EpiMedDat
The Open Data Collection for Historical Epidemics and Medieval Diseases

1348-06-29-Damascus

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Date startStart date of the disease. 1348-06-29 Saturday +
Date endEnd date of the disease. 1348-07-28 Sunday +
SeasonSeason (spring, summer, fall or winter) Summer
Date otherOther mentioned dates.
PlacePlace(s), city or location of the disease. Damascus
RegionHistorical region(s)
CountryCurrent country
RiverMentioned river(s)
Natural eventMentioned natural event(s)
PersonMentioned persons(s)
GroupGroup(s) of people mentioned
VictimIndication of victims 200 per day +
AnimalMentioned animal(s)
DiseaseMentioned disease(s) Plague, Wabāʾ
Epidemic waveAssociated epidemic wave Black Death
Social responseSocial response that happened in reaction to the disease
LanguageLanguage of the original text Arabic
KeywordFurther keyword(s) Common people, Elites, Epidemics, Fasting, Funeral, Mortality, Poor people, Prayers, Prayers of supplication, Religious minorities, Taxes
last edited 23. 12. 2025 by EpiMedDat-Bot.

The number of plague deaths in Damascus increased in the month of Rabīʿ II 749 H (June 29–July 28, 1348). More than 200 people died per day, and the removal of the dead bodies was delayed. Poor people suffered the highest losses. On July 3, 1348, the Friday preacher prescribed to recite prayers and supplications asking for the plague to abate. The abolition of taxes (ḍamān) on funeral services by the governor of Syria (nāʾib al-salṭana) Sayf al-Dīn Arghūn-Shāh al-Nāṣirī was proclaimed on July 14. On July 21, it was announced that the inhabitants of Damascus should fast for three days, and on day four abase themselves before God at the suburban Mosque of the Footprint (Qadam) and implore him to end the plague; afterwards, people set out for the desert to recite prayers of supplication, including Jews, Christians, and Samaritans, high and low, etc.

Text originalOriginal text

Text translationEnglish translation of the text

References

  1. ^ Ibn Kathīr - Al-Bidāya wa-l-nihāya 1997-1999 
  2. ^ Translation needed 

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