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Turning Points in Middle Eastern History cover art

Turning Points in Middle Eastern History

By: Eamonn Gearon, The Great Courses
Narrated by: Eamonn Gearon
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Summary

The Middle East is a critically important area of our world. And, with its current prominence in international affairs, media images of the Middle East reach us on a daily basis. Much media coverage, however, is incomplete at best, failing to take account of either the complexities or the historical background of this pivotal region. For most of us, the real story of the Middle East remains untold. What made this crucial geopolitical area what it is today? In coming to terms with the present and future of the Middle East, an understanding of its history is not only highly valuable but essential.

Now, the 36 lectures of Turning Points in Middle Eastern History unfurl a breathtaking panorama of history, exploring a 1,300-year window from the rise of the warrior prophet Muhammad to the fall of the Ottoman Empire after World War I. Each lecture focuses on a specific moment that changed the direction of events or the narrative of history.

You'll witness the Battle of Karbala, where Muhammad's heirs - the Sunni and Shia - split once and for all. You'll discover the wonders of the Islamic Golden Age and marvel at the superlative advances in astronomy, mathematics, medicine, and literature - and the preservation of classical Greek and Roman wisdom - that unfolded in global centers of learning such as Baghdad, Cairo, and Cordoba. You'll follow the empire building of the Persian Safavids, the Egyptian Mamluks, and the Ottomans, among others.

The breakup of the Ottoman Empire yielded most of the modern states of the Middle East. The far-reaching impacts of its rise and fall, plus the long-lasting influence of the 18th-century Saud-Wahhab Pact between a desert ruler and a religious reformer, creating today's Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, are two more expressions of how the past suffuses the present. The stories you'll discover here are as dazzling as anything in the Arabian Nights and are all the more astonishing for being true.

PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying reference material will be available in your Library section along with the audio.

©2016 The Great Courses (P)2016 The Teaching Company, LLC

What listeners say about Turning Points in Middle Eastern History

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars

Excellent history

Very informative and optimistic. The lectures are clear and interesting about important events in history.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Unputdownable

An incredibly honest and thorough account of 1400 years of history. As a person who thinks he knows a lot about the history of the middle east i thought it might not be so interesting but I soon realised how limited my knowledge was. I really recommend people to look into this series.

And although the style of the lecturer is sometimes a bit stilted, I came to appreciate his clear and focused narrative. Overall, this was a well spent 18 odd hours.

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3 people found this helpful

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    5 out of 5 stars
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    3 out of 5 stars

Interesting

Moved forward very well . Would recommend it as an introduction . I specially like the explaining of explanation of the turkeys involvement in ww1

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

captivating

firstly the voice of the professor is perfect for an audible course. secondly the structure of the course is clear. thirdly it is not just an exposure of the facts, the professor helps you understand the reasons behind every turning point.

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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    3 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars

Informative but not well pronounced

The content of the lectures was good and revealing about middle eastern history, but the speaker mispronounced some Arabic words and ended some of the lectures a bit abruptly for my liking.

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2 people found this helpful

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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Great

Absolutely great in all aspects.Its a must for anyone who wishes to understand the Middle East

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1 person found this helpful

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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Excellent summary of the history of the Middle East

Definitely worth listening to it. It is comprehensive while not being overly detailed. It enables to have a good understanding of the overall history while opening the door to learning more on the topics that catch your interest

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    3 out of 5 stars

Interesting and insightful overview of history

Very long but mostly interesting. Reveals how partial history is in terms of class, gender and race to me though these things are in sufficiently covered. It also shows how little we know of the past and how packaged our historical knowledge is with stereotypes - so some gaps filled. This audible book goes a little way to challenge conventional history but ultimately not far enough for me. Hence holding back from 5 stars.

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2 people found this helpful

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    5 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars

Astonishing book

Being a Muslim Arab I was astonished by the depth of information that book offered touching on the most important times of the Middle East history including Islamic era. Certainly the book was very enjoyable and informative. Would highly recommend

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2 people found this helpful

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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

A book not to be missed.

Very well written and narrated
Gives an amazing summary of the most important history
Content is exemplary and scientific

Speed is perfect
Must have book for all ages and all kind of mankind

Well done

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