Geniza Lab

Business letter in Arabic script from Avraham ben Khalaf, probably from Alexandria, to Abū al-Faḍl Sahl b. Ḥasan b. Salāma al-Sukkarī in Fustat. Datable to ca. 1062 on the basis of a reference to cotton turbans, which are mentioned in other letters written ca. 1062. Discusses the balance of a debt of Mūsā b. Yaḥyā al-Majjānī for the goods of the addressee. The writer asks the addressee to make some purchases for him, but not having received the goods he requests that the money be given to Mūsā b. Abī al-Ḥayy instead. (Information from Gil, Kingdom, Vol. 4, p. 320.) Mentions that seven cotton turbans for the price of eighty quarter-dinars have been sent to the addressee with Abū Zakariyā Yehuda b. Menashshe. (Information from S. D. Goitein, Index cards.)

Informal note. In Judaeo-Arabic. Requesting that the addressee return the collaterals after the settlement of a debt. "To the elder, the Understanding (ha-Mevin), may his Rock keep him. Kindly receive from the bearer 20 dirhems and hand over to him that which is deposited with your excellency, namely, the turban, the bucket, and the oil jug. This is in accordance with the settlement reached in the presence of our Lord (sayyidnā), may he live forever. Do not let this be delayed—(do this) as one bestowing favor, not as one ordered (munʿimān lā ma'mūran). And peace." This is Goitein's translation, slightly modified (he did not translate the last two words). Goitein suggested identifying 'sayyidnā' with Avraham Maimonides and the addressee ('ha-Mevin') as his cantor and treasurer (see Med Soc II, 420, bottom). Information from Goitein's attached notes.

Cover letter for the Arabic-script letter on verso addressed to Eliyyahu, saying that Yosef b. Mukhtar had left with a friend a turban ('imama) worth 100 dirhams until he repays the amount in full. If he intends to travel he should swear that he would settle his affairs with Mufaddal b. al-Maqdisi in Bilbays immediately. Also mentions a company traveling to Jerusalem. Verso: Letter in Arabic script (not included in Goitein's transcription). (Information from Goitein's index cards)

List of people to be excommunicated ('by name'/באסם). The left halves of ~7 entries are preserved. "In the bar (mashraba) with... and her children... a place with drunk people... between her and them..." With the join, we now have the right halves of 3 of the original entries and the right halves of 2 new entries. 2 of the entries are now complete (if not entirely clear): “Every woman who wraps a turban or braids her hair [….], even in her own house" and "Every man who is able to marry but does not do so because he is too busy with sinful things." ASE

Accounts in Judaeo-Arabic. Dating: Old, according to Goitein. Perhaps 11th century. Detailed list of rent for shuqqas (robes) and ʿamāmas (turbans) as well as some other graments and items. The name Bū Yūsuf b. Bahlūl appears. See Goitein's note card for further information.