The Islamic Chronicles

The Qutub Shahi Tombs, located in Hyderabad, India, are a magnificent reminder of the architectural and cultural legacy of the Qutub Shahi dynasty, which ruled the Deccan region from 1518 to 1687.

The dynasty, founded by Sultan Quli Qutub-ul-Mulk, was known for its patronage of Persian, Turkic, and local art forms, resulting in a fusion of Indo-Islamic architecture. This era saw the construction of several iconic structures, including the Golconda Fort and the Charminar, which stand testament to the dynasty's grandeur and ingenuity.

The Qutub Shahi Tombs complex houses the mausoleums of seven rulers of the dynasty and several other prominent figures. These structures, set amidst landscaped gardens, are a blend of Persian, Pathan, and Hindu architectural styles.

The beautifully carved domes, arches, and minarets reflect the dynasty's artistic excellence and its cosmopolitan vision. A visit to this site is a journey through history, offering a glimpse into the dynasty's contributions to the cultural and architectural heritage of Indian subcontinent.

Photo ©️: The Islamic Chronicles

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Standing 56 meters high, the Charminar (Four Minarets) was built by the Qutb Shahi dynasty in the late 16th century. It is located in Hyderabad, India.

The siege of Damascus began on 21 August 634. Even without the necessary siege equipment, the Rashidun armies surrounded the city, denying it supplies until its defenders surrendered. Khalid and his troops entered the city through the eastern gate.

Khalid was a military genius. His execution of this siege was sound enough to capture the city. After the conquest of Damascus, the survivors of the Byzantine army once again met the Rashidun armies in the Battle of Maraj al-Debaj and were defeated again.

Following the abolition of the Rashidun Caliphate, Muawiya bin Sufiyan established Damascus as the capital of his (Umayyad) Caliphate. In the early 8th century, around 706 AD, Umayyad Caliph Al-Walid I commissioned the Great Mosque of Damascus, which still stands as a breathtaking testament to Islamic architecture and Syria's rich cultural heritage (as shown in the graphic).

A map of the Abbasid Caliphate around 850 AD featuring provinces and settlements.

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This victory of Salah al-Din in the Horns of Hattin paved the way for the Muslim reconquest of Jerusalem (on 2 October 1187). Salah al-Din started the siege of Jerusalem (20 September 1187) two months after his victory at Hattin.

By 1174, Salah al-Din had established himself in Damascus. He then spent the next 8 years uniting the Muslim front against the Crusaders. He also signed a peace treaty with Raymond, Count of Tripoli, for 10 years realizing that this was not the time to fight.

In 1187, the Crusaders violated the terms of the truce by attacking a Muslim caravan. Salah al-Din swore to avenge the blood of the Muslims. This event triggered the inevitable and future Battle of Hattin.

Salah al-Din assembled his large army and on 26 June 1187, reviewed them at Ashtera, in the Hauran (a region that spans parts of southern Syria and northern Jordan). He himself commanded the centre, his nephew Taki al-Din the right wing and Gökböri the left.

On the afternoon of 2 July, the Christians encamped at Sepphoris. On the same day, Salah al-Din attacked Tiberias. When the news reached that Salah al-Din had taken Tiberias, the Crusaders abandoned their camp to go to the relief of the besieged city.

When the dawn broke on Saturday, 4 July, the Crusaders were encircled. The action began at daybreak. The Crusaders were defeated. Salah al-Din spared the life of King Guy telling him that "kings do not kill kings."

Salah al-Din also ordered that none of the Christian lords were to be harmed but that all were to be treated with courtesy and respect during their captivity.

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Rafah Train Station, Palestine in the 1930s

A gentleman, dressed in black boots, is posing for the camera under the Rafah train station nameboard, on the British-built Haifa to Cairo main line in northern Sinai.

Eid Mubarak to all our readers

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Ottoman Jews praying for the success of the Ottoman army in a Synagogue in Istanbul, 1877

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Nur Jahan was born in Kandahar, Afghanistan. Her father was a Persian nobleman who served the Mughal emperor Akbar.

She was well-educated and learned Persian, Arabic, art, literature, music etc. At the age of 17, she married Sher Afgan Khan, a soldier in the Mughal army. But her life changed dramatically after her husband's death.

She was taken to the Mughal court as a widow and became a lady-in-waiting to the empress. There, she caught the eye of Emperor Jahangir, who was captivated by her beauty and intelligence. He married her in 1611 and gave her the title of Nur Jahan, meaning "Light of the World".

Nur Jahan became the most influential and powerful empress in the history of the Mughal Empire. She was the only Mughal empress to have coinage struck in her name and to issue imperial orders. She sat beside Jahangir in his court and advised him on state affairs. She also had her own court where she met with generals, politicians and officials.

She was a patron of arts and architecture and commissioned many famous buildings and gardens. She was also a brave and skilled hunter who killed tigers with her musket. She supported trade and commerce and encouraged the production of textiles, carpets, jewellery and perfumes.

She faced many challenges and enemies during her reign, especially from her stepson Prince Khurram, who later became Emperor Shah Jahan. After Jahangir's death in 1627, Nur Jahan's power declined. She retired from politics and lived in Lahore with her daughter. She died in 1645 at the age of 68 and was buried in a tomb that she had built for herself.

Nur Jahan was a remarkable woman who defied the norms of her time and left a lasting legacy on the Mughal Empire. She is an inspiration for many women today who aspire to leadership and excellence.

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Ottoman standard of Gaza, given to the 79th Infantry Regiment which defended Gaza, Ottoman Palestine during World War I, c. 1917

The First Battle of Gaza took place on March 26, 1917. The Ottomans successfully defended the city.

But the Ottomans lost Gaza after their defeat in the third battle. On November 7, 1917, General Allenby's troops entered Gaza unopposed.

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On this day, May 19, 1925, African American Muslim leader & civil rights activist Malcolm X (al-Hajj Malik al-Shabazz) was born in Omaha, Nebraska, US.

His legacy as a prominent civil rights leader and his commitment to challenging racial injustice and promoting self-empowerment continue to inspire and influence movements advocating for equality and social justice to this day.

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Every year on May 15, Palestinians around the globe mark the day of Nakba, or 'the Catastrophe', referring to the ethnic cleansing of Palestine and the near-total destruction of Palestinian society in 1948.

More than 700,000 Palestinians were expelled or fled from their home. Their homes and villages were destroyed and the Palestinian history was erased.

To this day, this ethnic cleansing and the Israeli occupation of the Palestinian land, and the destruction of their homes still continue (colored photo from May 2021).

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