Mecca, Basra and Baghdad: Economic Situation During the Classical Period of Islam

This study examines in general terms three cities that were prominent trade centers from the Ignorance period to the first centuries of Islam. Because Mecca, Basra and Baghdad are the most notable cities throughout Islamic History. Mecca, which is the mother of cities as mentioned in the Holy Quran, was also an important trade centre in the pre-Islamic period. Thanks to the fairs held during the pilgrimage season and especially the ‘Ukāẓ Fair, Mecca has witnessed a very active cultural and economic activity. In addition to its geographical location, for example with Ilâf has also gained the status of an international trade centre. Basra, which was founded as the headquarters city during the caliphate of Umar, developed over time and became one of the schools of religious sciences, while on the other hand, it became one of the main trade centres of the region with its markets, especially Mirbaḍ. It has become a trading city connecting the Arabian Peninsula with Egypt, the coast of Southern Iran, India, Indonesia and China via the Red Sea. On the other hand, Baghdad, which is among the largest metropolises not only of the Islamic world but also of the whole world, has maintained this feature for centuries as a center that directs economic life. Founded during the reign of the Abbasid Caliph Mansur, Baghdad attracts attention with its city model having many different bazaars, as well as being the center of the caliphate of the Islamic world. At the same time, it is primarily in contact with the entire Islamic world through its wide network of land routes and maritime trade. It is the main centre of trade relations with separate regions of Transoxania, China and India. All three cities were affected positively and negatively by political developments throughout Classical Period of Islamic History. In parallel with these influences, their roles in economic and commercial life have differed. However, the traces they left throughout history still maintain their importance even today.