Abu al-Fida (1273–1331 CE), born Isma'il ibn 'Umar ibn Kathir al-Dimashqi, was an Arab historian, geographer, and statesman from Damascus, Syria. His most famous work, "Tarikh al-Mukhtasar," offers a comprehensive history of the world. Additionally, his "Taqwim al-Buldan" provides detailed geographical descriptions. Abu al-Fida also served as a prince and sultan in the Ayyubid and Mamluk Sultanates, contributing significantly to medieval Islamic scholarship and politics.