Palestine Through the Ages: Unveiling Centuries of History
This seminar will provide an overview of the long and complex history of Palestine — with a particular focus on Gaza — from ancient times to the beginning of the British and later, Israeli occupations in 1917. This includes the ancient history of Palestine; questions about the land's indigenous people; the Qur’anic stories that take place in Palestine, along with the impact of Egyptian, Persian, Greek, and Roman empires; Palestine in the time of the Prophet ﷺ and early Islamic history; the Crusades and Mongol invasions, and resistance by the Ayyubids and Mamluks; the experience of Jews and Christians under Muslim rule; the cultural and educational contributions of Palestine, including Islamic scholarship; and Palestine in the Ottoman period, including the beginnings of Zionism, European colonialism, and the First World War. Relevant resources for further education will be shared.
