Ahmad Shbuol

Christians and Muslims in Syria and Upper Mesopotamia in the Early Arab Islamic Period: Cultural Change and Continuity

Introduction

Christians and muslims in syria and upper mesopotamia in the early arab islamic period: cultural change and continuity. Explore cultural change & continuity between Christians & Muslims in early Islamic Syria & Upper Mesopotamia (7th-11th C.). Focus on acculturation processes.

Abstract

This is a preliminary report of research in progress on social and cultural change in early Islamic Syria. Syria is defined here as the historical region covered by modern Syria, south-west Turkey (Antioch province), Lebanon, Jordan and Palestine-Israel. Upper Mesopotamia denotes the area between the upper middle Euphrates and Tigris. The early Arab Islamic period is here understood to extend from the early seventh to the late eleventh century A.D. The present essay takes a broad perspective beyond the limited question of religious conversion. It is more concerned with processes of cultural change, continuity and acculturation. This study is mainly based on literary evidence and special attention is given to works of Syrian provenance.

Review

This preliminary report outlines a highly ambitious and timely research project investigating social and cultural transformations in Syria and Upper Mesopotamia during the early Arab Islamic period (7th to 11th centuries A.D.). The defined geographical scope, encompassing modern Syria, parts of Turkey, Lebanon, Jordan, and Palestine-Israel, alongside Upper Mesopotamia, indicates a commendably comprehensive regional focus. Crucially, the abstract signals a deliberate and welcome move beyond the narrow question of religious conversion, prioritizing instead the complex processes of cultural change, continuity, and acculturation. The project's broad perspective is a notable strength, promising to yield richer insights into the intricate dynamics between Christian and Muslim communities in a pivotal historical era. By focusing on cultural phenomena, the research has the potential to unpack nuanced interactions often overlooked by studies solely centered on religious shifts. The stated reliance on literary evidence, particularly works of Syrian provenance, is an appropriate methodological choice for this historical inquiry, offering direct access to contemporary perspectives and intellectual currents within the region itself. This approach is well-suited to illuminate the complex layers of cultural transmission and adaptation during a period of profound societal restructuring. As a preliminary report, it lays a solid foundation for future development. While the focus on "cultural change, continuity and acculturation" is excellent, the full research will benefit from a more precise articulation of the specific *domains* of culture being examined (e.g., language, daily life, administrative practices, artistic expressions, legal systems) within the stated framework. Given the extensive temporal and geographical scope, clarifying these parameters will help manage the vastness of the evidence. Furthermore, while literary sources are vital, the final study might consider how archaeological or epigraphic evidence, even if secondary, could complement the textual analysis, offering a more multi-faceted view of the material and lived experiences of these communities. Overall, this project holds substantial promise for advancing our understanding of a crucial period of cultural synthesis and interaction.

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