An Unofficial 'The Rest Is History' Reading List

376. Baghdad: The Forging of Islam (Part 1)

October 08, 2023

Description

A story of great myth and of huge historical significance, the foundation of Baghdad is a fundamental episode in the development of Islam. The Umayyad Caliphate, the first great Islamic empire,...
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Books Referenced

The Arabian Nights (One Thousand and One Nights)

Author: Anonymous (Traditional)

Context:

Referenced as the source of legendary stories associated with Baghdad - 'the city of the Arabian Knights, of Harun al-Rashid, Ali Baba, all that kind of thing.' Tom mentions they will examine 'the Arabian Knights and the degree to which they actually did originate in Baghdad.'