The Evolving Nature of the Madrasa as an Urban Catalyst and Center of Scientific Knowledge : A Foucauldian Genealogy in Historical Development

This thesis maps and evaluates the evolution of the madrasa as a political, social, and cultural phenomenon from the time of the Prophet Mohammed, peace be upon him, to the 21st century. It further investigates the particular transformative role madrasas played in the history of education and Islam, viewing them as pivotal urban catalysts and centers of scientific knowledge. It is widely recognized that knowledge, both revealed and acquired, has significantly influenced the development of Islamic civilizations. Educating and preparing youth for their roles in society is a fundamental human concern. The historical progression of the madrasa is explored using three different case studies across varying regions and times. Since this is a vast area of study, the thesis has been restricted to cover only the Sultan Hassan madrasa in Egypt, the Ulugh Beg madrasa in Uzbekistan, and the Ben Youssef madrasa in Morocco.

A mixed historical and qualitative methodological approach is used to trace the impact of madrasas on knowledge dissemination and urban form. By applying Foucault’s notions of genealogy, regimes of truth, and the interplay between knowledge and power, the thesis unearths the underlying philosophical currents that shaped the development of the madrasa. The reader is invited to question how the madrasa influences attitudes and perceptions and how it relates to power dynamics and identity within a given society.

The findings reveal that madrasas have proved, time and time, to be a source of power and knowledge within a given society. It is an institution that adapted to its period's changing socio-political and cultural facets. Yet, present-day issues throw light upon the divergence from their traditional role as a center of scientific knowledge, pointing towards the need for reexamining their architectural structures and educational paradigms. There is a dire need for a deeper understanding of the potential pathways to integrate traditional madrasa architecture with contemporary educational needs. The future of Islamic education hinges on adhering to the conviction that knowledge is essential not only for life in this world but also holds immense importance for life in the hereafter.