A Review of the Importance of the " Quadruplet Heavens" as Reflected in Noveiri's " Nihaiah-al-Urb"

In the course of history, some places have been the center of attention due to their strategic positions, scientific, social, political or economic importance as well as holiness and religious merits. However, apart from the fore-mentioned reasons, there are some areas which have been considered important due to their natural beauty, tourist attraction and pleasing views. In the past, the Islamic world was identified with many natural promenades, attractive sceneries and pleasant weather. However, four areas have attracted the attention of tourists and Muslim geographers most. They are known as the “Quadruplet Heavens”: Sughed Samarkand, Shaab Bevan, Abelleh River and Damascus Ghouta. The question is: why, among all others, only those four places have gained so much importance over a number of centuries? This paper has found it worthy to have an analytical look at the matter by reviewing Noveiri’s famous book, “Nihaiah-al-Urb”, in which the author skillfully describes those four places based on his observed knowledge, in prose and poem. The findings of this review reveal that it was not simply because of their natural beauty and good weather that such places received the attention, but also because they were located in geographically strategic positions, mainly near frequently used roads and major trading roots.