Surveying the origins of double-entry accounting in the Middle East and its effects on the emergence and development of double-entry accounting in Europe

Document Type : Original Article

Authors
Kambiz Forqandoost Haqiqi 1
Iman Chashmfasa 2
1 Assistant Professor in Accounting, Islamic Azad University, Central Tehran Branch
2 M.A in Accounting, Islamic Azad University, Central Tehran Branch
Abstract
Accounting has been used from ancient times by governments and merchants for satisfying their needs. The oldest surviving records of double-entry bookkeeping we have access to date from the last years of thirteenth century in Italy. On the other hand, there are some clues that show double-entry bookkeeping is used before thirteenth century. Therefore, the exact emergence history of double-entry system isn’t known yet. In order to describing the origin of double entry bookkeeping, three paradigms have been discussed in different scientific cliques. These are: Roman paradigm, Italian paradigm and Middle East paradigm.
The goal of this study is to examine Middle East paradigm in order to determine the effects of Middle East on the emergence and development of double-entry accounting in Europe. First of all, Prerequisites of double entry was investigated, which is necessary for emerging double-entry system. Then, historical texts were surveyed for finding double-entry records. Investigating bookkeeping methods in the Middle East was the next step. Finally, the events which established scientific and economic relations between Middle East and Europe were studied.  
Keywords
Prerequisites of double entry
Social forces
translation movement
the Crusades
Silk and Spice Road