Muslim military architecture had numerous
roots. The pre-Islamic Arabs lived not only in the Arabian Peninsula,
but also inside the Greco-Roman and Iranian empires. There were
also large frontier zones were governed, either partially or wholly, by
Arab vassal dynasties. The superpowers of the day (Rome-Byzantium
and Sassanian Iran) dominated large parts of
the Arabian Peninsula, including parts of modern-day Yemen
in the far south. Given the Arabs long involvement with other cultures, it
is not surprising to find sophisticated Mediterranean and Iranian styles
of architecture within Arabia. It also seems conceivable that the
Arabs took knowledge of fortification back to their own
tribes.
By the time of the Crusades, the Muslim world
had already developed its own sophisticated styles of fortification that
were distinctive and effective. The region’s unique military
architecture continued to evolve in response to the Crusader and Mongol
threats, and drew upon the traditions of their foes and neighbors. The
resulting indigenous concepts of military architecture had an influence
upon fortifications in Europe, including Italy and the Iberian Peninsula. Muslim
fortifications primarily focus upon the defense of cities and frontiers
rather than providing security for the aristocracy.
As the boundaries of the Muslim Empire spread
(during the second half of the first millennia), there was a need to build
defensive structures to defend trade routes, frontier outposts as well
as cities. Inevitably, these structures modified and incorporated
styles from pre-existing Byzantine, Indian and Chinese military structures. The
resulting hybrid was new and distinctive from former structures, and formed
an effective network of fortifications. The majority of these structures
were built of mud brick, though many also had stone added into the construction. As
the boundaries of the empire expanded further, many of the forts were
no longer needed and were abandoned, only to fall into disrepair. Unlike
previous fortresses used by other civilizations, these fortifications
were divided into two basic types. One was a small stronghold that
often surrounded a mosque. Others were gigantic and encompassed
entire cities, such as the Round City of Baghdad.
This book covers fortifications in the Muslim
lands and covers a vast geographical area from North Africa and the Arabian
Peninsula to Afghanistan and Northern India. The scope of fortifications
examined includes citadels, fortified cities and palaces. It looks
at their architectural development, peacetime existence and experience
of warfare (both directly in sieges and indirectly as they changed hands
after distant battles).
This book covers the methods of construction
as well as the major parts of the above fortresses. Every site that had
a fortress built upon it is covered (or at least mentioned). In
some cases, these fortifications have been restored to varying degrees
while others are near total ruin. Those that are still extant are,
of course, given greater coverage. For these fortifications, descriptive
text as well as photos of as they are or have been in the last century
or so are used to familiarize the reader with the subject matter. Superlative
illustrations of not only the physical layout but also that of the action
that took place at these locales, along with plan maps of the layout help
readers visualize what some of these magnificent fortifications may have
been like when there were functioning as fortifications. While many
of these extant sites are now in areas that are less than easily accessible
(such as Iraq and Afghanistan), others (such as those in Iran, Egypt and
in the former Soviet union) are still relatively readily accessible to
tourists and enthusiasts.
The book’s production quality is excellent. Binding,
editing and layout are all well done. Like others in the fortress
series of books that Osprey has published, this one is designed with the
general audience in mind – it is short and well researched. Like
others in this series, maps, a large number of plans, and superb color
illustrations, support the text. It includes photographs of modern
ruins, black and white floor plans and artists renditions of the original
fortifications and cities.
For a book that covers four centuries, several
dynasties (the Seljuk Turks, Ayyubids, Mamluks,
Mongols and Assassins) and a vast geographical area (modern Turkey, Iraq,
Iran, Syria, Egypt, and India), it is unexpected that it could be so short. Some
readers may even find it lacking in detail. My only real complaint
is that the references are not always listed in the bibliography, or that
the reference is not clear (as there is more than one reference by the
same author). There by making it more difficult for those wishing
to refer to the source materials used. Given the scale of the topic,
this work is best seen as an overview – but it is an effective one. Overall,
it is a fine book and one that should be on the shelves of anyone interested
in this particular time and place in history.