Qalhat-Hurmuz: Its Place in the History and Economy of the Western Indian Ocean in the Later Middle Ages

A study challenges the widely accepted narrative of early Shirazi migration to East Africa, proposing instead that the so-called 'Shirazi legend' emerged during the 12th to 15th century Hormuz-Qalhat period. This conclusion is supported by a comprehensive analysis of pottery assemblages and settlement patterns across the western Indian Ocean, from Makran/Baluchistan to Kilwa. The research reveals a significant rise in settlement activity, peaking in the 14th (43 sites) and 15th centuries (53 sites), indicating a thriving trade network centered around Hormuz and Qalhat. This finding reshapes our understanding of socio-economic and political dynamics in the region during this period.

al-Salimi, A. (2021). Qalhat-Hurmuz: Its Place in the History and Economy of the Western Indian Ocean in the Later Middle Ages. Studi Maġrebini, 19(2), 324–352. https://doi.org/10.1163/2590034x-12340056