The Dar al-Hikma of Cairo

The Dar al-Hikma in Cairo was opened by the Fatimid caliph al-Hakim bi-Amr Allah in 395 AH, and jurists, readers, astrologers and physicians sat in it. ¹ It was among the most famous of the centres of wisdom through which the Ismaili mission spread its teachings among its followers. ²

Al-Maqrizi, quoting al-Musabbihi, says that the house "called Dar al-Hikma in Cairo" was opened on Saturday, 10 Jumada II 395 AH, and that books were carried to it from the well-stocked palace libraries. ¹

Anyone who asked to copy something from its holdings could copy it, and anyone who wished to read something could read it. It had its own attendants, servants and cleaners. ¹

Its books in all sciences, literature and famous hands were open to people of every rank who cared to read and consult them. Those appointed to sit there and serve it were paid a regular stipend, and it was stocked with ink, pens, paper and inkwells for readers and copyists. ³

Centres of the mission began at al-Mahdiyya under Ubayd Allah al-Mahdi, then spread at al-Mansuriyya, and then in Cairo from the time of al-Mu'izz. They were not limited to Cairo, but extended to the main provinces and islands of the mission. They were among the institutions of the Fatimid state. ⁴

The Dar al-Hikma was linked to the Dar al-Ilm. The vizier al-Afdal ibn Amir al-Juyush closed the Dar al-Ilm. After al-Afdal was killed, it was reopened at another site, in Rabi' I 517 AH in the reign of al-Amir, and it remained in use until the Fatimid state fell. ^{5 1}