Arab world video series

See the influence of Islamic culture on cities around the Straits of Gibraltar. From the Great Mosque in Cordoba, the capital of Islamic Spain, journey to the Alhambra palace in Granada. Then, Marrakesh, Morocco, to explore tombs, mosques, monuments and palaces, fine examples of Islamic architecture in North Africa.

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.