The Life and Legacy of Tūmā al-Ṣafī ibn al-Ṣāʼigh

A Coptic Scribe in the Turbulent Mamluk Times

Abstract

The first half of the fourteenth century was a challenging period for the Copts under Mamluk rule. Successive waves of persecution, marked by forced conversions to Islam, the imposition of distinctive clothing and other political and social pressures, significantly impacted the Coptic community. These challenges were compounded by broader political and natural crises, such as the devastating plague. However, this grim picture gains some colour when viewed through the life and career of the Coptic monk Tūmā al-Ṣafī ibn al-Ṣāʼigh, later Bishop Kīrullus (Cyril) of Assiut. Tūmā was a distinguished scribe of Arabic manuscripts, renowned for his mastery of the Mamluk style. Moving between Egypt and Syria, Tūmā transcribed a wide variety of manuscripts, many of which are now preserved in libraries worldwide.

This paper reconstructs Tūmā’s career and activities, drawing on multiple sources, including colophons authored by him, by his students and by later scribes who copied his works. Additionally, the study examines the palaeographical and codicological aspects of his manuscripts, shedding light on the workshops, tools and methods available to him. This investigation uncovers a lesser-known dimension of Coptic social history, challenging the dominant narrative that portrays the period solely as a time of decline and persecution. By focusing on Tūmā’s remarkable contributions, the paper reveals a more complex and vibrant picture of Coptic resilience and cultural expression under Mamluk rule.