Types of Paper in 14th–15th Century Egypt: Standard Criteria and Classifications

Document Type : Original Article

Author

Lecturer, Luxor Faculty of Archaeology, South Valley University, Egypt

Abstract

Paper is known to have been in use in Egypt by the ninth century and was manufactured there by the tenth century. However, during that time and in subsequent centuries many other types of non-Egyptian paper were imported from abroad due to their quality. This research investigates the standard criteria used for the assessment of the quality of types of paper available on the Egyptian market during the 14th and 15th centuries AD (8th-9th centuries AH). The study combines a literature review and interpretative analysis, including of primary historical sources. Three types of Islamic paper and one European type are found to have been available in Egypt during the period considered. These types are classified and categorized based on size and quality according to the criteria used at that time. A previously unknown brand of Egyptian paper is described, which has four classes.

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