Knowledge and Social Practice in Medieval Damascus, 1190-1350 (Cambridge Studies in Islamic Civilization)

Knowledge and Social Practice in Medieval Damascus, 1190-1350 (Cambridge Studies in Islamic Civilization)
Michael Chamberlain (Author)
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Syria

Michael Chamberlain focuses on medieval Damascus to develop a new approach to the relationship between the society and culture of the Middle East. The author argues that historians have long imposed European strictures onto societies to which they were alien. Western concepts of legitimate order were inappropriate to medieval Muslim society where social advancement was dependent upon the production of knowledge and religious patronage, and it was the household, rather than the state agency or corporation, that held political and social power. A parallel is drawn between the learned elite and the warriors of Damascus who, through similar strategies, acquired status and power and passed them on in their households. By examining material from the Latin West, Sung China and the Sinicized empires of Inner Asia, the author addresses the nature of political power in the period.

• Rank: #127059 in Books
• Published on: 2002-06-27
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Dimensions: 8.98" h x .51" w x 5.98" l, .71 pounds
• Binding: Paperback
• 216 pages

Description #1 by eBay:

author michael chamberlain format paperback language english publication year 27 06 2002 series cambridge studies in islamic civilization subject history military subject 2 regional history title knowledge and social practice in medieval damascus 1190 1350 author michael chamberlain publisher cambridge univ pr publication date jun 27 2002 pages 216 binding paperback dimensions 5 75 wx 8 50 hx 0 50 d isbn 0521525942 subject history middle east general description a reconceptualisation of the re