Captives and Companions

Captives and Companions delves into the extensive and often overlooked history of slavery within the Islamic world. Moving beyond simplistic narratives, the book uncovers its complex origins, diverse forms, and profound impact across fifteen centuries, from its beginnings in the earliest days of Islam to its enduring legacy in the modern era.This historical journey traverses vast geographies and cultures, illustrating how Arab Muslims adapted and regulated the practice of slavery, sanctioned by the Quran and holy law. It explores the diverse roles of enslaved individuals, from eunuch guardians and elite Janissaries in imperial courts to powerful concubines and celebrated courtesans in Golden Age Baghdad. The book also highlights Africa's immense contribution to this labor demand, charting the journeys of millions across the Sahara and along ocean coasts, alongside the dynamic slaving interactions between Muslims, Christians, and Jews in the Mediterranean. Ultimately, Captives and Companions reveals slavery's remarkable longevity and the late, challenging path towards its abolition.Why You Should Read? Explore a comprehensive and nuanced history of slavery in the Islamic world, a topic often overshadowed by other narratives. Gain insight into the diverse forms and societal roles of enslaved individuals across centuries and continents. Understand the religious, legal, and cultural frameworks that allowed slavery to persist for over 1,500 years. Journey through an extraordinary historical landscape, connecting regions from Baghdad to Timbuktu and Istanbul to the Black Sea.