Social groups: religious groups and communities Books

Book SynopsisFollowing the collapse of the Ottoman Empire and the founding of the Republic in 1923 under the rule of Atatürk and his Republican People''s Party, Turkey embarked on extensive social, economic, cultural and administrative modernization programs which would lay the foundations for modern day Turkey. The Power of the People shows that the ordinary people shaped the social and political change of Turkey as much as Atatürk''s strong spurt of modernization. Adopting a broader conception of politics, focusing on daily interactions between the state and society and using untapped archival sources, Murat Metinsoy reveals how rural and urban people coped with the state policies, local oppression, exploitation, and adverse conditions wrought by the Great Depression through diverse everyday survival and resistance strategies. Showing how the people''s daily practices and beliefs survived and outweighed the modernizing elite''s projects, this book gives new insights into the social and historicalTrade Review'Metinsoy has produced here a fascinating account of popular politics in the new Turkish republic, writing 'ordinary people', in all their individual and collective complexity, back in to the centre of the national narrative. Highly original, it will transform scholarly understanding of early Kemalist Turkey.' Stephanie Cronin, University of Oxford'In this meticulously researched book, Metinsoy shows that the informal politics of the urban and rural poor played an important part in Turkey's modernization. Far from being passive objects of an elite project as they are usually portrayed, peasants, tribal members, workers, and other poor and marginalized groups appear in these pages as active participants in a history that determined the shape of modern Turkey. This important book fills a major gap in our understanding of Turkey's recent history.' Reşat Kasaba, Henry M. Jackson School of International Studies'Most narratives of Turkey's secularizing reforms and socioeconomic changes portray them as the uncontested project of elites and the state. In contrast, Metinsoy makes creative use of a variety of new sources and presents a convincing account of every day resistance from ordinary peasants and workers. This well-written book also offers major insights into society and politics including Islamist politics in contemporary Turkey.' Şevket Pamuk'Metinsoy challenges the top-down narratives of early Turkish Republic state imposition and acquiescence from its 'hapless' populace. Tax evasion, smuggling, banditry, and public complaint from the village coffeehouse to the factory floor weave a rich tapestry of everyday resistance, providing a superb alla Turca sequel to James Scott's classic work.' Michael Wuthrich, University of Kansas'… this is a must-read book … Essential.' B. A. Yesilada, ChoiceTable of ContentsIntroduction. Toward an infrahistory of Republican Turkey; Part I. Everyday Politics of Peasants: 1. The price of the Republic for the peasants; 2. Raising voice and rural discontent; 3. Resisting the agricultural taxes; 4. Social smuggling: resistance to the monopolies; 5. Theft, violence and banditry; Concluding remarks; Part II. Everyday Politics of Urban Labor: 6. The price of the republic for the working class; 7. Labor discontent; 8. Survival struggles and everyday resistance; 9. Violence, protests and walkouts; Concluding remarks; Part III: The Power of Popular Culture: 10. Hotbeds of opposition to secularism: mosques, coffehouses and homes; 11. Informal media vs. official discourse: word of mouth, rumors and placards; 14. Neither fez, nor hat: contesting the hat reform; 13. Negotiating anti-veiling campaigns; 15. Old habits die hard: tenacity of old lifestyles in new times; Concluding remarks; Epilogue. Infrastructure of Turkey's modernization; Bibliography.

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Book SynopsisThis book lends a fresh, psychological approach to identity and Jewishness in the Caribbean. It explores the ways in which individuals in the islands have maintained their connections to Judaism as lineage, as a religion and as a culture. Transported overseas from Spain and Portugal in the 1500s while fleeing the Inquisition, and later during the second wave of exodus from Europe under threat of World War II, the Caribbean provided safe harbours for a number of Sephardic and Ashkenazi Jews. There is no doubt that their presence in the Caribbean and Latin America over the last 500 years has had a tremendous impact on the growth and development of industry, modern commerce and culture. Their contribution to their new island homelands has been a lasting one. From the technology for the cultivation of sugar and the development of trade and commerce across the Atlantic, to the arts and education, Jewish life within the region has left and continues to leave an indelible mark. For the author, there have been many stops along the way in completing this book. She has travelled and interacted with Jews across the globe, and these encounters were the genesis of the questions she asked herself about Jews of all descriptions. Indeed, many of the questions and their answers arise from an existential need to rationalise her own thoughts about her personal identity. This is a pattern that the author has noted among a number of the theorists included in this work. From Erickson with his Danish-Jewish background and the subsequent elaboration of his psychosocial theory; to Stuart Halls cultural theory, born out of his own mixed heritage and later inter-ethnic marriage; and Nathan Blumenthal, who changes his rather Jewish name to Nathaniel Branden as he becomes known for his psychology of self-esteem. Of course, it is impossible to speak of identity without acknowledging the seminal contribution of Freuds psychoanalytic theory as a way of making meaning for ourselves in the world. Common to these theorist and many others, readers will encounter their own struggle with national, personal and ethnic identities while exploring the pages of this book. Claiming an identity suggests an autonomous act of loyalty to chosen identity, and for some this can mean the abandonment of previous ways of seeing themselves. This is the central threat of acts of identity; it signals, I am with them and equally, I have no allegiance to you. These are the sentiments over which battles are waged, causing people who appear indistinguishable from each other to obliterate neighbouring nations. This book is a story of the survival of a people, practice, culture, and religion.

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Book SynopsisOutlines of Jewish History from B.C. 586 to C.E. 1885 traces Jewish history from Biblical times to 1885. This book presents a fair and impartial narrative that makes Jewish history interesting to the reader.

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Book SynopsisReligion and contemporary society are intermingled since the latter is an offspring of the former. The connection, however, has been and continues to be under fire from many sides. This book examines important issues in a battlefield where the MIA''s may be more significant issues than the survivors.

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Book SynopsisThe essays in A Modern Jew in Search of Soul are a compassionate and intellectual composite of Jewish voices, sharing their personal ideas, beliefs and experiences from many perspectives. Among the authors are several rabbis: orthodox, conservative, reform and even, as one described himself, rebellious. Still other authors are psychologists and physicians, Jungian Analysts and professors, artists, as well as other contributing Jewish community members. Although many are American, we also include several contributors with extensive experience in Israel and Europe. The cohesive thread running through the writing and the diversity of ideas about A Modern Jew in Search of Soul is fascinating. The essays within this book are informative, inspiring and illuminating.

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Book SynopsisExploring the response and contributions of Muslims and Turkish Muslims to globalization?including areas such as democratization, scientific revolution, changing gender roles, and religious diversity?this study identifies the common values and visions of peace Muslims share. This study places specific analysis on the Glen movement?a growing approach to the reunification of faith and reason with hopes for a peaceful coexistence between liberal democracies and the religiously diverse.

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Book SynopsisThis collection of articles by artists, philosophers, psychologists, and social scientists explores the Sufi tradition and its best-known teacher, Rumi, a 13th-century poet, jurist, and philosopher. Setting aside the standard account of Rumi as a poet of mystic love, these contributors view his writings in a historical context, investigating Sufism''s ties to Islam and the teachings of the Prophet Mohammad and tracing Rumi''s influence on Persian and Turkish literature. The reasons why Sufism has transcended national boundaries and sectarian strife so successfully are also debated, and several contributors recommend the Sufi message of faith, love, and tolerance as a useful common ground for dialogue between religious groups.

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Book SynopsisDelving deeper into the soul of Islam and the definition of spirituality, this third volume examines the mainstream path that seekers are expected to follow in order to learn the fundamental concepts of Sufism and the essentials of the Islamic faith. Concepts central to Sufism, such as unity and multiplicity, silence, privacy and company, and sainthood, are thoroughly discussed.

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Book SynopsisConcluding a textually long but spiritually endless journey toward insan al-kamil?the perfect human?this fourth volume approaches Sufism through the middle way, an approach that revives the legacy of the Prophet Muhammad. With an awareness of the social realities of the 21st century, concepts such as tranquility, the truth of divinity, life beyond the physical realm, the preserved tablet, the glorified attributes, and the beautiful names are delicately explained.

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Book SynopsisEmphasizing the esthetic concerns of the Islamic civilization as well as underlining the true nature of the religion, this insightful opus contains a collection of essays on the art of language from a revered contemporary scholar of Islam. Written separately as lead articles for the Turkish literary magazine, Yagmur, the volume eloquently articulates the author?s approach to speech as well as his definitions of poetry, history, and beauty, all of which are deeply embroidered around the lacework of Islam. With powerful emphasis on belief in God, each essay addresses an important matter of language that aptly relates to the current state of affairs in the Muslim world and the nature of human existence in the 21st century as a whole.

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Book SynopsisFrom the heartland of Islam arise poems of fiery love and peace, composed by a modern-day female poet descended from a long line of Meccan (from Mecca) scholars. Reflecting the pulsing, indivisible bridge of the works of great Sufi mystics and poets to modern times, these spiritual pieces recall the beloved works of Rabi‘ah Al ‘Adawiyyah, Rumi and Hafiz. Drawing on a rich religious legacy and led by the Sufi tradition seeking Unity, the poems cover aspects related to spirituality and present-day challenges. The inspiring combination of the traditional and modern in these compositions will touch the inner souls and captivate the hearts of those interested in Higher Love in these turbulent times of transition and frantic search for peace

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Book SynopsisAn Introduction to Qur''anic Exegesis: Tafsir is a comprehensive textbook for the Qur''anic studies. It provides an academic introduction to Tafsir methodology for intermediate level of study. In addition to theoretical information, the commentaries for the short chapters of the Qur''an will enrich the students'' knowledge, and nurture their curiosity for further studies. This book can be used for self-study or with the guidance of a teacher at Islamic schools and colleges as well as theology faculties.

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Book SynopsisGod, Man, Mortality is a collection of essays written both by seasoned and by up and coming scholars working the field known as Nursi studies. The aim of these essays is to hold a mirror up to Nursi's teachings on a number of issues, just as Nursi held a mirror up to the teachings of the Qur'an. The scope is broad covering subjects such as Divine immanence and transcendence, human spirituality and man's role as Divine vicegerent. Divine determining and free will, and human conscience as evidence of the existence of God. The topics presented by the authors are unashamedly theocentric in nature: discussions on politics and legal theory are conspicuous by their absence. We benefit from the depth of awareness that the contributors clearly have of Nursi's teachings and his place in the Muslim academe, as well as from their lucid expository styles and strong authorial voices.

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Book SynopsisThere are about one billion Muslims in the world, concentrated primarily in North Africa, the Middle East, and South and Southeast Asia. Islam teaches that Allah selected Muhammad, a merchant from Mecca, as the last of the prophets following Adam, Moses, Jesus, and others, to deliver God''s message to mankind. Islam has a long and complicated history as do most established religions. Islam is in the focus of world attention because of the actions of Islamic extremists, such as Osama bin Laden. The terrorist attacks of 9/11 and numerous other attacks have drawn particular attention to Muslims and the Islamic faith. This book examines some of the different sects of Islam and how their practices fit within contemporary times.

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Book SynopsisWhile there is a never-ending debate on Islamism, Islamist terrorism and the identity of Europe vis-á-vis growing Muslim communities in Europe, there are hardly any solid cross-national data being presented on the real extent of the Islamist threat facing Europe, and on the social conditions that lead to Islamist radicalism. By and large, our rigorous quantitative results, based on the first systematic use of the Muslim community data contained in the ''European Social Survey'' (ESS) all support a socio-liberal view of "migration" and "integration", compatible with much of the rest of current European political economic thinking regarding the future alternatives for the European Union, and contradict the very extended current alarmist political discourse in Western Europe.

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Book SynopsisIslam is the second most common faith in the world with over a billion adherents. Understanding Islam as a twenty-first century faith has potential to address one of the contemporary world''s sorest points, and, at the same time, to release the energies of one of the world''s most potent forces. Moreover, overcoming suspicion of Islam is a pertinent 21st century challenge facing the U.S. as its attempts to mend a decade of deteriorating ties with Muslim peoples world-wide. This book explores suspicion of Islamic education in the U.S., analysing the extent to which such a sentiment is based on verifiable data. The agreement between general broad principles of research ethics and Islamic teachings concerning life are discussed as well. Other chapters address the two controversial issues concerning women''s rights and age of consent for children in Muslim communities. How media representations of Islam can contradict and re-interpret the sanctity of life upheld in the holy book are also analyzed. In addition, this book explores the importance of new Islamic presences in Europe, and the authors address the relationship between the state and Islamic religion, the integration of Muslims in Europe and the role of Islam inside European society.

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Book SynopsisAshrati's book is a study of intellectual framework laid out by Fethullah Gulen in his call for the revival of humanity's changing power. Gulen, a prominent scholar of Islam and a social activist, is the inspiration behind the global network of education, charity and interfaith dialogue. This book is an attempt to show how significant Gulen's layout for reconstruction is to Islam and to the rest of the world.In his analysis of Gulen's thought of reconstruction, Ashrati looks at concepts including the strategy of nonviolence, spiritual dimension of revival, foundations of humanism in Islam, intellectual and spiritual leadership, men of service, and integration of science and religion. His analogy of construction and architectural work comes handy in understanding both the complexity and openness of the call for revival by Gulen.

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Book SynopsisAl Rashid Mosque, Canada's first and one of the earliest in North America, was erected in Edmonton in the depth of the Depression of the 1930s. Over time, the story of this first mosque, which served as a magnet for more Lebanese Muslim immigrants to Edmonton, was woven into the folklore of the local community. Baha Abu-Laban, ForewordEdmonton's Al Rashid Mosque has played a key role in Islam's Canadian development. Founded by Muslims from Lebanon, it has grown into a vibrant community fully integrated into Canada's cultural mosaic. The mosque continues to be a concrete expression of social good, a symbol of a proud Muslim Canadian identity. Al Rashid Mosque provides a welcome introduction to the ethics and values of homegrown Muslims. The book traces the mosque's role in education and community leadership and celebrates the numerous contributions of Muslim Canadians in Edmonton and across Canada. Al Rashid Mosque is a timely and important volume of Islamic and Canadian history."Forty years ago, as a young scholar in Islamic Studies at the University of Alberta, Al Rashid's Muslims welcomed my queries, tolerated my ignorance, and joyfully opened their homes and their hearts." Earle H. WaughEarle H. Waugh has studied Islam in Canada and the Middle East for most of his adult life. He is Professor Emeritus at the University of Alberta and a senior scholar in the areas of religious studies, health and culture, and Indigenous language maintenance.

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Book SynopsisAl Rashid Mosque, Canada's first and one of the earliest in North America, was erected in Edmonton in the depth of the Depression of the 1930s. Over time, the story of this first mosque, which served as a magnet for more Lebanese Muslim immigrants to Edmonton, was woven into the folklore of the local community. Baha Abu-Laban, ForewordEdmonton's Al Rashid Mosque has played a key role in Islam's Canadian development. Founded by Muslims from Lebanon, it has grown into a vibrant community fully integrated into Canada's cultural mosaic. The mosque continues to be a concrete expression of social good, a symbol of a proud Muslim Canadian identity. Al Rashid Mosque provides a welcome introduction to the ethics and values of homegrown Muslims. The book traces the mosque's role in education and community leadership and celebrates the numerous contributions of Muslim Canadians in Edmonton and across Canada. Al Rashid Mosque is a timely and important volume of Islamic and Canadian history."Forty years ago, as a young scholar in Islamic Studies at the University of Alberta, Al Rashid's Muslims welcomed my queries, tolerated my ignorance, and joyfully opened their homes and their hearts." Earle H. WaughEarle H. Waugh has studied Islam in Canada and the Middle East for most of his adult life. He is Professor Emeritus at the University of Alberta and a senior scholar in the areas of religious studies, health and culture, and Indigenous language maintenance.

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Book SynopsisThis collection challenges misconceptions that rural Canada is a bastion of intolerance. While examining the extent and nature of contemporary cultural and religious discrimination in rural Canadian communities, the editors and contributors explore the many efforts by rural citizens, community groups, and municipalities to counter intolerance, build inclusive communities, and become better neighbours. Throughout, scholars and community leaders focus on building new understandings, language, and ways of thinking about diversity and inclusion that will resonate with rural people. Scholars of rural studies will find this book useful as will rural community leaders and community organizers. Contributors: Clark Banack, Ray Bollman, Claudine Bonner, Corina Borri-Anadon, Jen Budney, Michael Corbett, Roger Epp, Murray Fulton, Stacey Haugen, Phil Henderson, Sivane Hirsch, Michelle Lam, Coleen Lynch, Aasa Marshall, Darcy Overland, Trista Pewapisconias, Dionne Pohler, Samuel Reimer, Jennifer Tinkham, Kyle WhiteTrade Review“The contributors to Building Inclusive Communities in Rural Canada refuse to fall back on simple, misleading stereotypes about rural place—as uniquely friendly and welcoming or as places of entrenched racism and xenophobia—and instead do the difficult work of recognizing the heterogeneity of rural places, people, and practices." —Karen Foster, Dalhousie University"This collection by scholars and practitioners is an important contribution to countering stereotypes about rural communities. It explores the complexity and diversity of attitudes and the work against intolerance taking place in groups and institutions in rural communities and offers helpful practical tools to foster inclusivity." Belinda Leach, University of Guelph"Clark Banack and Dionne Pohler’s essay collection, Building Inclusive Communities in Rural Canada, plants some critical seeds in a research field relatively ­barren of sustained inquiry. To what extent, their ­contributors ask, does racial intolerance prevail in rural Canada, and how do we create more inclusive rural communities in this country? The co-editor Clark Banack’s standout ­chapter on attitudes toward cultural and religious ­minorities is a must-read for anyone who picks up this volume.... His fascinating answers should be required reading for federal policy makers and community educators alike." Julie McGonegal, Literary Review of Canada, July-August 2023Table of ContentsAcknowledgements Introduction Clark Banack and Dionne Pohler I Rural Demographics and Diversity 1 The Demographic Context of Rural Canada: The Size of the Indigenous and Visible Minority Populations Ray D. Bollman 2 Making Diversity in Rural Areas Visible: A Changing Perspective for Rural Schools in Québec Sivane Hirsch and Corina Borri-Anadon II Understanding Rural Attitudes toward Inclusivity 3 Partisanship, Patriarchy, and Prejudice: Inclusivity among Evangelicals, Albertans, and Rural Canadians Samuel Reimer 4 Understanding Rural Attitudes toward Cultural and Religious Minorities via Political Ethnography: The Case of Rural Alberta Clark Banack 5 Driving into Nowhere: Refugee Resettlement and Integration in Rural Canada Stacey Haugen III Practical Tools for Building Inclusive Rural Communities 6 A Noisy Silence: Challenges for Rural Teacher Education Michael Corbett, Jennifer Tinkham, and Claudine Bonner 7 Promoting Understanding and Equity in Rural Canada: The Role of Community Education Michelle Lam 8 Contextual Bible Study: An Effective Practice to Promote Inclusivity in Rural Communities and Faith Groups Coleen Lynch IV A Rural Approach to Anti-racism and Settler-Indigenous Relations: Co-operation and Neighbourliness 9 Co-operative Development Possibilities in Rural Settler and Indigenous Communities: Lessons from the Co-operative Innovation Project and Co-operatives First Dionne Pohler, Jen Budney, Murray Fulton, Darcy Overland, Aasa Marshall, Trista Pewapisconias, and Kyle White 10 Inclusion on Whose Grounds? Against Liberal Essentialisms and toward Radical Neighbourliness in Rural Anti-racism Phil Henderson 11 The Work of Neighbours: A Rural Ethos for Reconciliation Roger Epp Conclusion Clark Banack and Dionne Pohler Contributors

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Book SynopsisIn 1940, Rav Yehuda Ashlag published the first, and only copy of the paper, The Nation. After WWII, he wrote The Writings of the Last Generation, contemplating the causes and solutions to anti-Semitism. This book contains these writings, as well as The Nation. These writings are bold, inspiring, and make you wonder what our lives would be like had we known about them earlier, or if we would adopt some of his ideas henceforth.

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Book SynopsisMargaret Thatcher’s premiership changed the face of modern Britain. Yet few people know of the critical role played by Jews in sparking and sustaining her revolution. Was this chance, choice, or simply a reflection of the fact that, as the Iron Lady herself said: `I just wanted a Cabinet of clever, energetic people and frequently that turned out to be the same thing’? In this book, the first to explore Mrs Thatcher’s relationship with Britain’s Jewish community, Robert Philpot shows that her regard did not come simply from representing a constituency with more Jewish voters than any other, but stretched back to her childhood. She saw her own philosophical beliefs expressed in the values of Judaism – and in it, too, she saw elements of her beloved father’s Methodist teachings. Margaret Thatcher: The Honorary Jew explores Mrs Thatcher’s complex and fascinating relationship with the Jewish community and draws on archives and a wide range of memoirs and exclusive interviews, ranging from former Cabinet ministers to political opponents. It reveals how Immanuel Jakobovits, the Chief Rabbi, assisted her fight with the Church of England and how her attachment to Israel led her to internal battles as a member of Edward Heath’s government and as Prime Minister, as well as examining her relationships with various Israeli leaders.Trade Review"Meticulously researched and skilfully written, this book delivers something that's very difficult to do these days - namely to provide a genuinely fresh perspective on one of Britain's, indeed the world's, most talked-about political icons." - Tim Bale, Professor of Politics at Queen Mary University of London; "We all think we know about Maggie - and especially her relationship with the Jewish community and Israel. Robert Philpot's brilliantly readable book shows just how superficial the received wisdom is. Anyone who wants to understand what made Baroness Thatcher tick needs to read this." - Stephen Pollard , Editor of the Jewish Chronicle; "An original and important contribution to works on Thatcherism. This well-researched book is filled with fresh insights into the rapport the Prime Minister had with her circle of energetic Cabinet Ministers and No. 10 advisors from Jewish backgrounds. Philpot's revealing portraits of Keith Joseph, Nigel Lawson, Malcolm Rifkind, David Young, Alfred Sherman, Stephen Sherbourne and other key figures are particularly perceptive." - Jonathan Aitken

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Book SynopsisThe Arab revolutions of 2011 were a transformative moment in the modern history of the Middle East, as people rose up against long-standing autocrats throughout the region to call for 'bread, freedom and dignity'. With the passage of time, results have been decidedly mixed, with initial success stories like Tunisia contrasting with the emergence of even more repressive dictatorships in places like Egypt, with the backing of several Gulf states. Focusing primarily on Egypt, this book considers a relatively understudied dimension of these revolutions: the role of prominent religious scholars. While pro-revolutionary ulama have justified activism against authoritarian regimes, counter-revolutionary scholars have provided religious backing for repression, and in some cases the mass murder of unarmed protestors. Usaama al-Azami traces the public engagements and religious pronouncements of several prominent ulama in the region, including Yusuf al-Qaradawi, Ali Gomaa and Abdullah bin Bayyah, to explore their role in either championing the Arab revolutions or supporting their repression. He concludes that while a minority of noted scholars have enthusiastically endorsed the counter-revolutions, their approach is attributable less to premodern theology and more to their distinctly modern commitment to the authoritarian state.Trade Review‘[An] important study, the first comprehensive account of its kind’ -- Asian Affairs‘Compelling.’ -- Middle East Policy'Ten years after the Arab Spring, little attention has been given to the important role of religious scholars. Al-Azami's excellent book provides an extensive analysis of a myriad of discourses and political alliances. A must-read for researchers of modern Islam and Middle East studies.' -- Heba Raouf Ezzat, Assistant Professor of Political Science, Ibn Haldun University'Literature on the Arab Spring is vast, but a novel perspective and original dimension is rare. Al-Azami's book accomplishes both. He succinctly illustrates that the Arab Revolutions were also an epistemological battle, in which the ulama played a pivotal role. A quintessential read.' -- Wadah Khanfar, former director general of Al Jazeera Media Network and President of the Al Sharq Forum'A comprehensive account and analysis of how the events of the Arab Spring unfolded among the ranks of the ulama. Indispensable for anyone wanting to understand the fault lines which will dominate the Muslim world for years to come.' -- Jonathan A. C. Brown, Professor of Islamic Civilization, Georgetown University

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Book SynopsisThe flowering of the 'Abbasid caliphate between 750 and 1258 CE is often considered the classical age of Islamic civilization. In the preceding 120 years the Arabs had conquered much of the known world of antiquity and established a vast empire stretching from Spain to China. But was this empire really so very different, as has sometimes been claimed, from what it superseded? The Great Caliphs creatively explores the immense achievements of the 'Abbasid age through the lens of Mediterranean history. When the Umayyad caliphs were replaced by the 'Abbasids in 750, and the Arab capital moved to Baghdad, Iraq quickly became the centre not only of an imperium but also of a culture built on the foundations of the great civilizations of antiquity: Greece, Rome, Byzantium and Persia. Debunking popular misconceptions about the Arab conquests, Amira Bennison shows that, far from seeing themselves as purging the 'occidental' culture of the ancient world with a 'pure' and 'oriental' Islamic doctrine, the 'Abbasids perceived themselves to be as much within the tradition of Mediterranean and Near Eastern empire as any of their predecessors. Like other outsiders who inherited the Roman Empire, the Arabs had as much interest in preserving as in destroying, even while they were challenged by the paganism of the past. Indebted to that past while building creatively on its foundations, the 'Abbasids and their rulers inculcated and nurtured precisely the 'civilized' values which western civilization so often claims to represent.Trade Review'An engaging synthesis of much recent scholarship on medieval Islamic society and culture which fills a significant gap in a literature dominated by histories of politics and religion.' - Times Literary Supplement; 'Offers a compelling yet nuanced understanding of the civilization of the 'Abbasid Empire. A wonderful book.' - Miri Rubin, Professor of Medieval and Early Modern History, Queen Mary, University of London; 'Bennison fashions a smooth, expository narrative, drawing back the curtain on medieval Islamic society by a mix of lively anecdotes, illuminating references to modern practices, striking comparisons with the more familiar medieval West, well-judged and pithy generalizations and gobbets of medieval texts that instantly bring long-dead people to life. There really is something here for everyone.' - Robert Hillenbrand writing in The Middle East in LondonTable of ContentsAcknowledgements Note on transliteration List of Maps List of Figures Chapter 1 Introduction Chapter 2 A Stormy Sea: the politics of the ‘Abbasid caliphate The making of an empire The Umayyads: Islam’s first caliphal dynasty The rise of the ‘Abbasids The early ‘Abbasid caliphate The Samarran interlude The Shi‘i century The Saljuq sultanate and the ‘Sunni revival’ The Crusades and the twilight of the caliphate Chapter 3 From Baghdad to Cordoba: the cities of classical Islam Arab urbanism at the dawn of Islam The first Muslim towns Umayyad urbanism ‘Abbasid imperial cities and their imitators Provincial cities in the ‘Abbasid age Chapter 4 Princes and Beggars: life and society in the ‘Abbasid Age Peasants and countryfolk The people of the city Women and children The religious minorities Beggars and tricksters Chapter 5 The Life Blood of Empire: trade and traders in ‘Abbasid times Routes and commodities Merchants and pilgrims Trade facilities Chapter 6 Baghdad’s ‘Golden Age’: Islam’s scientific renaissance The foundations of Islamic learning The flowering of knowledge under the ‘Abbasids The ‘Abbasid translation movement Translations, translators and scientists Knowledge and science after the translation movement Chapter 7 The ‘Abbasid Legacy Bibliography Index

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Book SynopsisThis topic divides people - and it will divide readers of this book too. Many Muslims worldwide either support or adopt religious veiling, and those who argue against it are often criticised, or worse. But, according to Yasmin Alibhai-Brown, the veil throws up a number of concerns, from questions of health and freedom of choice to issues of gender and personal identity. She argues that veiling conceals abuse, propagates eating disorders and restricts access to sunlight and exercise. It is imposed on babies and young girls, allows women to be shamed for not covering up, and has become associated with extremist factions. It demonises men, oppresses feminism and presents obstacles to performance and success. It even encourages racism, distorts Muslim values and strips women of autonomy and individuality. Written from a unique perspective and packed with personal experiences as well as public examples, Yasmin addresses the ultimate question of why Muslim women everywhere should refuse the veil. Provocations is a groundbreaking new series of short polemics composed by some of the most intriguing voices in contemporary culture and edited by Yasmin Alibhai-Brown.Sharp, intelligent and controversial, Provocations provides insightful contributions to the most vital discussions in society today.Trade Review"An ambitious new series that tackles the controversy of the topics explored with a mixture of intelligence and forthright argument from some excellent writers." The Observer

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Book SynopsisLin Van Hek writes about the poetry of aunties in a novel that is at once thrilling and filled with the memories of wilful women. When Eadie Wilt disappears during the flood, everyone thinks she has drowned. But Siddy Church's granddaughter has more life to live in a household filled with stories and larger-than-life characters.Trade Review"She [Lin vanHek] writes like an angel giving the devil her due." --Keri Hulme

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Book SynopsisIndonesian Islam in a new era examines the religious practices and identities of Indonesian Muslim women in the post-Suharto era. After 1998 Indonesian Islam changed socially and nationally as society underwent sweeping alterations. Based on new empirical research by sociologists, political scientists, and anthropologists from Indonesia and Australia, the book underscores the negotiations Muslim women have made in arenas such as schools, organisations, popular culture and village life. Whereas theology has until recently dominated studies of women and Islam in Indonesia, this book breaks new ground by examining from social science perspectives how Indonesian women negotiate their Muslim identities.

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Book SynopsisBetween the mid-1990s and 2004, Omar Bakri Muhammad and his organisation al-Muhajiroun generated a very public profile as the voice of ''Islamism'' in the United Kingdom. This book explores the lifespan of al-Muhajiroun and charts the organisation''s perspectives on the ''war on terror'', Muslims in the West and the role of the United States.

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Book SynopsisMyths and misunderstandings continue to proliferate about Islam and its millions of followers worldwide. To refute these misconceptions, this newly-expanded, magnificently illustrated version offers succinct, and sometimes surprising, answers to the frequent questions about the Muslim faith in an accessible question and answer format.

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Book SynopsisThis book sheds light on some of the Jews'' most daunting and mystifying questions: What is our role on this planet? Are we truly "the chosen people"? If we are, what were we chosen for? What is causing anti-Semitism, and can it be cured? Using numerous quotes and references from Jewish sages and historians of all times, the book offers a roadmap for achieving one of the Jews'' most sought-after, yet elusive goals: social cohesion and unity. Indeed, unity is the very gift that the Jews alone can give to the world, and which the world impatiently awaits. When we unite and share our unity with all, then peace, brotherly love, and happiness will forever prevail throughout the world.

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Book SynopsisThe Pentateuch, or The Five Books of Moses, is a fascinating odyssey of a nation in the making. Yet, underneath the tales that reveal human nature at its zenith and at its nadir lies an ocean of wisdom that, if uncovered, can alter reality itself. This book uncovers that wisdom in a manner no commentary in history has. Throughout the year, each week observant Jews read a different portion of the Torah. In this book, these portions come to life as never before. Readers discover that each of the protagonists in the stories they''ve known for so long is not a myth, but a living force within. These forces direct and determine our path in life, and when we come to know them, we come to know our true selves. By delving into this text, portion by portion, the new meaning that readers will find in these ancient stories will enrich and empower them.

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Book SynopsisGülen''s vision for the future is an inspiring hope, where peace and justice are maintained in the world. This is a promise in the divine revelation for the ''righteous'', who are expected to be the driving force in reaching this goal. Attaining this rank, however, requires that they be ordained with certain qualifications and virtues as once manifested to the highest degree in Islamic civilisation. In this book, Gülen reminds us of these virtues and shows the path that those lofty souls have followed in the past, leaving behind exceptional models.

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Book Synopsis

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Book Synopsis

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