Race And Slavery In The Middle East: An Histori... May 2026

In his 1990 work, renowned historian Bernard Lewis explores the complex social structures of the Middle East, specifically debunking the myth that the region was a "racial utopia". Core Arguments & Themes

: Until the early 20th century, slaves included both white Europeans (such as Slavs and Circassians) and black Africans. Race and Slavery in the Middle East: An Histori...

Lewis examines how slavery functioned differently in Islamic lands compared to the transatlantic trade, while also highlighting the evolution of racial prejudice in the region. In his 1990 work, renowned historian Bernard Lewis

: Lewis addresses why there are relatively few descendants of African slaves in the Middle East today compared to the Americas. He attributes this to high mortality rates, low birth rates, and the frequent castration of male slaves. Critical Reception In his 1990 work