A universal approach to plague epidemics in fifteenth century Mamluk Egypt and Syria: contemporary bias, classical Islamic medicine and the voices of the Ulama

Arabic historical narratives from fifteenth century Egypt allow a holistic exploration of the parallels and dichotomies inherent in debates regarding plague epidemics and etiology, classical Islamic medicine, and the fluid and yet precarious societal position of the ulama as historians of these epidemics. In a tenuous relationship, the ulama were bound not only to the sultan and his key associates for their livelihood, but also to the general population, over whom they exerted influence. Plague epidemics were recorded in the scholars' narratives, reflecting the narrative voice of the ulama, their varying social networks, the context in which they acted, and the literary traditions of the period. Previous research concerning plague epidemics in Mamluk Egypt has too narrowly focused on a so-called rigid religious orthodoxy, and the rise and decline of the Golden Age of Islam paradigm. However, classical scholars were a loosely formed, but dynamic group of individuals from various walks of life who interpreted their society, and through their written narratives, asserted their independence. These authors worked during difficult times to record plague epidemics and relate events critical for their understanding of Islamic Tradition, classical medicine and people's fear, misery and hope. Previous research has incorrectly portrayed these historical narratives as static and repetitive, confined by both Mamluk patronage and an undefined "Islam."

A UNIVERSAL APPROACH TO PLAGUE EPIDEMICS IN FIFTEENTH CENTURY MAMLUK EGYPT AND SYRIA: CONTEMPORARY BIAS, CLASSICAL ISLAMIC MEDICINE, AND THE VOICES OF THE ULAMA by Melanie Alexxann Koskella A dissertation submitted to the faculty of The University of Utah in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in Middle East Studies College of Humanities The University of Utah August 2014 Copyright © Melanie Alexxann Koskella 2014 All Rights Reserved The University of Utah Graduate School STATEMENT OF DISSERTATION APPROVAL The dissertation of Melanie Alexxann Koskella has been approved by the following supervisory committee members: Peter Von Sivers , Chair April 30, 2014 Date Approved Peter Sluglett , Member April 30, 2014 Date Approved M. Hakan Yavuz , Member May 15, 2014 Date Approved Asaad Al-Saleh , Member May 12, 2014 Date Approved Lee Min Lau , Member April 30, 2014 Date Approved and by Johanna Watzinger-Tharp , Chair/Dean of the Department/College/Scho