Abstract
Jeddah, located on the Red Sea coast, holds strategic and religious significance as the gateway to Mecca and a central hub between Asia and Africa. Its port served as a vital point for pilgrims and trade, yet its social and economic history has been largely overlooked by early Muslim historians, often only appearing in sources related to Mecca. This research aims to shed light on Jeddah’s historical role from the advent of Islam to the end of the Abbasid era. It focuses on two key cultural dimensions: social and economic conditions. The study examines the city’s population makeup, living standards, and urban features, as well as the main economic activities such as trade, industry, and fishing. Drawing from historical texts, geographical accounts, and travelers’ writings, the research provides a comprehensive analysis of Jeddah’s overlooked yet significant role in Islamic history during this formative period.
Keywords: Jeddah, Abbasid Era, Social conditions, Economic activities.