1. Name: Islamic Empires : The cities that shaped civilization from Mecca to Dubai
2. Author: Justin Marozzi
3. Genre: Non Fiction/History
4. Book Post No. : 72
5. What is it about? : Since the dawn of civilization Muslims have built some of the world’s greatest cities. As the author of this book, Justin Marozzi says “Civilization was by definition an urban phenomenon, and no one did cities quite like the Muslims.” This city building peaked during the Islamic Golden Age. In this book, the author explores the major Muslim cities starting from 7th century Mecca to the mind boggling rise of Dubai and Doha in the 21st century.
6. How I came to read it? : A casual search of Surrey Libraries catalogue revealed this book to me and I had it on my to-read list for a while now. I picked it up recently as part of my ongoing project to improve my knowledge regarding Muslims, their place in India and the world, their history and the current situation of the Muslims in the world. Also, it is my goal these days, in today’s polarized outlook toward Muslims, to better equip myself with knowledge of Muslims and Islam and also to share good books with my readers. It is my own small contribution to combat Islamophobia.
7. Did I like it? : This was a great read albeit with a few minor irritants. Starting from Mecca in the 7th century it looks at a total of 15 cities, one for each century. In order, these are the cities : Mecca, Damascus, Baghdad, Cordoba, Jerusalem, Cairo, Fez, Samarkand, Constantinople, Kabul, Isfahan, Tripoli, Beirut, Dubai and Doha.
Mecca is the obvious starting point as this is where Islam originated. Today, though, one can’t see many remnants of the historical structures of the past due to current policies. The one and only huge draw of Mecca which overshadows everything else that any of the cities mentioned in this book offer, is the Kaaba, the black cube shaped structure. It’s the direction Muslims face when they pray and the site of the annual pilgrimage of Haj, which is performed by almost 2 Million people every year.
Overtime power slowly moved away from Mecca with the establishment of the Umayyad caliphate which developed Damascus as their capital in the 8th century. Today Damascus is a ruins filled city but at one point it was a jewel among Muslim cities. The next dynasty which came in power was the Abbasids and they developed Baghdad as their capital. Baghdad is the city mentioned in the A Thousand and one nights and under Harun-al-Rashid (who also features in the same book) Baghdad became a hub for arts and science. Many achievements in science and technology took place in this city.
By the middle of the eleventh century, the Muslim world bowed to no other faith, nor any other region on earth, when it came to the sophistication of its civilization. If proof were needed of such a claim, it was hewn in stone right across the Middle East. Civilization was by definition an urban phenomenon, and no one did cities quite like the Muslims.
~ Justin Marozzi
The book next moves onto Cordoba, a city in present day Spain. Al-Andalus, as the Islamic empire in Spain was known was called the ornament of the world. And the crown jewel in this empire was Cordoba. Having some of the most iconic monuments of Islam, this city continued the achievements in science and technology. Next up is Jerusalem, the third most important city for Muslims after Mecca and Medina. It has been occupied by Jews, Christians and Muslims at various points of time. Muslims have contributed to is rich history by building some awe inspiring structures.
Next the book moves onto the African continent to Cairo, the city where the Fatimid empire was based. Cairo of course, had a rich history already before the Muslims but the Fatimid empire rejuvenated it by adding amazing structures and making it a flourishing city. Next up is Fez, in present day Morocco. Fez reached its glory under the Marinid dynasty in the 14th century, becoming a center of learning and commerce. The author provides a beautiful description of its souqs and monuments. It is said Fez still has retained some of its charm from those glory days.
Samarkand is next. The capital of Timur’s Timurid empire. For me its been a dream for long to visit Samarkand to visit the stunning Registan Square. The book moves onto Constantinople next which is today’s Istanbul. Constantinople was the capital of the Byzantine empire and was famously captured by Mehmed II at the age of 21 in 1453. Istanbul then went on to become the capital of the Ottoman Empire which survived till the 20th century.
Kabul, Isfahan, Tripoli and Beirut are next with each chapter going into detail about it. Isfahan holds a special place in my heart as it was the inspiration for my home city of Hyderabad in India. At that time Isfahan, under the Safavids was the place to be with its splendid architecture and madrasas. Beirut before its decline due to the civil war was at one time called the Paris of the middle east.
The book wraps up with Dubai and Doha, two of the fastest growing cities in the world. My uncle used to work in Dubai and often mentioned how the roadside construction appeared different on his commute to work compared to his journey back. It has grown at an astonishing rate with so many landmark buildings. Doha seems to be following it its steps.
Throughout the book, author Justin Marozzi, does not shy away from exposing the darker sides of the cities he explores which may enhance or detract from the reading experience depending on how you prefer your history told. As for me, I started reading it expecting it to be something in the vein of Maria Rosa Menocal’s Ornament of the world but it is very different, which was a slight let down. Maria’s book is highly evocative, the tone almost feels nostalgic. I fully understand though that my expectations were unfair.
Overall its a great read and must read for anyone interested in exploring the glorious cities of Muslims.
8. Positives:
- Well written with an intermix of current situation and past glory.
- Maps of the cities at the beginning of every chapter
9. Areas of improvement:
- For a book about the great cities of Islam, there are instances in it when it feels as if the author is subtly making fun of Muslims.
10. Any other personal notes, observations, fun facts etc.
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