This course aims at critically and analytically introducing the history of Islamic state(s) (as a religio-political entity-or entities) starting from the period following the end of the Abbasid dynasty. It will also explore the evolution of many of Islam’s institutions and practices including domestic policies, foreign relations and the system of governance.  In this course we neither claim nor attempt to survey all of the history of Islam in details. Rather, we will highlight the most important events in the time period which the course covers.Furthermore, this course goes beyond the chronological survey of the history of Islam and Muslims to understand the lessons from most influential historic events, times and people.

Course Required Materials:

There is no required textbook for this course at this time.

PPT presentation

Lectures’ notes

Readings will be assigned mainly from the textbook, lectures, power point presentations and supplementary materials provided or pointed out to students. Students are encouraged to seek additional reliable sources on the topics of the course.

Course Recommended Materials:

• The History of Islam Vol. 3 by Akbar Shah Nageebabadi (chapters that correspond to course contents are mentioned below).
• Destiny Disturbed: A History from Islamic Eyes, by Tamim Ansari
• Oxford’s History of Islam, by John Esposito (Ed.). Specific  recommended chapters are:
• Development of Islamic Institutions:
  • Chapter three: Law and Society
  • Chapter Four: Science, Medicine, and Technology
  • Chapter Seven: Islam and Christendom
  • Chapter 13: European colonization and the emergence of modern Muslim states
  • Chapter 14: the Globalization of Islam and the Return of Muslims to the West

Recommended Videos to view (check public, school and universities libraries around you. If not available some may be available on the web. We encourage the use of only materials that are licensed for public viewing:

1. 1.       Islam: Empire of Faith (a video documentary that can be found online
2. 2.       People and the Land, a PBS production
3. 3.       Edward Said on Orientalism

Course Outline:

1. Introduction and Organization
   1. Review of content of previous course
   2. Practical benefits for studying history
2. Dynasties (e.g. Fatimid, Memluks, Seljuks) and the last Abbasid caliph
3. Ayyubid
4. The Crusades I
5. The Crusades II
6. The Ottomans I (Najeebabadi Chapters 19, 20 &21)
7. The Ottomans II (Najeebabadi Chapters 19, 20 &21)
8. Examples of the Muslim world states post Caliphate (nationalism. Pan Arab Nationalism, Nation-statedevelopment, colonization)
9. Turkey  and Iran (Najeebabadi Chapter 17 and reading supplement)
10. Egypt and Saudi Arabia
11. North Africa and Palestine
12. Muslims in Central and East Asia
13. Review