Muslim Merchants of Premodern China: The History of a Maritime Asian Trade Diaspora, 750-1400

An engaging new history of the Muslim merchants who settled in China's port cities from the eighth to fourteenth centuries. As a far-flung trade diaspora bound by a common faith, they contributed greatly to the maritime trade that flourished across maritime Asia and which helped to shape the pre-modern world.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 224 pages
Publication date: 23 August 2018
Publisher: Cambridge University Press

In this comprehensive and groundbreaking history of Muslim merchants and their trade connections with China, John W. Chaffee delves into a span of 700 years, from the eighth century when Muslim communities first settled in southeastern China, to the fourteenth century when trade virtually came to a halt. These were indeed extraordinary and turbulent times. During the Song and Mongol dynasties, the Muslim diaspora in China experienced a period of prosperity as legal and economic ties were formalized. However, there were also instances of hostility and persecution towards the Muslim community. Chaffee meticulously examines how the policies of successive dynastic regimes in China, coupled with geopolitical developments across maritime Asia, impacted the fortunes of Muslim communities. He explores the intricate social and cultural exchanges that took place, as well as the mechanisms that maintained connections through faith and a shared acceptance of Muslim law. This pioneering contribution to the history of Asia, the early Islamic world, and maritime history sheds light on the networks that played a crucial role in shaping the pre-modern world.

Introduction:
The history of Muslim merchants and their trade connections with China is a captivating and complex tapestry that spans several centuries. This study aims to explore the multifaceted relationship between these two civilizations, examining the various factors that influenced their interactions and the impact they had on each other.

The Beginnings:
The first recorded mention of Muslim merchants in China dates back to the seventh century, when traders from the Arab world began to establish themselves in the coastal cities of China. These early traders were primarily engaged in the trade of spices, silk, and other luxury goods, and they played a significant role in shaping the economic and cultural landscape of the region.

The Song and Mongol Dynasties:
The Song and Mongol dynasties were particularly significant periods in the history of Muslim merchants in China. During these times, the Muslim community flourished as legal and economic ties were formalized between China and the Arab world. The Song dynasty, in particular, saw a significant increase in trade between China and the Islamic world, with the establishment of trade routes and the establishment of trading ports.

The Ming Dynasty:
The Ming dynasty, which followed the Song dynasty, was a period of relative stability and prosperity for Muslim merchants in China. However, it was also a time of increased persecution and restrictions on the Muslim community. The Ming dynasty implemented policies that aimed to limit the influence of foreign religions and cultures, and this led to a decline in the number of Muslim merchants in the region.

The Qing Dynasty:
The Qing dynasty, which ruled China from the mid-17th century to the early 20th century, was a period of great change and upheaval for the Muslim community. The Qing dynasty implemented policies that aimed to assimilate the Muslim community into Chinese culture, and this led to a significant decline in the number of Muslims in the region.

The Modern Era:
In the modern era, the history of Muslim merchants in China has been shaped by a combination of factors, including globalization, economic development, and political changes. The Chinese government has taken steps to promote economic cooperation with the Arab world, and this has led to an increase in trade and investment between China and the Islamic world.

Conclusion:
In conclusion, the history of Muslim merchants and their trade connections with China is a rich and complex narrative that spans several centuries. From the early days of trade in the seventh century to the modern era, these merchants have played a significant role in shaping the economic and cultural landscape of the region. While there have been periods of prosperity and persecution, the Muslim community has always maintained a presence in China, and their contributions to the development of the country have been invaluable. This study aims to shed light on the multifaceted relationship between these two civilizations and to explore the ways in which they have influenced each other over time.

Weight: 320g
Dimension: 228 x 152 x 12 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781107684041