Sultan in Palermo Cl

The fourth novel in Tariq Ali's 'Islam Quintet' is set in medieval Palermo, a Muslimcity rivaling Baghdad and Cordoba in size and splendor. The year is1153. The Normans occupy Siqqiliya, but Arab culture and languagedominate the island and the court. Sultan Rujari (King Roger) surroundshimself with Muslim intellectuals, several concubines, and anadministration presided over by gifted eunuchs.In this captivating novel, Tariq Ali charts the life and lovesof the medieval cartographer Muhammed al-Idrisi. Torn between his closefriendship with the sultan and his friends who are leaving the islandor plotting a resistance to Norman rule, Idrisi finds temporary solacein the harem; but, confronted by the common people of Noto and Catania and the Trusted One,his conscience is troubled.A Sultan in Palermo is a mythic novel in which pride, greed, and lust intermingle with resistance and greatness. It echoes a past that can still be heard today.

Tariq Ali is a writer and filmmaker. He has written more than a dozen books on world history and politics—including Pirates of the Caribbean, Bush in Babylon, The Clash of Fundamentalisms and The Obama Syndrome—as well as five novels in his Islam Quintet series and scripts for the stage and screen. He is an editor of the New Left Review and lives in London.

Glossary

vii

SIQILLIYA 1153-4

1 Idrisi's reflections on beginnings and chance encounters. His first meeting with Rujari.

3

(20)

2 Family life and domestic idiocies. Idrisi foils a plan by his daughters to trap and betray their husbands, but is determined to educate his grandsons.

23

(15)

3 Siqilliyan whispers. The Sultan in the palace informs Idrisi of the fate awaiting Philip al-Mahdia. Idrisi's encounter with Mayya and Elinore makes him forget all else.

38

(16)

4 The mehfzl at the Ayn al-Shifa mosque in Palermo. Philip is convinced that the Barons and Bishops are plotting a massacre or possibly two.

54

(15)

5 The Amir of Siracusa organises a dinner at which there is open talk of rebellion.

69

(14)

6 Love and a secret marriage in Siracusa. The poetry of Ibn Quzman. Elinore asks many questions, while Balkis listens.

83

(14)

7 Idrisi is overpowered by memories of an enchanted island. A first meeting with the Trusted One, who preaches open rebellion against Palermo.

97

(16)

8 Siqilliyan sisters. Mayya and Balkis discuss the merits of life with and without men. Secrets are revealed. A plan is agreed to extract Idrisi's seed.

113

(8)

9 Idrisi reflects on rebellion and is surprised in his sleep. His seed is extracted more than once.

121

(26)

10 A twenty-six-year-old conversation on theology in which Rujari and Idrisi compare the merits and demerits of their respective religions.

147

(5)

11 The trial of Philip. The Amir of Catania farts loudly during the prosecutor's speech.

152

(10)

12 Idrisi's love for Balkis and its consequences.

162

(13)

13 The Trusted One frees a village and gives battle to the Lombard barbarians. The sweet scent of victory. Life and fate.

175

(13)

14 A dual pregnancy and Idrisi discovers an unusual cure forcoughs and colds.

188

(8)

15 The death of Rujari. Idrisi is a father again and twice. Dreaming of Siracusa.

196

(15)

16 Spring in Siracusa. Good and bad poetry. Fathers and sons.

211

(18)

17 Massacre in Palermo. Idrisi decides never to visit the city again. He leaves for Baghdad.

229

LUCERA 1250-1300

Epilogue

243

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Summary

Author Biography

Table of Contents

Supplemental Materials