The Role of the Muslim Institutions in the Architectural Activity in Medieval Islam: The Case of the Íisba and MuÎtasib

Abstract

The main target of this article is to explore the role of Muslim institutions in the building activity in the medieval Islamic town, primarily through the study of the Íisba institution. In doing so, several points are inquired: The hisba and muhtasib and their role in supervising the day-to-day life in the Islamic city, the main views of Islam towards religious and secular building, the role of the MuÎtasib in building activity, supervising the architectural projects of the imperial or upper classes (khaÒÒa), the extent to which the muhtasib intervened in the building activity of the low classes (ÝÁmma). The role of the MuÎtasib in building and maintenance of public utilities such as mosques, streets, markets and city walls is also explored. In addition, the MuÎtasib as an inspector is addressed: what instructions did he direct to the regular workers, to the professionals, to those who produce the building materials and to everyone involved in the architectural activity?