منهجية الإدريسي وإسهاماته الجغرافية

The research addresses a topic of profound geographical significance, represented by the analysis of the scientific methodology of the scholar Al-Idrisi and his geographical contributions to the development of geographical thought through his works. Our choice of this Muslim scholar is based on his status as the most prominent geographical figure of the sixth century Hijri, representing the geography of this era and a new phase in the development of Islamic cartography. The research focused on analyzing the aspects of the scientific methodology that characterized Al-Idrisi's geographical thought, in the context of analyzing its dimensions and reflections on the development of modern geography. It also reviewed the factors that contributed to the development of the idea of geography and demonstrated the depth of the scientific methodology of geographical thought, following a methodology of complete precision and mastery.

The research emphasized the originality of his geographical works through his well-known book "Nuzhat al-Mushtaq fi Ikhtiraq al-Afaq," which is one of his most prominent works. It contains a summary of his experiences and scientific efforts, which he dedicated his life to serving the vast fields of geographical knowledge. He presented his experiences through his travels, seeking the characteristics of regions through direct observation. His travels were not limited to the lands of Islam; he visited some regions of Europe and Asia Minor, and he documented his visits in his writings, describing their nature and the conditions of their inhabitants. He also provided his precise measurements of the Earth's circumference, established the latitudes and longitudes, and laid the scientific foundations for using the globe and drawing maps, introducing some scientific facts and correcting some errors related to locations in all the countries and regions he visited, relying on accuracy and clarity in his methodology. Thus, he contributed to enriching the geographical library with a valuable wealth unmatched in Islamic geographical heritage.

The researcher hopes that this study will serve as a starting point for broader and more comprehensive studies of Islamic geographical heritage, especially concerning the affirmation of the scientific status and methodological originality that characterized geographical thought in the works of Al-Idrisi and its reflections on the development of Arab geography.