This book studies the parameters of Islamic political practice. It examines the emergence of Islam as conjoint religio-political world view, wherein the establishment of an Islamic state is considered as important for salvific purposes as prayer and pilgrimage. This books seeks to foreground the ideological imperative behind projection of religious identity through political idioms in Islam.

The book covers a period from the beginning of Islam, up to the beginning of the sixteenth century, and deals mainly with the eunuchs in the major centres of Islam in the East (Umayyads, 'Abbasids, Seljuks, Zengids, Ayyubids and Mamluks and to some extent, the Fatimids of Egypt). It is not a history of the eunuchs in that wide area but rather is mainly concerned with the power accumulated by the eunuchs, military, socially and even economically (especially as trustees of financial affairs and property). The ultimate aim of the study is to being out the close ties connecting it to the harem, the eunuchs and the Mamlkus. In all of these three areas, the dominant element had been slaves (Islamised and often enfranchised) who were imported beyond the lands of Islam. The eunuchs were usually the upbringers of the young Mamlkus and quite often their commanders. The Mamlkus themselves, in various and changing forms, constituted the mainstay of Islam to the harem, the eunuchs and the Mamluks. In all of these three areas, the dominant element had been slaves (Islamised and often enfranchised) who were imported beyond the lands of Islam. The eunuchs were usually the upbringers of the young Mamluks and quite often their commanders. The Mamluks themselves, in various and changing forms, constituted the mainstay of Islams military might through the greatest part of its existence. Other subjects discusses are castrations, the eunuchs prices, and their so-called sexual life, romances as a well as their marriages.

In this fascinating historical work, Hanley explores the rise and fall of Islamic empires throughout the Middle East. Drawing on a wide range of primary sources, he provides a comprehensive overview of the political and cultural developments that shaped the region over the course of several centuries. This book is a must-read for anyone interested in Middle Eastern history and culture. This work has been selected by scholars as being culturally important, and is part of the knowledge base of civilization as we know it. This work is in the "public domain in the United States of America, and possibly other nations. Within the United States, you may freely copy and distribute this work, as no entity (individual or corporate) has a copyright on the body of the work. Scholars believe, and we concur, that this work is important enough to be preserved, reproduced, and made generally available to the public. We appreciate your support of the preservation process, and thank you for being an important part of keeping this knowledge alive and relevant.

The Islamic empire arose spectacularly in the 7th century and exercised influence over a large geographic area until its fall to Mongol invaders in the 13th century. The rulers, called caliphs, ushered in a new Islamic civilization with customs and practices both distinct from and partially influenced by those of the areas it conquered. The reigns of these caliphates, including the Abbasid caliphate, which presided at the time of the Islamic Golden Age, are surveyed in this captivating volume. Readers will learn about the expansion of Islamic influence and the flourishing of scholarship in science, math, and more during this time.