Eleventh Century
Merchant

Obscure Origins. Abu al-Fadl Ja'far ibn 'Ali al- Dimashqi is the author of Kitab al-Iharah ila Mahasin at- Tijarah wa Ma'rifat Jayyid al-A'rad wa Radi'iha wa Ghushush al-Mudallisin fiha (A Guide to the Merits of Commerce and to Recognition of Both Fine and Defective Merchandise and the Swindles of Those Who Deal Dishonestly). Little is known about al-Dimashqi's life. Historians generally agree that he was a prosperous merchant who lived in either Egypt or Syria. His life is dated to the eleventh century because in his only book, he mentions a specific Indian coin that circulated in eastern Mediterranean ports during that time period.

Middleman. It is evident from his book that al- Dimashqi engaged as a middleman in the import-export business. He dealt primarily with raw or partly finished goods, such as expensive fabrics and precious stones, as...