An Introduction to Islamic Archaeology: (The New Edinburgh Islamic Surveys)

About the Book

This book offers an introduction to the archaeology of the Islamic world. It traces the history of the discipline from its earliest manifestations through to the present and evaluates the contribution made by archaeology to the understanding of key aspects of Islamic culture. The author argues that it is essential for the results of archaeological research to be more fully integrated into the wider historical study of the Islamic world.Organising the book into broad themes allows a focus on issues that are relevant across different regions and periods. Short case studies are included to allow the reader to examine the ways in which archaeologists collect and interpret material in specific contexts. The emphasis is on archaeological work conducted in the area stretching from Afghanistan and the Central Asian republics in the east to Spain in the west. Comparisons are also be drawn with Islamic regions of sub-Saharan Africa and the Indian subcontinent, reflecting the main focus of archaeological work in the Islamic world to the present day.

Table of Contents:
Acknowledgements; Notes on transliteration and dating; List of abbreviations; List of figures; 1 Introduction; 2 Early Islam and late antiquity; 3 New directions in the early Islamic period; 4 The countryside; 5 Towns, cities and palaces; 6 Religious practice in the Islamic world; 7 Crafts and industry; 8 Travel and trade; 9 The 'post-medieval' Islamic world; 10 Conclusion; Glossary; Dynasties and periods; Bibliography; Index

About the Author :
Marcus Milwright is Professor of Islamic Art and Archaeology in the Department of Art History and Visual Studies at the University of Victoria, B.C., Canada. He is the author of The Fortress of the Raven: Karak in the Middle Islamic Period (2008), An Introduction to Islamic Archaeology (EUP, 2010) and The Dome of the Rock and it Umayyad Mosaic Inscriptions (EUP, 2016).

Review :
‘I have no hesitation in recommending this book to scholars and students at all levels, but particularly to those wishing for an affordable, concise and accessibly survey of Islamic archaeology and its development over time and space.’ Milwright's introduction is a sound, balanced and scrupulously fair review of the field that will be immensely useful to lecturers and students of Islamic archaeology. It is carefully written to be accessible to a general audience, and the material discussed is generally well chosen to illustrate the full range and current state of Islamic archaeology. Milwright's introduction is a sound, balanced and scrupulously fair review of the field that will be immensely useful to lecturers and students of Islamicarchaeology. It is carefully written to be accessible to a general audience, and the material discussed is generally well chosen to illustrate the full range and current state of Islamic archaeology. Named an Outstanding Academic Title, 2011 The book is clearly and concisely written, and it provides a good introduction to Islamic Archaeology ... Milwright’s book is a real contribution to the emerging field of Islamic archaeology, and will be a useful resource for scholars and graduate students.