I think they may be a contemporary of the Maghribi. Here is a brief summary courtesy #ChatGPT


The Maghribi traders operated under an informal but highly effective code of conduct that facilitated trust and cooperation within their trading networks. This code of conduct was not codified in formal legal documents but was based on shared cultural and religious values, mutual trust, and reputational mechanisms. Key aspects of this code of conduct included:

1. **Trust and Reputation**: Trust was the cornerstone of the Maghribi trading network. Merchants relied heavily on mutual trust and the reputation of their partners. A trader's reputation was built over time based on their honesty, reliability, and adherence to agreements. Breaches of trust could lead to severe social and economic consequences, including ostracism from the trading community.

2. **Reciprocity and Fair Dealing**: The principle of reciprocity was fundamental. Merchants were expected to deal fairly and honorably with each other, ensuring that transactions were mutually beneficial. Fair dealing helped maintain trust and long-term relationships.

3. **Informal Enforcement Mechanisms**: Instead of relying on formal legal systems, the Maghribi traders used informal enforcement mechanisms. Community members monitored each other's behavior, and information about trustworthy or untrustworthy individuals was shared within the network. Social sanctions, such as exclusion from future business opportunities, were used to enforce compliance.

4. **Kinship and Community Ties**: Strong kinship and community ties played a crucial role in maintaining the code of conduct. Family and community connections provided a support network and helped ensure that individuals adhered to the expected standards of behavior.

5. **Shared Religious and Cultural Values**: The Maghribi traders were often bound by shared Islamic religious values, which emphasized ethical conduct, honesty, and trustworthiness in business dealings. These shared values reinforced the informal code of conduct and provided a moral framework for commercial activities.

6. **Flexible and Adaptive Practices**: The code of conduct was flexible and adaptive, allowing traders to respond to changing circumstances and new opportunities. This adaptability was crucial for navigating the complex and dynamic trade environments of the medieval period.

The Maghribi traders' code of conduct exemplifies how informal institutions and social norms can effectively govern economic activities and foster cooperation in the absence of formal legal frameworks.