Abstract

This is the study interpretation and edition of the Makama of Salah al-Din Al-Safadi (d.1 362 A.D.,764 Hijri).The outset is a brief description of al-Safadi’s life . The writer explicated the subject matter of Al-Makama and the “real” reasons of writing it. The subject matter pertains to the city – wars between the Muslims and the Franks. The latter, being defeated by the Mamluks on the Syria coast and also in Armenia Minor, plotted to burn large Islamic cities and that would be in burning marketplaces, mosques and schools in Damascus. Al- Safadi, secretary of state, described the event, the feelings of the inhabitants of Damascus and the role of the state concerning this damage. The writer describes the form of this Makama that differs from those of Al-Hamathani and Al- Hariri. Other things being equal, the style of this Makama is very similar to that of an essay. Al-Safadi’s style is characterized by short rhymed words used as a frame, puns, concealment, quotation and re-paraphrasing of poetry . This edition of this Makama relies on the manuscripts kept in Ahmad III (no.2797) and Ayasofya (n.3425) of Masalik al –absar and El Escorial Manuscript (no.524). The writer gave further comments on alien elements, places and names. Sources of lines of poetry were provided as well as for the puotations used by Al- Safadi.