arab civilization

Briefly discusses the civilizations of Sumer, Assyria, Babylonia, Egypt, and the Nile Valley.

Visit three cities of the ancient world famous for artists, scholars and architects. In Bukhara, examine famous works of ceramic artists and mosaic experts, such as the Mir-i Arab medrassa. In sub-Saharan Africa visit Timbuktu, Mali, with its earthen mosques of Djingareyber, Sankore, and Sidi Yahia. Then, Djenne, Mali, and its Grand Mosque.

Look at the realms of three Arab dynasties; the ancient capital of Persepolis, Iran, with the palace of Darius I, king of ancient Persia. Also, Isfahan, Iran, the 16th century capital. Then, the mysterious desert oasis of Samarkand, Uzbekistan, a city on the Silk Road with its blue-domed Registan Mosque.

Travel to three of the ancient world's most important commercial hubs. Travel from Zanzibar, where the Omani Sultan presided over a vast trading network of ivory, spices and slaves, to Dhofar, Oman, where frankincense was king, and then on to Ghadames, Libya, one of the oldest pre-Saharan cities that became the trans-Saharan caravan junction for all of North Africa.

Addresses common misconceptions concerning Arab character and culture which have undermined Western political policies toward the Middle East.

Briefly discusses the civilizations of Sumer, Assyria, Babylonia, Egypt, and the Nile Valley.

Presents a history of the Arab world from the origins of the Arab people in the ancient Near East, to the early twenty-first century, discussing the rise of Islam, society and culture, the Ottoman age, Arab nationalism, and other topics.

Traces the history and controversies surrounding popular culture in the Arabic-speaking world, and discusses how the region's political atmosphere influences its media, arts, and lifestyle.