المهارق، القباطي

Ingredients

حرير, صمغ, كتان, قطن

Preparation Steps

Original Recipe Text

The 'Mahariq' were pieces of white silk fabric treated with gum (samgh) to provide a stable surface, which was then sealed or stamped and polished (yusqal) before writing (p. 109). 'Qubati' refers to Egyptian linen or cotton fabrics that served as writing supports for significant documents and were also used as coverings for the Kaaba (p. 110).

Evidence

"أما النوع الأول... مادة الحرير المستعمل، فالأولى مادتها من الحرير... أما النوع الثاني فهو ما يعرف بالقباطي، ولعل اسمه مأخوذ من بلاد الأقباط، وهي مصر"

Remarks

These cloth-based materials represent prestigious writing supports used in pre-Islamic and early Islamic contexts for high-status communications and treaties. They were often valued for their durability and association with Egyptian textile expertise (p. 109-110).