About this book:

Journey through the remarkable history of Baghdad, one of the world's most ancient and resilient cities. Discover its origins as the meticulously planned Round City, founded in 762 CE by the Abbasid Caliph al-Mansur to be the glittering capital of a vast empire. Experience its fabled Golden Age, when Baghdad transformed into *Madinat al-Salam*, the "City of Peace," a global epicenter of science, learning, and culture. Explore the magnificent House of Wisdom, where scholars from diverse backgrounds translated and built upon the knowledge of antiquity, and wander through the bustling markets that were the hub of international commerce, drawing goods and people from across Asia, Africa, and Europe.

Yet, Baghdad's story is also one of profound upheaval. Witness the periods of political intrigue and instability, the devastating Mongol sack of 1258 that ended the Abbasid Caliphate and crippled the city, and the subsequent centuries of contested rule under successive powers like the Ilkhanates, Timurids, Ottomans, and Safavids. Learn how Baghdad endured repeated destruction and decline, its population decimated and its grandeur diminished, yet consistently managed to rise again as a vital regional center of trade, administration, and culture along the life-giving Tigris River.

Follow Baghdad's journey through the era of Ottoman provincial rule, the brief period of Mamluk autonomy, and the significant changes brought by 19th-century reforms and increasing European contact. Experience the dramatic impact of World War I and the British conquest, leading to Baghdad's rebirth as the capital of modern Iraq. Finally, delve into the turbulent decades of the 20th and 21st centuries, marked by revolution, wars, sanctions, invasion, and internal conflict, and explore the enduring spirit of a city that continues to strive for recovery and stand as a symbol of Iraq's complex past and hopeful future.

What You'll Find Inside:

• Explore the strategic founding and unique circular design of the original Abbasid capital in 762 CE.
• Discover Baghdad's Golden Age as the unparalleled center of Islamic science, learning, and cosmopolitan trade, including the House of Wisdom.
• Understand periods of political decline, instability, and devastating destruction, notably the Mongol sack of 1258 and Timurid conquest.
• Trace Baghdad's history under successive empires and dynasties, including centuries under Ottoman and Safavid rule.
• Learn about the city's transformation into the capital of modern Iraq, navigating colonial rule, nationhood, and recent conflicts and recovery.

Who's It For:

This book is ideal for readers interested in the rich and turbulent history of the Middle East, focusing specifically on Baghdad. It serves as a comprehensive guide for students, history enthusiasts, and those seeking to understand the city's journey from the ancient roots of Mesopotamia, through its zenith as a global capital of science and culture, to its modern-day challenges and resilience.