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“The Great Arab Conquests: How the Spread of Islam Changed the World We Live In” by Hugh Kennedy is a compelling study of the Islamic expansion that occurred after the Prophet Muhammad’s death in 632 AD. More than just a historical recounting, this book offers a transformative narrative that reshapes our perception of the world.
Kennedy’s work is a testament to the resilience and strategic prowess of the Arab armies. They overcame almost all challenges they faced, from the Visigoth kingdom in Spain to the Talas River in the East. The book details the conquests on all fronts, terrestrial and maritime, from their farthest extent at Poitiers in the West (in 732) to the Talas River in the East (in 751).
The book delves into the unique aspects of Islamic rule and colonization in newly subdued regions. It emphasizes the widespread conversion to Islam, a testament to the power and appeal of the Islamic faith. The book also outlines the campaigns spearheaded by the Umayyad dynasty across north Africa to Spain and southern France, northwards into the Caucasus, and eastwards to the most remote parts of Iran, to Sind and the Indus valley in the southeast and, in the northeast, beyond the Oxus into Central Asia.
Kennedy’s narrative is not only informative but also captivating. He brings each individual conquest to life in vivid detail, allowing the reader to appreciate the extraordinary transformation of the world’s political and religious map. This book is a must-read for anyone looking to understand how the spread of Islam significantly reshaped the world we live in.
In conclusion, “The Great Arab Conquests” is an enlightening book by a skilled historian about events that truly changed the world. It provides a thorough, engaging, and easy-to-understand account of the vast Islamic expansion, making it both useful and informative. The book pays tribute to the tenacity of the Arab armies, their strategic excellence, and the distinctive features of Islamic rule.
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