Talk:Demolition of al-Baqi/GA1

GA Review

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Reviewer: HaEr48 (talk · contribs) 02:51, 25 February 2017 (UTC)

Will review this. Interesting article. HaEr48 (talk) 02:51, 25 February 2017 (UTC)

• ‘Al-Baqi cemetery, "the oldest and historically most important Islamic graveyard".’ Is the designation as historically most important the consensus of the experts, or just the opinion of a particular expert? If the latter please attribute to who said it.

The cemetery is almost unanimously "the oldest" per the sources I found. See the first and the third ref of the article both from Brill, and this book. However, regarding the importance I found this source calling it equally important with Al-Mala cemetery. What's your suggestion? --Mhhossein ^talk 17:24, 26 February 2017 (UTC)

How about "the oldest Islamic graveyard, and one of the most important" ? Or "one of the oldest and most important graveyards" sounds fine too. And if it is unanimous we can lose the quotation marks. HaEr48 (talk) 20:01, 26 February 2017 (UTC)

I think we can call it "the oldest" per sources. Regarding the importance, I'm partially in agreement with you; Apparently Al-Mala cemetery and al-Baqi are the most important cemeteries of Medina. So, calling it one "one of the most important graveyards" does not give the impression that al-baqi is one of the two most important cemeteries. --Mhhossein ^talk 19:10, 27 February 2017 (UTC)

I'm fine if you want to say "one of the two most" if there's no other contender, given that the Danforth source says so. HaEr48 (talk) 02:31, 28 February 2017 (UTC)

@HaEr48: I did the edit. However, there's only one remaining concern; The cemetery is described by the sources as "historically most important" and "historically the most significant", and "most famous". Can we say that Al-baqi is even more importation than Al-Mala cemetery from historical viewpoint? --Mhhossein ^talk 12:29, 28 February 2017 (UTC)

• The intro talks uses the word “Wahhabis” several times, which, without context means a broad movement or branch of Islam. Can you name the actual entity being involved in this destruction? 07:40, 25 February 2017 (UTC)

It's mentioned that the destruction was done at the order of/by House of Saud. I think the context is provided in the lead. "...by forces loyal to the Wahhabi-Saudi alliance in 1806 and 1925," gives the reader enough info on the exact entity. --Mhhossein ^talk 17:31, 26 February 2017 (UTC)

I feel 'Wahhabi-Saudi alliance' is not precise enough. The Wahhabi is a movement which also exists in other places and time (compare with attributing Soviet Union's actions to "the Communists": it's kind of true, but not precise enough). Maybe something like "followers of the Wahhabi movement in Arabia"? And also a general reader might not get what the adjective "Saudi" means - in today's use it is the adjective for Saudi Arabia, which didn't exist at this time, maybe "Forces loyal to the House of Saud"? Probably we can split the first sentence to a second sentence describing the actor as an alliance of these two forces. HaEr48 (talk) 20:01, 26 February 2017 (UTC)

I found references to the "First Saudi State" (Emirate of Diriyah) and the "Second Saudi State" (Emirate of Nejd) which fit your timeline. I think this is what we're looking for? HaEr48 (talk) 20:04, 26 February 2017 (UTC)

But as you know, there's only one 'Wahhabi-Saudi alliance' in the world and throughout the history. Moreover, we know that the demolition happened at definite years, i.e. Wahhabi-Saudi alliance was an alliance between the Wahhabi movement and Al-Saud clan at the time. --Mhhossein ^talk 19:42, 27 February 2017 (UTC)

It may be clear for people familiar with the history of the region, but I doubt that the general reader is that familiar with the history of Wahhabism in 19th-early20th century Arabia. Is there any concern from identifying the specific entities? HaEr48 (talk) 02:31, 28 February 2017 (UTC)

No, there's no concern. According to the time span, first demolition (1806) was done by the First Saudi state (1744–1818). But, who did the second one? --Mhhossein ^talk 12:57, 28 February 2017 (UTC)

Searched some more and the event in which the Saudi took over Hijaz is this: Saudi conquest of Hejaz (maybe it's a good idea to mentionlink this somewhere in the article), and the entity at the time is the Sultanate of Nejd. HaEr48 (talk) 16:22, 28 February 2017 (UTC)

 Done. See if it's correct. --Mhhossein ^talk 13:49, 1 March 2017 (UTC)

Thanks, I edited further for clarity, please see if it's better. HaEr48 (talk) 01:28, 5 March 2017 (UTC)

• “It gained further attention after the first companion of the Prophet Muhammad was buried there in 625”. Which companion? Can we name him/her? HaEr48 (talk) 07:40, 25 February 2017 (UTC)

I named the first companion buried in the cemetery. --Mhhossein ^talk 12:57, 28 February 2017 (UTC)

• “Four Shi'a Imams: .. were buried there”. Why does the “Shia Imams” link to The Twelve Imams? Do non-twelver branches of Shia recognize them too? HaEr48 (talk) 07:40, 25 February 2017 (UTC)

I linked it to Imamah (Shia doctrine). Alright? --Mhhossein ^talk 12:57, 28 February 2017 (UTC)

• “At the beginning of the House of Saud's nineteenth century (1806) control over Mecca and Medina” Could you explain how they came into control? HaEr48 (talk) 07:40, 25 February 2017 (UTC)

Is it important to mention the details in this article? --Mhhossein ^talk 12:57, 28 February 2017 (UTC)

• Yes, briefly as historical background for the events mentioned. Related to my point "I suggest adding a paragraph" below. HaEr48 (talk) 16:22, 28 February 2017 (UTC)

• European traveler Johann Ludwig Burckhardt visited the cemetery in 1815 => this seems to be out of order, since the following paragraph taks about events in the 1805-1807. HaEr48 (talk)

1815 falls after the first demolition and it's natural that the ruins could have been there till 1815. --Mhhossein ^talk 13:06, 28 February 2017 (UTC)

• I understand, I just suggested to order the paragraph chronogically. HaEr48 (talk) 16:22, 28 February 2017 (UTC)

 Done --Mhhossein ^talk 13:49, 1 March 2017 (UTC)

• Which year did the Ottomans retake Medina? HaEr48 (talk) 07:50, 25 February 2017 (UTC)

 Done --Mhhossein ^talk 13:12, 28 February 2017 (UTC)

• I suggest adding a paragraph or two about the historical context - Who were in power in Hijaz, what are the relation between the Ottoman, the Saudis, the Wahhabis. Possibly the Shias as well. HaEr48 (talk) 07:40, 25 February 2017 (UTC)

• Relevant articles (maybe useful to mention/link): Emirate of Diriyah, Ottoman–Wahhabi War, Saudi conquest of Hejaz. HaEr48 (talk) 16:22, 28 February 2017 (UTC)

• I added the suggested paragraph. --Mhhossein ^talk 19:04, 7 March 2017 (UTC)

• Probably note that “Mecca and Medina” are the two holiest cities in Islam for context HaEr48 (talk) 07:40, 25 February 2017 (UTC)

 Done. --Mhhossein ^talk 19:36, 7 March 2017 (UTC)

• "political power was re-established some years later." => what political power? HaEr48 (talk) 08:00, 25 February 2017 (UTC)

I removed this unnecessary detail after I checked the source and understood that it could be removed. --Mhhossein ^talk 18:35, 2 March 2017 (UTC)

• “Non-Wahhabi Muslims were prohibited from performing the Hajj pilgrimage at the time.” this statement seems to be an inappropriate generalization of the following statements. Looks like Iraqi + Iranians are forbidden in 1805, Syrians in 1806, and Egyptians in 1807, not a general ban on non-Wahhabis HaEr48 (talk) 07:40, 25 February 2017 (UTC)

The source says that. The facts regarding Iran, Syria and etc is not in contradiction with the general ban. We may make attribution to the source, if you think we should. --Mhhossein ^talk 18:40, 2 March 2017 (UTC)

I know the source says that, but we shouldn't have statements that contradict each other. "Non-Wahhabi Muslims were prohibited" is a universal statements, it contradicts the following statements that pilgrims are only banned on specific years based on nationality. I clarified this paragraph a little bit, using another source. Please take a look if it's okay. HaEr48 (talk) 01:40, 5 March 2017 (UTC)

• “Sultan Mahmud II, Ottoman emperor at the time,” . drop the “at the time”. Also the designation of “emperor” for Ottoman sultan is a bit unusual, usually they’re called Sultans or Caliphs? HaEr48 (talk) 07:40, 25 February 2017 (UTC)

Resolved. --Mhhossein ^talk 07:58, 4 March 2017 (UTC)

• the Ottomans built and "renovated" buildings => Why is renovated inside quotes? HaEr48 (talk) 08:00, 25 February 2017 (UTC)

This is the term used by the source. --Mhhossein ^talk 07:58, 4 March 2017 (UTC)

Yes, but no need to use the quotation mark. For example, MOS:PMC said that "Use of quotation marks around simple descriptive terms can often seem to imply something doubtful regarding the material being quoted". HaEr48 (talk) 01:28, 5 March 2017 (UTC)

• “to attack the rebels” . Who are the rebels? HaEr48 (talk)

The Brill source uses the term "rebellious clans" to describe the group of Wahhabis destructing al-Baqi. --Mhhossein ^talk 07:58, 4 March 2017 (UTC)

I understand, but this is the first time the article associated the Saudis with rebellion, so a reader might not know what "the rebels" refer to here. HaEr48 (talk) 01:28, 5 March 2017 (UTC)

• “ defeated Najdi clans “ Who are the Najdi clans and how is it related to the Sultan attacking rebels HaEr48 (talk) 07:40, 25 February 2017 (UTC)

"Najdi clans" are those Wahhabis destructing al-Baqi and Ibrahim Pasha defeated them on the behalf of his father, Muhammad Ali Pasha. --Mhhossein ^talk 07:58, 4 March 2017 (UTC)

So please clarify that in the article. Currently, this is the first mention of the "Najdi clans" and the relation to the other events are unclear.

Both issues (rebels & Najdi clans) were addressed. --Mhhossein ^talk 13:48, 8 March 2017 (UTC)

• “The city is described by another English adventurer” -> use active voice HaEr48 (talk) 07:40, 25 February 2017 (UTC)

 Done --Mhhossein ^talk 07:58, 4 March 2017 (UTC)

• “ Ibrahim Rifat Pasha described” => attach a title or description so that the reader know who he is HaEr48 (talk) 07:40, 25 February 2017 (UTC)

 Done --Mhhossein ^talk 07:58, 4 March 2017 (UTC)

• The demolition included destroying "even the simplest of the gravestones". => Say who you’re quoting HaEr48 (talk) 07:40, 25 February 2017 (UTC)

Resolved. --Mhhossein ^talk 07:58, 4 March 2017 (UTC)

• The workers destroying the buildings received 1,000 Majidi Riyal => any estimate how much it is worth, and how many workers there were? HaEr48 (talk) 07:40, 25 February 2017 (UTC)

I found no useful info in these regards. --Mhhossein ^talk 07:58, 4 March 2017 (UTC)

• Does “Ibrahim” buried in the cemetery refer to Abraham, or the son of Muhammad? The article says the latter, but the source no 12 * "Mapping the Saudi State” seems to say that it is Abraham. HaEr48 (talk) 07:40, 25 February 2017 (UTC)

Son of Muhammad was buried there. Abraham is buried in Hebron (see Abraham in Islam).--Mhhossein ^talk 17:00, 4 March 2017 (UTC)

• Describe/add title to “Isma'il ibn Jafar”, listed in the destroyed domes together with the family of Muhammad HaEr48 (talk) 07:40, 25 February 2017 (UTC)

 Done. --Mhhossein ^talk 17:00, 4 March 2017 (UTC)

• There are two possible years for the second event (1925 and 1926), could you name the sources who put the dates? HaEr48 (talk) 08:00, 25 February 2017 (UTC)

But the dates are accompanied by citations to reliable. However, Shahi's source (Ref #13) regard 1925 while Brills entry on al-Baqi written by Bahramian (Ref #4) says that 1926 is correct. --Mhhossein ^talk 17:00, 4 March 2017 (UTC)

So please discuss the different reports and sources somewhere in the article. It's okay that sources disagree on the exact year, but don't just have the mysterious "1925 (or 1926)" peppered in various places without explaining the different dates somewhere :) HaEr48 (talk) 01:28, 5 March 2017 (UTC)

That's a good point but there's no special discussions regarding the dates, just different dates are reported without any details. --Mhhossein ^talk 13:48, 8 March 2017 (UTC)

• Move “Motivation” before demolition? Chronologically, motivation comes before the actual act. HaEr48 (talk) 07:40, 25 February 2017 (UTC)

 Done. --Mhhossein ^talk 17:00, 4 March 2017 (UTC)

• “For this, they refer to story of the golden calf found in the Qur'an” Explain what the story of the golden calf is and how it is used to justify the destruction HaEr48 (talk) 07:40, 25 February 2017 (UTC)

 Done. --Mhhossein ^talk 17:00, 4 March 2017 (UTC)

• “According to Adeel Mohammadi...” Describe who he is or what his title is HaEr48 (talk) 07:40, 25 February 2017 (UTC)

He's a researcher in Islamic Studies field, AFAIK. I did not find any special title for him just [1], [2], and [3]. --Mhhossein ^talk 17:00, 4 March 2017 (UTC)

You can say "Islamic studies scholar Adeel Mohammadi", or something like that. HaEr48 (talk) 01:28, 5 March 2017 (UTC)

I said that! --Mhhossein ^talk 13:48, 8 March 2017 (UTC)

• The Islamic justification described in the “Motivation” section seems to rely on sources that are self-published, non-scholarly and/or biased againt Wahhabis. I think for neutrality sake it’s important to not misrepresent the Wahhabis here, so please use more scholarly source (esp. Third-party published one) The Adeel Muhammadi source is good. HaEr48 (talk) 07:40, 25 February 2017 (UTC)

Would you mind elaborating on those sources? --Mhhossein ^talk 17:00, 4 March 2017 (UTC)

I mean, the Mohammadi article that you already cited - the article discusses the religious justification used by the Wahhabis (see "The Destruction within a Legal Context") section. The article is scholarly, and published by editors and the author is an Islamic studies scholar. I think it's far preferable to use it as source rather than using [4] or [5] which seem to be less scholarly and has less editorial control? HaEr48 (talk) 01:28, 5 March 2017 (UTC)

I replaced those sources with more reliable ones. Al-Islam source was replace by another work by the same author but different publisher, i.e. an scholarly research center. --Mhhossein ^talk 13:48, 8 March 2017 (UTC)

• Put the " James Noyes" long quotation into a prose. HaEr48 (talk) 07:50, 25 February 2017 (UTC)

 Done, thanks to Twofingered Typist. --Mhhossein ^talk 18:13, 6 March 2017 (UTC)

• ‘This consisted of the religious authority of Najd Wahhabi scholars and the political authority of the Saudi family to broadcast their "newly acquired political power"’ the syntax of this sentence doesn’t sound right HaEr48 (talk) 07:40, 25 February 2017 (UTC)

Resolved. --Mhhossein ^talk 18:13, 6 March 2017 (UTC)

• “Reactions” => I added several tags to request more specific attribution of generic terms such as “intellectuals”, “prominent figures”, etc. Might be worth reading Wikipedia:Manual of Style/Words to watch HaEr48 (talk) 07:40, 25 February 2017 (UTC)

I addressed them. --Mhhossein ^talk 18:13, 6 March 2017 (UTC)

I still worry that the use of such wording went against the Wikipedia:Manual of Style/Words to watch policy. I opened a thread asking others' opinion here. Let's see what they think. HaEr48 (talk) 07:07, 7 March 2017 (UTC)

I acted based on the solution presented at here. --Mhhossein ^talk 19:28, 7 March 2017 (UTC)

• Use page numbers for citations to Mohammadi article. If you like templates you can use {{sfn}} like used here, for example HaEr48 (talk) 07:40, 25 February 2017 (UTC)

Page numbers are added. --Mhhossein ^talk 18:13, 6 March 2017 (UTC)

• Picture File:Jannatul-Baqi before Demolition.jpg if you read Farsi (according to your infobox) could you add English description of the commons image HaEr48 (talk) 07:40, 25 February 2017 (UTC)

 Done --Mhhossein ^talk 14:11, 1 March 2017 (UTC)

• Picture File:Baghi tomb.jpg is it really dated “1926”, or is it a later artist impression of the tomb? What is “ Setayeshgaran Noor Magazine” mentioned as the source? Googling “Setayeshgaran Noor” seems to only yield links to the image HaEr48 (talk) 07:40, 25 February 2017 (UTC)

The picture was almost certainly taken prior to 1926. The info provided there is not correct. --Mhhossein ^talk 14:17, 1 March 2017 (UTC)

• Also what is the source of the caption? The Commons description does not mention whose mausoleum it is. HaEr48 (talk) 07:54, 25 February 2017 (UTC)

I added a source. --Mhhossein ^talk 11:49, 9 March 2017 (UTC)

Response to the reviewer

• @HaEr48: Thanks for the precise review. I'll deal with these issues and suggestions. Which way do you think is more suitable: 1) I will make my points here in this section and you may put the check mark when ever they are resolved. 2) I'll put my comment under each item. --Mhhossein ^talk 13:50, 26 February 2017 (UTC)

• Mhhossein I prefer the second way, as it keeps the each item as a "thread" and it's easier to manage. HaEr48 (talk) 16:07, 26 February 2017 (UTC)

@Mhhossein: Thank you for addressing my feedback. I took another read through the article, and did minor edits here and there. As you have addressed my feedback I'm happy to pass this nomination. Congratulations on the good work :) HaEr48 (talk) 06:10, 10 March 2017 (UTC)

@HaEr48: Thanks for your precise review, the article is now something! --Mhhossein ^talk 06:36, 10 March 2017 (UTC)