الموشحات المشرقية في العصر الأيوبي وخصائصها الموضوعية

Abstract

This is a study of a distinct form of Arabic poetry of the Ayyubid period (founded by Salahuddin Al-Ayyubi and centered in Egypt), which is known as ‘Muwwashshahat’, which appeared in medieval Spain, in the period from 3^rd to 7^th centuries A.H / 9^th to 13^th centuries AD. It expanded to the East in the beginning of 6^th century A.H. The paper contains the historical background, meaning, origin and subject matters of ‘Muwwashshahat’ of Ayyubid period with a special reference to its main contributors. The most important subject matters of this genre were; Al-Gazl, Al-Wasf, Al-Gina`, Al-Khamr, Al-Madh, Al-Rasa`, Al-Juhd, Al-Hanin, Wasf Al-Tabi`yah, Al-Hamasah, Al-Tsawwuf etc. The article highlights the role played by the Arabic poets of ‘Muwwashshahat’ in Ayyubid dynasty and describes some salient elements of intercultural communication between the East and the West. The intention of this paper is to provide an overview on the topics of Ayyubid Muwwashshahat for the benefits of the enthusiasts of Arabic literature.