Ibn al-Mustawfi

Mubarak Ibn Ahmad Sharaf al-Din Ibn al-Mustawfi al-Lakhmi al-Irbili, born in 1169 and died in 1239, was a prominent Muslim historian, poet, and minister from Erbil. He was born in the ancient citadel of Erbil and received his education from his father and uncle, also encouraging him to study with other scholars in Erbil. He delved into rhetoric, language, and literature. Al-Mustawfi held the position of vizier to Muzaffar ad-Din Gökböri, the governor of Erbil during the reign of Sultan Saladin. His most significant contribution is a four-volume book on the history of Erbil. After the Mongol sacking of Erbil in 1236, he moved to Mosul, where he lived until his death in 1239. He wrote in several areas including history, literature, and language.