A critical study of the most important source dealing with the history and topography of Baghdad, combined with a serious attempt to trace the pattern of the early development of the city. It deals with the single most important source on an Islamic city in eastern Asia. Contains: an annotated translation of Khatib al-Baghdadi's "History of Baghdad."

Foreword /Oleg Grabar -- Preface -- Introduction: -- The Khaṭīb al-Baghdādī and the descriptions of the city -- The topography of Baghdad according to the Khaṭīb al-Baghdādī, a translation -- The building of Madīnat as-SalāmKhaṭīb al-Baghdādī Tracing the plan of Madīnat al-Manṣūr, fixing the limits of the city, and those responsible for its arrangement -- The development of al-Karkh -- The development of ar-Ruṣāfah -- The quarters, arcades, side streets, streets, and estates of Madīnat as-Salām-the west side -- The east side -- The Dār al-Khalīfah, al-Qaṣr al-Ḥasanī, and at-Tāj -- The Dār al-Mamlakah which is situated in the upper part of al-Mukharrim -- The enumeration of the mosques of both sides of the city in which Friday services were held and the two festivals were celebrated -- The canals of Baghdad which flow among the palaces and residences. An enumeration of the places where they flow -- The number of bridges which existed in previous times at Madīnat as-Salām -- The length and width of Baghdad, the total area, and the number of mosques and bathhouses -- The cemeteries of Baghdad where scholars and ascetics are buried -- The topographical growth of an imperial city - studies -- The search for an 'Abbāsid Capital -- The caliph's personal domain -- The complexities of growth in an imperial center -- Appendices -- Notes -- Bibliography -- Index.