Introduction — Managing and Understanding Water in the Abbasid Caliphate

Water management in the Abbasid Caliphate was not merely about resource scarcity but often hinged on governance and institutional organization. This special issue of the Journal of Abbasid Studies examines how urban centers like Basra, Baghdad, Samarra, and Red Sea harbor towns addressed water provision through diverse approaches, involving both central authorities and local practices. By integrating archaeological remains, geographies, legal texts, and scientific manuals, the study reveals that water scarcity was frequently mitigated through sophisticated governance strategies rather than solely by resource availability. The research underscores the multifaceted nature of water management in historical societies, offering new insights into urban planning, trade, and public health during this pivotal era.

van Berkel, M. (2025). Introduction — Managing and Understanding Water in the Abbasid Caliphate. Journal of Abbasid Studies, 12(1), 1–5. https://doi.org/10.1163/22142371-00802027