Migration and the city in the first century of Islam: A case study of Kufa and Basra (Up to the third Islamic century)

In this study, the phenomenon of migration, which has persisted since the earliest periods of human history, is examined through its reflections on urban transformations. After defining the concepts of migration and the city, it is emphasized that in the Qur'an, the prophets, upon encountering denial and persecution from their peoples during the fulfillment of their mission, migrated by the command of God. Similarly, the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) and the first Muslims migrated from Mecca to Medina after suffering persecution. Following this migration, the Prophet (pbuh) governed Medina as a head of state, undertook numerous initiatives for the city's development, and concluded treaties with surrounding tribes and states. Politically, Medina soon became known across the Arabian Peninsula and among neighboring powers. During the caliphate of ʿUmar, the cities of Kufa and Basra were founded as a result of conquest movements. Their geographical locations, urban construction, migration dynamics, distinctive features compared to Medina, scholarly activities, cultural interactions, political developments, and the resulting social structures are analyzed. By engaging with different civilizations, the Islamic state, from the moment of its establishment, laid the foundations of an Islamic Civilization.