We explore the history of the Fatimid Caliphate with Dr. Shainool Jiwa, a historian and Senior Research Fellow at the Institute of Ismaili Studies. The Fatimid Caliphate, a North African empire that thrived from the 10th to the 12th centuries, is known for its remarkable approach to governance, cultural inclusivity, and intellectual achievements.

Dr. Jiwa takes us on a journey through the origins and expansion of the Fatimid dynasty, highlighting their establishment of Cairo as a center of power and the founding of the Al-Azhar Mosque, which remains one of the world’s most prestigious centers of Islamic learning. We also delve into the unique structure of the Fatimid administration, where Jewish and Christian officials held prominent positions.

Professor Shainool Jiwa: https://www.iis.ac.uk/our-people/units/constituency-studies-research/shainool-jiwa

The Fatimids 1 - The Rise of a Muslim Empire: https://www.iis.ac.uk/publications-listing/2017/the-fatimids-1/

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We explore one of the most significant yet often overlooked uprisings in Middle Eastern history—the Syrian Revolt of 1925-1927 - with Professor Michael Provence, a Professor on modern Middle Eastern history from the University of California, San Diego, and author of The Great Syrian Revolt and the Rise of Arab Nationalism.

We discuss the causes and consequences of the Syrian Revolt, examining how it challenged French colonial rule and ignited the flames of Arab nationalism across the region. We also discuss the broader impact of the revolt on the post-Ottoman Middle East, the rise of modern nation-states, and the enduring legacy of this pivotal period in shaping Syria’s future

Professor Michael Provence: https://history.ucsd.edu/people/faculty/provence.html

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We explore the Umayyad Caliphate, an empire that stretched from the Iberian Peninsula to the borders of India. Professor Khalid Blankinship, a renowned historian specializing in Islamic history, joins us to discuss the origins of the Umayyads, their military conquests, administrative innovations, and the enduring legacy they left behind. Tune in to uncover the complexities and achievements of the Umayyad dynasty, and how they laid the foundations for the Islamic Golden Age

Professor Khalid Blankinship: https://liberalarts.temple.edu/academics/faculty/blankinship-khalid-y

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