Al-Adudi Bimaristan in Baghdad (371-656 H /981-1258 BC) A study in its Historical Evolution and Cultural Role

Abstract

Bimarstans flourished in the Islamic civilization and were various in types. Some were devoted to the treatment of certain diseases such as leprosy and mental diseases. Others were of a general nature and weredevoted to treat various diseases. The Bimaristan was one of several service buildings that Al-Mansur was keen to include in his round city, Al-Modawarah. After that, establishing Bimaristans continued in Baghdad until there were five of them in the fourth Hijri century. Despite the emergence of Bimaristans, medicine was practiced by a category that did not have the necessary medical qualifications. Thus, the situation was chaotic where there were many medical errors. This prompted Caliph Al-Muqtadir to take the decision of regulating and organizing the profession of medicine. The inauguration of Al-Adudi Bimaristan in (371 H /981 BC) was the culmination of the institutionalization of medical work in Baghdad. Although the bases of this Bimaristan was the work of the Turkish leader Bajkam, Adud Al-Dawlah, also, added a number of buildings, equipped it with all needed services, and entrusted the task to the famous doctor, Al- Razi. To ensure continuity and progression of this Bimaristan, Adud Al-Dawlah allotted many Waqfs to benefit from in spending on the Bimaristan and its guests. Successor Buyid princes followed him in this approach. Al-Adudi Bimaristan was characterized by introducing the concept of medical specialties. It was divided into halls according to diseases, and specialized doctors were chosen to work in each hall. An additional characteristic was dedicating rooms for the teaching of medicine, coupled with practical training in patients' rooms, in addition to the administrative authority that manages the Bimaristan’s affairs and expenses. The Bimaristan continued to perform its medical and educational role until the end of the Abbasid age, where it took its share of the destruction that was inflicted upon the urban structure of Baghdad afterthe Mongol invasion in (656 H / 1258 BC)