5cvketwdwZEZYcQ2oIU9sJEi58oYvrAxTfokMIPVrEYFfffA5lAgarmJzDk6ASZ76cHobZzD8YQXSZNMlFj3GUOyDX18LfmbEvs33uK8gtsV4KeD6GWvFdb7qKPIhiNOQeZLGzufMvnEpLqN1uSJTllpav4zpD3JQz_3EjE4WWbhFsT1a_OQsk4V Muhammad (1971). Configuration of the world: fragments alluding to the Maghreb and Spain. Medieval texts (Bspaara). Valencia.] Archived from the [https://web.archive.org/web/20210709183548/https://catalog.loc.gov/vwebv/search?searchCode=LCCN&searchArg=80467455&searchType=1&permalink=y&__cf_chl_jschl_tk__=59fa332c2974ba89965a5930dac0e7f7a196252a-1625484009-0-ARBdT1Jv0UmxTgiQ3G36YM57kHDE6_Mbqf1tScFxqrr54fUuCEQsQKkEjAl7-qnU9LFJ0fwUJsyCRuY9o26aJJ5XjbBGEpy3dqKKCWk-zRxAGoFFI8elf4ZwxFYCt43_2byrpWtlRTuZ0RdqkaY0FQzcdl0QpFK6qGjOHEjd-S8PFU3j99Yyz6Wqvt3p7wEGo5BdOOgN7Tk3TR9XeicUhAcI-2ODWd7VRacIdoZZaGNlJRo81NKyOzML9NevIGUe4YjvP6D2cg_N4SgFwFUcVHnrECeWZXmm0GyngVBz_rU8bNAmAtX1sgLtgCQOH4ntM9zUIUiJHpyjCsyUsltQ8p2lq2s0vyhxY_GO2Tmu9KJGvuGxRcxi5cvketwdwZEZYcQ2oIU9sJEi58oYvrAxTfokMIPVrEYFfffA5lAgarmJzDk6ASZ76cHobZzD8YQXSZNMlFj3GUOyDX18LfmbEvs33uK8gtsV4KeD6GWvFdb7qKPIhiNOQeZLGzufMvnEpLqN1uSJTllpav4zpD3JQz_3EjE4WWbhFsT1a_OQsk4V original] on 2021-07-09.

Ibn Hawqal's book is known by two names: Surat Al-Ard and Al-Masalek wa Al-Mamalek.T.Leiden, Mahrousa, Ibn Hawqal wa Al-Masalek and Al-Mamalek- M. J. DE GOEJE. There are additional works that share the names as well.Ibn Hawqal and his geographical travels to the western wing of the Islamic state, p. 5.

The term "Surat Al-Ard (Image of the Earth)" is derived from the Arabic translation of the Greek word "geography."Kashf al-Zanun, p. 590, c1. Among the books bearing this title is a work by Abu Musa Al-Khwarizmi,[https://data.bnf.fr/fr/11960306/abu__abd_allah_muh_ammad_ibn_musa_al-_h_uwarizmi_kitab_s_urat_al-ard_/ Abū ʿAbd Allāh Muḥammad ibn Mūsā al-. Kitāb ṣūrat al-arḍ (French).] Archived from the [https://web.archive.org/web/20210709201853/https://data.bnf.fr/fr/11960306/abu__abd_allah_muh_ammad_ibn_musa_al-_h_uwarizmi_kitab_s_urat_al-ard_/ original] on 2021-07-09. a copy of which is housed in the National Academic Library (Strasbourg) in France.Summary of the Islamic Encyclopaedia, p. 4780, C15. Additionally, Abu Zayd al-Balkhi's Surat Al-Ard,Boghiat Altalab fi Tarikh Halab, p. 147, c. 1. which has been designated by some as the Surat Al-Aqaleem,[https://shamela.ws/book/9989/499 "Islamic Civilization: Its Foundations and Means, Images of Muslim Applications, and Glimpses of Its Impact on Other Nations." Modern Comprehensive Library.] Archived from the [https://web.archive.org/web/20210709185325/https://al-maktaba.org/book/9989/499 original] on 2021-07-09. Accessed on 2021-07-04. is worthy of mention. A treatise by Thābit ibn Qurra al-Harani.[https://ismi.mpiwg-berlin.mpg.de/text/114787 "Kitāb ṣūraẗ al-arḍ | ISMI". ismi.mpiwg-berlin.mpg.de.] Archived from the [https://web.archive.org/web/20210711013618/https://ismi.mpiwg-berlin.mpg.de/text/114787 original] on 2021-07-11. Accessed on 2021-07-04. The image of the land is by Ishaq ibn al-Hasan al-Qurtubi, also known as Ibn al-Zayyat. It is a copy of No. 1/408 of 41 leaves from the Burdur Library in Turkey.Dictionary of Islamic Heritage in the Libraries of the World, page 629.

There are numerous books that bear the names of Al-Masalek wa Al-Mamalek.T.Leiden, Mahrousa, Ibn Hawqal wa Al-Masalek and Al-Mamalek- M. J. DE GOEJE. Some even posit that it constitute a science that is more closely aligned with descriptive geography.Dear book. P. 6. This science originated during the Abbasid era, when the compilers and bookkeepers amassed data on various geographical features, including roads, tracts, revenue, imports, expenditures, and place names. Ibn Khordadbeh's Al-Masalek wa Al-Mamalek, which he authored in 232 AH/846 AD, represents the inaugural publication in this field of study.Al-Kitab Al-Azizi. P. 5. De Goeje,Josef (1903). Osteuropäische und ostasiatische Streifzüge; ethnologische und historisch-topographische Studien zur Geschicte des 9. und 10. Jahrhunderts (ca. 840-940) von J. Marquart. Mit Unterstützung der Königl. Akademie der Wissenschaften zu Berlin. Leipzig Dieterich'sche verlagsbuchhandlung, T. Weicher. Archived from the [https://web.archive.org/web/20201003020947/https://archive.org/details/osteuropischeu00markuoft original] on 2020-10-03. an orientalist, posited that Ibn al-Nadim indicated that Ja'far ibn Ahmad al-Marwazi, who perished in 274 AH, was the inaugural author to compose a treatise on maslak and mamlak, though he did not conclude it.Al-Fahrist, p. 184. Additionally, there is a group of compilers who have authored books bearing the same title, including: Additionally, Ahmad ibn al-Tayyib al-Sarakhsi,Al-Fahrist, p. 183.[https://shamela.ws/book/33525/264 "Al-Durr al-Thameen fi Asmaa Almosanfeen". Modern Comprehensive Library]. Archived from the [https://web.archive.org/web/20200704043047/https://al-maktaba.org/book/33525/264 original] on 2020-07-04. Accessed on 2021-05-02. Ahmad ibn al-Harith al-Khazzaz,Al-Fahrist, p. 134. and al-Jayhani, the vizier of the owner of Khorasan,Al-Fahrist, p. 170. are also notable contributors to this field. Al-Bashari al-Maqdisi posits that his book is based on the work of Ibn Khardzaba and incorporates its entirety.Ahsan al-taqasim fi ma'rifat al-aqaleem, p. 193. Nevertheless, he acknowledges the latter's eminence in this field and frequently cites him as a source on specific matters Ahsan al-taqasim fi ma'rifat al-aqaleem, pp. 25, 82, 107, 213. with also Abu Muhammad al-Hasan al-Hamdani, known as Ibn al-Hayyak (d. 334 AH).[https://shamela.ws/book/31912/15395 "History of Islam". Modern Comprehensive Library.] Archived from the [https://web.archive.org/web/20210503160456/https://al-maktaba.org/book/31912/15395 original] on 2021-05-03. Accessed on 2021-05-02. Abu Ubaydallah al-Bakri,Al-Alam al-Zarkali, p. 98. who copied the title and excerpts of his book from Muhammad ibn Yusuf al-Warraq,[https://shamela.ws/book/33556/1740#p1 "Biographies of Tunisian Authors". Modern Comprehensive Library.] Archived from the [https://web.archive.org/web/20200410231116/https://al-maktaba.org/book/33556/1740 original] on 2020-04-10. Accessed on 2021-05-02.Summary of the Islamic Encyclopaedia, p. 1812. as well as Istakhari, known as Ibrahim al-Farisi al-Karkhi (died 346 AH / 957 AD),Al-Alam al-Zarkali, p. 61. whose book, according to De Goeje, is a copy of Abu Zayd al-Balkhi's book (d. 346 AH / 957 AD).Summary of the Circle of Islamic Knowledge, c. 3, p. 817. Nevertheless, some parties have raised objections to this matter and have highlighted the discrepancies between the two books in question.Istikhari (1961), [https://shamela.ws/book/11680 Kitab Maslak al-Mamalak], rev: Shafiq Gharbal. Realization: Muhammad Jaber Abdel-Al El-Hini, Cairo: General Authority for Culture Palaces, p. 8, QID:Q117463494 - via Comprehensive Library Additionally, al-Hasan ibn Ahmad al-Mahlabi al-AziziBoghyat Al-Talb fi Tarikh Halab. p. 2293. and his book are also referred to as al-Kitab al-Azizi, as he compiled it for Azizullah al-Fatimi and attributed it to him.Kashf Al-Zunon an Asamy Alkotob wa Alfnon p. 1665. Furthermore, al-Marrakshi, as Ibn al-Wardi al-Hafid noted, authored a book entitled Al-Masalek wa Al-Mamalek,[https://shamela.ws/book/3298/8 "Khuraida al-'Ajrajat al-'Ajraj and Farida al-Ghurayb". Modern Comprehensive Library.] Archived from the [https://web.archive.org/web/20210503035842/https://al-maktaba.org/book/3298/8 original] on 2021-05-03. Accessed on 2021-05-02. in addition to Abdullah bin Hamweh al-Sarkhsi (d. 640 A.H.).[https://shamela.ws/book/851/1101 "Idah Al-Maknoon". Modern Comprehensive Library.] Archived from the [https://web.archive.org/web/20210503155711/https://al-maktaba.org/book/851/1101 original] on 2021-05-03. Accessed on 2021-05-02.

In the academic literature on Ibn Hawqal's book, several studies and books have been published including:

• A book by Saad Abboud Samar titled: Ibn Hawqal, A Historical Study in his book Surat Al-Ard, was published by Dar Tammuz for Printing, Publishing, and Distribution in Damascus in 2017.[https://solo.bodleian.ox.ac.uk/discovery/fulldisplay?vid=44OXF_INST:SOLO&tab=local&offset=0&docid=oxfaleph020852185&query=any,contains,Ibn%20hawqal&context=L&adaptor=Local%20Search%20Engine&lang=en "solo.bodleian". solo.bodleian.ox.ac.uk]. Archived from the [https://web.archive.org/web/20210709183513/http://solo.bodleian.ox.ac.uk/primo-explore/fulldisplay?docid=oxfaleph020852185&context=L&vid=SOLO&lang=en_US&search_scope=LSCOP_ALL&adaptor=Local%20Search%20Engine&tab=local&query=any,contains,Ibn%20hawqal&offset=0 original] on 2021-07-09. Retrieved 2021-07-04.
• A book by researcher Ibrahim Ibrahim entitled: "The Kurds and their homes in Ibn Hawqul's Surat Al-Ard". Printed in 2020 in Sweden.[https://www.medaratkurd.com/2020/06/28/9044/ Kurd, Madarat (June 28, 2020). "The Kurds and their homes in Ibn Huqqal's The Image of the Earth". Kurd Orbits]. Archived from the [https://web.archive.org/web/20201126114217/https://www.medaratkurd.com/2020/06/%D8%A7%D9%84%D9%83%D8%B1%D8%AF-%D9%88%D8%AF%D9%8A%D8%A7%D8%B1%D9%87%D9%85-%D9%81%D9%8A-%D9%83%D8%AA%D8%A7%D8%A8-%D8%B5%D9%88%D8%B1%D8%A9-%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%A3%D8%B1%D8%B6/ original] on 2020-11-26. Accessed on 2021-01-02.

File:خارطة إبن حوقل 980.JPG|From Ibn Hawqul's maps

File:World map based upon the Ibn Hawqal model.png|World map (all-terrain image), from Hagia Sophia copy 2577.

File:Old Kurdistan Map, Ibn Hawqal.png|Map of Kurdistan

File:صورة الأرض - ابن حوقل A Page 419.JPG|Map of the Caspian Sea.

File:Ibn Hawqal’s map 1 wiki.jpg|Map of Armenia and Azerbaijan

File:Mapa do Magreb de Ibn Hawqal (c. 950) (cor).jpg|Map of Morocco

• Tabula Rogeriana.

{{reflist}}

• Brill's edition, Leiden, 1873, published by De Goeje.
• Brill's edition, Leiden, 1938, published by Kremers (Part I).
• [https://web.archive.org/web/20210611232443/https://www.loc.gov/resource/gdclccn.03017835/?st=gallery The 1800 AD edition of Ibn Hawqal's Eastern Geography, published by William Ozley (English translation).]

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