Summary of Islam Empire of Faith Part 2 The Awakening full PBS Documentary
The documentary "Islam: Empire of Faith Part 2 - The Awakening" explores the profound impact of Islam during the 7th and 8th centuries AD, highlighting its rapid expansion across three continents and the establishment of a vast empire. The narrative emphasizes the dual nature of this expansion, characterized by both military conquests and the spread of ideas, culture, and trade.
Central to Islamic life is the pilgrimage to Mecca, known as the Haj, which symbolizes unity and equality among Muslims. The documentary illustrates how trade routes flourished, connecting regions from Spain to India, and how cities like Baghdad emerged as centers of learning and culture, rivaling ancient Athens and Rome. The House of Wisdom in Baghdad became a hub for scholars of diverse backgrounds, fostering a spirit of inquiry and innovation that led to significant advancements in science, mathematics, and medicine.
The documentary also discusses the cultural exchange between Islamic civilization and Europe, particularly through cities like Cordoba, which became a beacon of enlightenment during the Dark Ages. The architectural and intellectual legacies of Islam influenced European thought and culture, setting the stage for the Renaissance.
However, the narrative takes a darker turn with the rise of the Crusades, sparked by Pope Urban II's call to reclaim Jerusalem. The Crusaders, initially unprepared for the complexities of the Islamic world, committed atrocities during their campaigns, leading to a long-standing conflict between Christians and Muslims.
As the documentary progresses, it highlights the eventual fragmentation of the Islamic empire and the devastating Mongol invasions, which led to the destruction of cities like Baghdad. Yet, surprisingly, the Mongols later converted to Islam, becoming patrons of Islamic culture and facilitating the rise of new empires, such as the Ottoman Turks.
The overarching themes of the documentary include the interplay of faith, culture, and commerce in shaping Islamic civilization, its contributions to global knowledge, and the enduring legacy of this rich history despite periods of conflict and destruction.
Speakers
- Narrator (unnamed)
- Various scholars and historians (specific names not provided in the subtitles)
Notable Quotes
— 35:59 — « Faith had launched an Empire; culture was now enlightening it, but ultimately what united it was trade. »
— 36:19 — « Writing a check assumes that someone's going to honor it and cash it at the other end, and that if you give the money or you have the money in one place that someone will say I have access to that somewhere else. »
— 39:20 — « Sometimes the fabrics were trimmed with decorative Arabic text from the Holy Quran, and so the words of the Prophet sometimes appeared in shocking proximity to Christ's holiest icons. »
— 51:20 — « Most of them in the end converted to Islam and then became, after being these tremendously destructive forces, some of the greatest patrons of the arts and letters in all of Islamic history. »