The Arts and Styles of Prose in the Ayyubid Era: The Art of Letters as a Model

Abstract

The art of letter writing is a form of prose that specialized in and dominated other genres, occupying a significant place in literature, prose, and poetry, particularly during the Ayyubid era. Prose literature encroached upon poetry in all its forms and surpassed it, unlike previous eras, to the point that writers attained a higher status than poets. Rhetorical skill in letter writing became the most direct path for statesmen to assume high-ranking positions such as ministerial posts and administrative offices. Furthermore, prose played a role in depicting the Crusades and their victories and conquests, serving to mobilize public opinion and galvanize the soldiers against their enemies. Scholars, writers, and authors also contributed to the development of literary and historical thought through their contributions, which in turn fostered the advancement and flourishing of science. The Crusades did not, however, hinder scientific progress.

The research paper titled "The Arts and Forms of Prose in the Ayyubid Era: The Art of Letters as a Model" is divided into three sections. The first section addresses the concept of Ayyubid prose letters. The second section examines the factors contributing to the flourishing of Arabic prose and its impact. The third section sheds light on the various forms of Ayyubid letters.