Race And Slavery In The Middle East: An Histori... Review

: Unlike the rigid racial castes in the Americas, slaves in the Middle East could occasionally rise to significant power and renown, such as the Mamluk military commanders.

: Lewis addresses why there are relatively few descendants of African slaves in the Middle East today compared to the Americas. He attributes this to high mortality rates, low birth rates, and the frequent castration of male slaves. Critical Reception Race and Slavery in the Middle East: An Histori...

In his 1990 work, renowned historian Bernard Lewis explores the complex social structures of the Middle East, specifically debunking the myth that the region was a "racial utopia". Core Arguments & Themes : Unlike the rigid racial castes in the

Reviewers from the Journal of Social History and The New York Times have praised Lewis for his detailed use of primary sources, including Arabic and Persian literature, to show how prejudice often "won out over pious sentiments". However, some critics suggest the book focuses heavily on elite households and could have benefited from a deeper look at the broader assimilation of races in Islamic empires. Race and Slavery in the Middle East - Bernard Lewis Critical Reception In his 1990 work, renowned historian