Ɵ Jamiyat al-Akhbar ..., manuscript on buff paper [Ottoman Levant, 1125 AH (1713 AD)]

Ɵ Hasan bin Umar bin Hasan ibn Habib al-Halabi, Jami'yat al-Akhbar fi Isma' Al-Khalaf'a wa Muluk al-Amsaar (A historical and geographical account of the Caliphs and Kings of Islamic lands), in Arabic, decorated manuscript on buff paper [Ottoman Levant, dated Sha'ban 1125 AH (1713 AD)]single volume, 91 leaves, possibly lacking a fihrist at the front of the volume, else apparently textually complete, single column, 24 lines cursive naskh, headings and key words in red, catchwords throughout, contemporary marginalia and annotations throughout, waqf inscriptions for a private collector named Haj Ibramin Efendi Arabi (dated 1135 AH / 1723 AD), with their seal stamped to final leaf, some light water-staining to upper edges of leaves, a few scattered marks and stains, overall clean example, 222 by 165 mm.; contemporary leather-backed boards with flap, worn, covers and edges crudely repaired Habib al-Halabi (d. 1377 AD) was a Damascus-born historian that lived in Aleppo. He travelled extensively during his lifetime, notably visiting Egypt, the Hejaz and the Levant. The present work is a historical and geographical account of the early Caliphs and Kings of these regions, possibly inspired by his travels. The volume not only describes these rulers, but also offers insight into the geographical locations in which they settled, their 'Amsaar' (garrison towns), and the physical proximity of these locations to each other. Manuscript copies of Habib al-Halabi's works are uncommon, the two known works are Durrat al-Aslak fi Dawlat al-Atrak and Tadkirat al-Nabih fi Ayaam al-Mansur wa Banih, which are recorded in institutional ownership. However the present work is an exceptionally rare text, with no other copies traced in such institutions or sold at public auction.