Topographies of Power in Aghlabid-Era Kairouan

Aghlabid-era Kairouan emerges as a pivotal node in early medieval North African economic and political networks, challenging its historical neglect despite the enduring significance of its monuments. This study reveals how the Aghlabids, the first dynasty to mint gold dinars outside Abbasid heartlands (800–909), interacted with Mediterranean neighbors and rivals through interdisciplinary analysis of history, art, architecture, archaeology, and numismatics. By synthesizing findings from international specialists, it demonstrates Kairouan's centrality in global trade and diplomacy, reshaping our understanding of the region's role in early Islamic art and political dynamics.

Goodson, C. (2018). Topographies of Power in Aghlabid-Era Kairouan. The Aghlabids and Their Neighbors, 88–105. https://doi.org/10.1163/9789004356047_006