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Cultural and Political History: Princeton Studies in Muslim Politics 36

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Abstract:This book examines the cultural and political history of Muslim societies from the early Islamic period to the present day. It explores the complex relationship between religion, politics, and culture in Muslim societies, and examines how these factors have shaped the development of Muslim societies over time.

:The study of Muslim societies has long been dominated by a focus on religion and politics. While these factors are undoubtedly important, they do not provide a complete understanding of the complex and diverse societies that make up the Muslim world. In recent years, there has been a growing interest in the cultural history of Muslim societies, and this book seeks to contribute to this growing body of scholarship.

Afghanistan: A Cultural and Political History (Princeton Studies in Muslim Politics 36)

Afghanistan: A Cultural and Political History (Princeton Studies in Muslim Politics Book 36)

by Christina Hoff Sommers

4.6 out of 5

Language	:	English
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Print length	:	400 pages

This book is divided into three parts. The first part examines the early Islamic period, from the rise of Islam in the seventh century to the fall of the Umayyad caliphate in the eighth century. This period saw the establishment of the basic institutions of Islamic society, including the caliphate, the sharia, and the ulama. It also saw the emergence of a rich and diverse Islamic culture, which was expressed in literature, art, and architecture.

The second part of the book examines the middle Islamic period, from the ninth to the thirteenth centuries. This period saw the rise of the Abbasid caliphate, which was one of the most powerful and prosperous empires in history. It also saw the development of a new wave of Islamic scholarship, which was influenced by Greek and Persian thought. This period also saw the emergence of new political and social movements, such as Sufism and the Shi'a.

The third part of the book examines the late Islamic period, from the fourteenth century to the present day. This period saw the decline of the Abbasid caliphate and the rise of new powers, such as the Mamluks, the Ottomans, and the Safavids. It also saw the rise of new intellectual and cultural movements, such as the Renaissance and the Enlightenment. This period also saw the emergence of new political and social movements, such as nationalism and Islamism.

:This book provides a comprehensive overview of the cultural and political history of Muslim societies from the early Islamic period to the present day. It explores the complex relationship between religion, politics, and culture in Muslim societies, and examines how these factors have shaped the development of Muslim societies over time. This book is an essential resource for anyone interested in the history of Muslim societies.

Part 1: The Early Islamic Period

The early Islamic period is often seen as the formative period of Islamic history. During this period, the basic institutions of Islamic society were established, including the caliphate, the sharia, and the ulama. It also saw the emergence of a rich and diverse Islamic culture, which was expressed in literature, art, and architecture.

The Rise of Islam

The rise of Islam in the seventh century was one of the most significant events in world history. In a relatively short period of time, Islam spread from the Arabian Peninsula to become a major world religion. The rise of Islam was due to a number of factors, including the charismatic leadership of the Prophet Muhammad, the appeal of Islam's message of monotheism and social justice, and the weakness of the Byzantine and Sasanian empires.

The Establishment of the Caliphate

After the death of the Prophet Muhammad in 632, the Muslim community was led by a series of caliphs, who were both the political and religious leaders of the Muslim world. The caliphate was a powerful and prosperous empire, which reached its height under the Umayyad caliphate in the eighth century.

The Development of Islamic Law

One of the most important developments of the early Islamic period was the development of Islamic law, or sharia. The sharia is a comprehensive legal system that governs all aspects of life, from personal matters to criminal law. The sharia is based on the Quran, the Sunnah, and the writings of the early Islamic scholars.

The Emergence of Islamic Culture

The early Islamic period also saw the emergence of a rich and diverse Islamic culture. This culture was expressed in literature, art, and architecture. The early Islamic period saw the development of a new style of Arabic poetry, which was infused with Islamic themes. It also saw the development of a new style of Islamic art, which was characterized by its use of geometric patterns and calligraphic inscriptions.

Part 2: The Middle Islamic Period

The middle Islamic period is often seen as a period of great intellectual and cultural achievement. During this period, the Abbasid caliphate, which was one of the most powerful and prosperous empires in history, was established. It also saw the development of a new wave of Islamic scholarship, which was influenced by Greek and Persian thought. This period also saw the emergence of new political and social movements, such as Sufism and the Shi'a.

The Rise of the Abbasid Caliphate

The Abbasid caliphate was established in 750, when the Abbasids overthrew the Umayyads. The Abbasids were a more tolerant and open-minded dynasty than the Umayyads, and they presided over a period of great intellectual and cultural achievement. The Abbasid caliphate reached its height under the reign of Harun al-Rashid (786-809),who was a patron of the arts and sciences.

The Development of Islamic Scholarship

The middle Islamic period saw the development of a new wave of Islamic scholarship, which was influenced by Greek and Persian thought. This scholarship was particularly influential in the fields of philosophy, theology, and law. Some of the most famous Islamic scholars of this period include al-Ghazali (1058-1111),Ibn Sina (980-1037),and al-Farabi (872-950).

The Emergence of New Political and Social Movements

The middle Islamic period also saw the emergence of new political and social movements, such as Sufism and the Shi'a. Sufism is a mystical form of Islam that emphasizes the importance of love and devotion. The Shi'a is a branch of Islam that believes that the rightful successor to the Prophet Muhammad is Ali, the cousin and son-in-law of the Prophet.

Part 3: The Late Islamic Period

The late Islamic period is often seen as a period of decline for the Muslim world. During this period, the Abbasid caliphate declined and new powers, such as the Mamluks, the Ottomans, and the Safavids, emerged. It also saw the rise of new intellectual and cultural movements, such as the Renaissance and the Enlightenment. This period also saw the emergence of new political and social movements, such as nationalism and Islamism.

The Decline of the Abbasid Caliphate

The Abbasid caliphate began to decline in the ninth century, due to a number of factors, including internal revolts, external invasions, and economic problems. The caliphate was finally overthrown by the Mongols in 1258.

The Rise of New Powers

After the fall of the Abbasid caliphate, new powers emerged in the Muslim world, such as the Mamluks, the Ottomans, and the Safavids. The Mamluks were a dynasty of slave soldiers who ruled Egypt and Syria from 1250 to 1517. The Ottomans were a dynasty of Turkish origin who ruled over a vast empire that included much of southeastern Europe, the Middle East, and North Africa from 1299 to 1922. The Safavids were a dynasty of Persian origin who ruled over Iran from 1501 to 1736.

The Rise of New Intellectual and Cultural Movements

The late Islamic period also saw the rise of new intellectual and cultural movements, such as the Renaissance and the Enlightenment. The Renaissance was a period of cultural and intellectual revival that began in Italy in the fourteenth century and spread to the rest of Europe. The Renaissance was characterized by a renewed interest in classical learning and a new emphasis on humanism. The Enlightenment was a period of philosophical and scientific inquiry that

Afghanistan: A Cultural and Political History (Princeton Studies in Muslim Politics Book 36)

by Christina Hoff Sommers

4.6 out of 5