دلائل استمرار العمران الإسلامي في مدينة توكرة منذ الفتح الإسلامي إلى بداية الاحتلال الإيطالي (22-1330هـ/642- 1912م) دراسة أثرية ميدانية

Abstract

This research entitled (Evidence of the Continuation of Islamic occupation in the ancient city of Tocra ‘Teucheira or Taucheira’ from the beginning of the Islamic conquest to the early date of the Italian Occupation). It examines the Muslims’ use of some Byzantine architectural buildings within the city of Torca and the Byzantine fortress is one of them. This was utilised by the Islamic troops as a headquarter for guarding garrison within the framework of coastal surveillance to secure the region as a whole from the Roman threat. This use seems to have continued until the twelfth century at least. Muslims also used other facilities for civilian purposes, such as the Byzantine baths. There is also evidence of the construction of houses and shops during this era. The Ottoman citadel at Tocra was the last construction, which dated to a late period of the Islamic State. It is possible to rely on some archaeological evidence and historical texts to prove the continuation of urbanization in the city throughout successive Islamic eras. Due to the importance of this study, the results were built up based on the field archaeological approach.

The importance of the study: In respect of the lack of specialised studies on Islamic antiquities in the province of Cyrenaica (Pentapolis) in general and in the city of Tokra in particular, especially during the early period of the establishment of the Islamic State, we decided to shed light on its Islamic archaeological evidence by tracing its history and chronology. The study aims to prove that this city remained inhabited throughout the Islamic era, not only during the early Islamic period.  This can be achieved by collecting, investigating, and publishing Islamic heritage found in the city of Tocra. This is to provide and publish clear Islamic archaeological evidence that is supported with textual data.  This research will follow the field archaeological approach. This study covers the area which is now known Tocra and embraces the time spanned from the Islamic conquest to the beginning of the Italian occupation 1330-22 AH / AD 642- 1912