An Introduction to “Daghayegh al-Alaaj”, a Book by Mohammad Karim Khan Kermani

Document Type : Biography

Authors

1 Associate Professor of History, Shahid Bahonar University of Kerman, Kerman, Iran

2 Ph.D. in Islamic History, Shiraz University, Shiraz, Iran

Abstract

Mohammad Karim Khan Kermani was one of the famous intellectuals and writers of the Qajar era. His extensive body of work covers various subjects, including medicine during his lifetime. He has also written several works drawing from his personal experiences and giving references to earlier medical and religious sources in medical science and pharmacy, as well as medicine. One notable example is his two-volume Arabic work, “Daghayegh al-Alaaj”. This study examines the content, provisions, and medical advice offered in “Daghayegh al-Alaaj” to evaluate Mohammad Karim Khan Kermani’s understanding of medical sciences and disease treatment during the Qajar period. The findings of this research reveal Mohammad Karim Khan Kermani’s considerable knowledge and expertise in medical sciences and the treatment of diseases in the Qajar period. By analyzing the text, provisions, and content of this work, we aim to answer the primary question: What is the significance of “Daghayegh al-Alaaj” in the context of medicine and disease treatment during the Qajar era?
As a result of the analysis, it becomes clear that the book holds a unique place in the history of Qajar medicine due to the author’s profound knowledge of disease treatment.

Keywords


  1. Ebrahimi, A., n.d. List of the books of the great elders of God. Kerman: Saadat Publications. [in Persian]
  2. Chahardehi, N., 1983. From Ahsa to Kerman. No place: Mir Publications (Gutenberg).
  3. Habibabadi, M.A., 2002. Makarem al-Athar in the life of men in the 13th and 14th centuries of Hijri. Vol. 3. Isfahan: Publications of the Public Libraries Association.
  4. Kermani, M.K., n.d. Daqayq al-Alhafa. 1 and 2. Translated by I. Zia Ebrahimi. Kerman: Saadat Publications.
  5. Hosseini, A., and Kharazmi, H., 2021. A discussion on the recognition of Mathnos Muhammad Karim Khan Kermani and the author’s mystical thoughts. Adian and Araftan Quarterly, 1, pp. 65-88.
  6. Kayani Ajgerdi, N., and Shirnejadi, H., 2021. Color Tawail in Qajar period mihrabi carpets from the perspective of Ala-Dulah Semnani and Sheikh Mohammad Karim Khan Kermani. Art and Architecture Quarterly, 3, pp. 87-99.
  7. Khodavardi Tajabadi, M. 2015. Sheikhiya Karim Khani and the economic and social developments of Kerman during the Qajar period. Historical Researches of Iran and Islam, 19, pp. 51-78.