Panegyric in andalusian arabic poetry

Abstract

This study examines the historical evolution, literary characteristics, and socio-political functions of panegyric (madīḥ) poetry in Andalusian Arabic literature. It begins by tracing the semantic and functional shifts of the panegyric concept from the Pre-Islamic (Jahiliyya) period through the Abbasid era, subsequently evaluating the emergence and development of this genre in Andalusia. The research highlights the role of panegyric poetry during the periods of the Umayyads of Cordoba, the Taifa kingdoms (Mulūk al-Ṭawā’if), the Almoravids, the Almohads, and the Nasrid dynasty, focusing on its function in establishing political legitimacy, glorifying rulers, and strengthening the poet-patron relationship. Furthermore, selected examples from the works of prominent poets of the period are analyzed from literary and thematic perspectives, with an evaluation of the metaphors, hyperbole, and religious and historical allusions employed. The findings indicate that while Andalusian panegyric poetry maintained the Eastern Arabic tradition, it acquired a distinct identity shaped by the unique cultural, political, and aesthetic conditions of Andalusia. The study concludes that the genre followed an original developmental trajectory, shifting over time from a primarily political content toward a more religious and spiritual focus.