Ṭirāz in Islamic Civilization (Since its Establishment until Mamlūks Era)

The Islamic civilization in its prosperous and dynamic period has had various social and economic institutions, an outstanding example of which has been the textile industry. A considerable part of this industry has been active under the name of ṭirāz and the related organization, influencing on most aspects of the Muslims’ life. Besides their major economic impacts on Islamic community, ṭirāz products, among other things, have enjoyed an eminent socio-political status to the extent that the gifts and garments of honor presented by the rulers and dignitaries to others have mainly included ṭirāz robes and cloth. Also, writings in beautiful and artistic form have been imprinted on this type of cloth, serving as a media-propagative function. Other issues, such as aesthetic aspects of ṭirāz, have also been open to discussion. After stating the concept and origin of ṭirāz, the present article would go on to address only its socio-political, economic, and media-propagative status in Islamic society.