Title: “Royal Ceremonies and Protocols in the Islamic Maghreb (668–981 AH / 1269–1573 AD)”
Researcher: Walaa Laibi Jallab
Department: History, Islamic History Specialization
Institution: College of Education Ibn Rushd for Humanities, University of Baghdad
Research Objectives:
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To shed light on the royal ceremonies and official court protocols in the Islamic Maghreb.
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To understand how these ceremonial practices reflected political authority and administrative organization.
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To analyze how these practices were influenced by the historical and political context of the Maghrebi states.
Main Themes and Findings:
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Ceremonial and political protocols mirrored the different historical stages experienced by the Maghrebi states.
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Rulers used symbols of authority such as receiving insignia of rule and holding ceremonial events to legitimize and consolidate power.
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The sultans surrounded their rule with grandeur and created a variety of formal protocols to exercise and express their authority.
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The study highlighted the role of these practices in reinforcing diplomatic relations, particularly with the Mamluks in Egypt and the Islamic holy cities, as seen in pilgrim processions, exchanges of embassies, gifts, and correspondence.