Architects, Stonemasons and Craftsmen of the Ayyūbid Period in Upper Mesopotamia (12th–15th centuries)

This article focuses on the architects, stonemasons and craftsmen of the Ayyūbid period (12th–15th centuries) in Upper Mesopotamia. Founded in Egypt in 1174, the Ayyūbid dynasty spread to Syria, Palestine, Yemen and Upper Mesopotamia, making significant artistic and architectural contributions to these regions. From 579H/1183 the Ayyūbids were active in important cities such as ʿAyntāb, Ar-Ruhā, Ḥarrān, Ᾱmid, Mayyāfāriqīn, Ḥiṣn Kayfā and Siʿirt in Upper Mesopotamia. Ḥiṣn Kayfā became one of the most important centres of the Ayyūbids in the region from the 12th to the 15th century. In addition, in cities such as Ᾱmid, Mardin, Dūnaysīr and Mayyāfāriqīn, the Artuqids lived under the Ayyūbids and minted coins reflecting this affiliation, bearing the names of Ayyūbid rulers. Arabic inscriptions on buildings often include the names of craftmen. Examples of architects working with the Artuqids and Ayyūbids can also be found in Ᾱmid and Mayyāfāriqīn. The Ayyūbid craftsmen included architects, stonemasons, minbar makers and plasterers. This study represents the first comprehensive examination of the workers of Ayyūbid architecture in Upper Mesopotamia from the 12th to the 15th centuries.