Kitab Akhbar al-Nisaa - Emir Usama Ibn Munqidh (584H)

The King Faisal Center for Research and Islamic Studies has published "Akhbar al-Nisa" (Accounts of Women) by Prince Majd al-Dawla Usama ibn Munqidh al-Shayzari al-Kinani, as part of its heritage preservation series. This book, published in 2024, is a unique manuscript that covers a wide range of topics related to women, from mothers and wives to descriptions of their beauty and stories of their lives. Ibn Munqidh is considered one of the most famous princes and literati of the Ayyubid era. He was a knight, politician, historian, and poet who witnessed and participated in the Crusades and left many important literary and historical works. The book, which had been missing for centuries, was discovered only recently among a set of manuscripts, and has now been edited for publication.

"Akhbar al-Nisa" is distinguished by its comprehensive approach, blending history, literature, and biographies of famous women. Although many books have been written about women, none possess the scope of ibn Munqidh's work. It includes poetry, prose, and legal insights, providing a rich tapestry of women's experiences. In the introduction, the editor clarifies the confusion surrounding the book's authorship, distinguishing it from other works with similar titles, including one by Ibn al-Jawzi. The rediscovery and publication of "Akhbar al-Nisa" is a significant contribution to the study of women's history and Arabic literature.