It refers to a genre of historical writing that was popular in the Islamic world, particularly during the Middle Ages.
Here's a breakdown of what a tawarikh usually entails:
* Chronological narratives: Tawarikh typically present historical events in a chronological order, often starting from the beginning of time or the rise of Islam.
* Focus on rulers and dynasties: They often focus on the lives and deeds of rulers, dynasties, and significant historical figures.
* Emphasis on Islamic history: While tawarikh cover various topics, they often place a strong emphasis on Islamic history, including the lives of prophets, the spread of Islam, and the rise of Islamic empires.
* Compilation of diverse sources: Tawarikh are often compiled from a variety of sources, including oral traditions, written records, and other historical works.
Some examples of famous tawarikh include:
* The History of the Prophets and Kings by al-Tabari
* The Universal History by al-Mas'udi
* The Chronicle of Ibn Khaldun
In summary, a tawarikh is a type of historical chronicle that was widely produced in the Islamic world, offering insights into the lives of rulers, the development of Islamic history, and the compilation of diverse historical narratives.