September 4, 2012

Arab Conquests and Social Memory

YouTube Video Description [Channel: TurnedTurk]:
"The Arab conquests following the death of Mohammed changed the world for ever. The old world order of fading Greek and Roman civilisations was brought to an end and by 641 Islamic Arab armies had conquered Syria, Egypt, Palestine and Iraq, by 700 all of North Africa, and by 720 all of Spain, Pakistan and much of Central Asia too. This discussion looks at the old Arab stories about that extraordinary period; how accurate are they, and what do they tell us about how society reflects on itself? And the participants also discuss the Arab foundation stories and the role they play in the history of a culture."
[Source - BBC Radio] Arab Conquests and Social Memory: