The Prophet and the Age of the Caliphates: The Islamic Near East from the Sixth to the Eleventh Century

The textbook provides a comprehensive and up-to-date history of the Near East from the birth of Muhammad to the fall of the Umayyad and Abbasid caliphates. It is supported by genealogical tables and maps and covers eastern Iran and Central Asia, including dynasties like the Seljuks, Samanids, and Ghaznevids.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 402 pages
Publication date: 28 June 2022
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

This course covers the history of the Near East from the birth of Muhammad to the fall of the Umayyad and Abbasid caliphates, providing students with a comprehensive understanding of the history of Islam and the historiographical debates surrounding its rise and collapse. The course is supported by genealogical tables and maps that provide strong background information for students who have not previously studied Near East history. Coverage of Eastern Iran and Central Asia, including dynasties such as the Seljuks, the Samanids, and the Ghaznevids, has been greatly expanded, providing students with a comprehensive understanding of the region.

Introduction:
The Near East is a region that has played a significant role in the history of the world, and its history is rich and complex. This course aims to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the history of the Near East from the birth of Muhammad to the fall of the Umayyad and Abbasid caliphates.

Course Content:
The course will cover the following topics:

• The birth of Islam and the spread of the Muslim community.


• The rise of the Rashidun Caliphate and the establishment of the first Islamic state.


• The expansion of the Islamic empire under the Umayyad and Abbasid caliphates.


• The decline and fall of the Islamic empire.


• The emergence of the Byzantine Empire and the Crusades.


• The rise of the Ottoman Empire and the expansion of its territory.


• The Arab-Israeli conflict and the establishment of the State of Israel.


• The rise and fall of the Persian Empire.


• The emergence of the Safavid Empire and the spread of Shi'ism.


• The rise and fall of the Mughal Empire.


• The rise and fall of the Qajar Empire.


• The emergence of the Arab Spring and the political upheaval in the Middle East.

Methodology:
The course will be taught using a combination of lectures, discussions, and readings. Students will be required to complete readings, write essays, and participate in class discussions.

Assessment:
The course will be assessed through a combination of written assignments, oral presentations, and a final exam.

Additional Resources:
Students will be provided with a course syllabus, readings list, and a list of recommended resources.

Conclusion:
This course will provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the history of the Near East and its significance in world history. It will also introduce students to the historiographical debates surrounding the rise and collapse of Islam and the various empires and dynasties that have flourished in the region.

Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780367366896
Edition number: 4 ed