#42: Islamic Empires: The Cities That Shaped Civilization: From Mecca To Dubai: Interview with Justin Marozzi

Book Talk Today with Aun Abdi

On Episode #42 of the Book Talk Today podcast we are joined by Justin Marozzi

Tom is the Founding Partner at Global Optimism, and co-author The Future We Choose. He is a political strategist focussed on a better future.

Justin is a travel writer, historian, journalist and communications expert. Justin is a regular contributor to a wide range of national and international publications where he writes on international affairs, the Muslim world, defence and security issues.

We discussed:

📚 The growth of Islamic Empires across over time.

📚 Recent events in Kabul and how it relates to history.

📚 Hypocrisy within Islamic History.

Justin’s book is 'Islamic Empires: That Cities That Shaped Civilisation From Mecca to Dubai.'

Timestamps

[0:00] - Intro

[1:40] - Justin experiences visiting these countries

[4:35] - The aftermath of the Arab Spring

[6:26] - Recent events in Kabul

[15:28] - The impact of different sects in Islam

[20:47] - 14th Century Samarkand

[22:49] - What role did the 'Silk Road' play?

[24:22] - Islamic cities being way ahead of their Western Counterparts

[27:23] - How was Cordoba able to transform into a Muslim city?

[33:22] - Women's rights in the new Afghanistan

[35:39] - Markets being a centre of Islamic Culture

[37:39] - Hypocrisy in Islamic history

[42:10] - Sectarian Clashes in Beirut

[44:46] - The dividing nature of Dubai

[50:37] - The meeting of new and old in the Arab world

[52:12] - What might a 22nd Century Islamic City look like?

[1:01:14] - Modern infrastructure development in Mecca

[1:05:01] - The ruling family and clerics in Saudi Arabia

[1:06:48] - Individuals using religion for personal gain

[1:08:13] - Outro