Commercial transactions in Andalusian markets - A Descriptive Study

Abstract

The system of weights, measures, and currency was a fundamental pillar of economic life in Al-Andalus. Islamic economic thought devoted great attention to these systems for their role in organizing commercial transactions and regulating markets. This research provides a descriptive study of the measures used in Andalusian markets, such as the mudd, rail, qafiz, and qist, highlighting the variations between cities like Córdoba, Valencia, and Málaga. It also examines the evolution of the monetary system from the Emirate period through the Taifa kingdoms, and the impact of economic crises on purchasing power. Regarding prices, the study sheds light on their fluctuating nature between prosperity and inflation, identifying the natural, political, and administrative factors involved. The significance of this study lies in providing a clear understanding of the economic mechanisms that governed daily life in Al-Andalus.