Causes of the Six Day War
The causes of the six day war (also called the 1967 war) between Israel and its Arab neighbors are important to understanding Arab-Israeli relations...
The Ottoman Harem – Concubines, Odalisques and Eunuchs
The fascinating world of the beautiful women that lived to satisfy and entertain the Sultan at the Ottoman court, surrounded by castrated slaves.
During the...
Kemal Ataturk, Revolutionary and Founder of Modern Turkey
Mustafa Kemal's ambition was to liberate Turkey from ancient beliefs which he believed made it backward and prevented it from joining the modern world.
Kemal...
The First Caliphs and the Rise of the Islamic Empire
When Muhammad died unexpectedly in 632 CE no one was in place to take over leadership of the expanding Islamic world. The resulting power...
British and Polish Mercenaries in 1960s Yemen
Whether “Soldiers of Fortune”, “Dogs of War”, or, as they like to call themselves, “Advisers”, the adventures of mercenaries have always been the stuff...
History of the Veil in Early Islam: Prestige and Segregation of the Muslim Female
At the time of the dawn of Islam, women of high status in greater Arabia followed the Mesopotamian practice of veiling to indicate their...
The 1982 Israeli Invasion of Lebanon – Back Story
The operational objectives of the Israeli invasion of Lebanon in 1982 are relatively well known, less so the complex back story to the event.
On...
An Overview of Lake Kinneret, the Biblical Sea of Galilee
Today Lake Kinneret, the Biblical Sea of Galilee, also known as Lake Tiberias (and historically by many other names), still plays an important role...
British Interest in Iraq in the Early 20th Century
The area known today as "Iraq" grew in importance for leaders of the British Empire during the first two decades of the twentieth century.
During...
Ancient Phoenician City of Byblos, Lebabon
Byblos, an ancient Phoenician city located on Lebanon's Mediterranean coast has been settled since Neolithic times. It is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
UNESCO’s...