Ribaa - i Ramisht: A Study of Works and Services of an Iranian Merchant in Mecca

Abul-Qasim Ramesht(d.534 AH) was a generous Iranian merchant who left lasting and prominent works in Mecca and other places, including the institution of a ribāt (fortress) that was a place for investigation and education; the preparation of kiswat al Kaaba (Kaaba’s cover) and building a golden gutter for it. Although his achievements have been depicted in the Arabic sources, his biography and the description of his works were not hinted at Persian sources. This paper, by collecting the scattered information about Abul-QasimRamesht, attempts to introduce his Iranian merchant who is unknown today but was famous at his time. Thereby, to illuminate a part of Iranian's contribution in the prosperity of Islamic civilization.