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Why did Alexandria remain an important trading and naval city during the Islamic period?
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Alexandria
The mosque of Abū al-ʿAbbās al-Mursī, Alexandria, Egypt.
During the Islamic period, Alexandria remained a vital trading and naval hub despite losing its status as the political capital to cities like Al-Fusṭāṭ and later Cairo.12
Its continued importance was driven by several key factors:
- Maritime Commerce: The city flourished as a major center for the trade of textiles and luxury goods as Arab influence expanded across North Africa and into Europe. By the 15th century, it served as a crucial transit point for the spice trade flowing between the Red Sea and the Mediterranean basin.12
- Naval Strategic Value: Alexandria functioned as a significant naval base, particularly under the Fāṭimids and the Mamlūks, maintaining its role in maritime operations and defense.12
- Economic Resilience: Even after the political center shifted to the interior, the city remained a hub for craft production and maritime logistics, ensuring its relevance to the broader Mediterranean economy until the Portuguese discovery of a sea route to India in 1498 diverted trade routes.12