Destiny Disrupted: A History of the World Through Islamic Eyes

“The phrase Middle East assumes that one is standing in western Europe—if you’re standing in the Persian highlands, for example, the so-called Middle East is actually the Middle West. Therefore, I prefer to call this whole area from the Indus to Istanbul the Middle World, because it lies between the Mediterranean world and the Chinese world.”

The concept of the “Middle World” challenges the Eurocentric perspective of geography and presents a more inclusive viewpoint. This rebranding seeks to neutralize cultural biases and suggests a reevaluation of commonly accepted terms.

“Gossip, stories, jokes, rumors, historical impressions, religious mythologies, products, and other detritus of culture flow along with traders, travelers, and conquerors. Trade and travel routes thus function like capillaries, carrying civilizational blood.”

Ansary utilizes metaphors and symbolism in this quote, likening trade and travel routes to “capillaries” and cultural interactions to the flow of “civilizational blood.” This imagery emphasizes the importance of cultural exchange and connectivity in shaping civilizations.

“Zoroaster preached that the universe was divided between darkness and light, between good and evil, between truth and falsehood, between life and death. The universe split into these opposing camps at the moment of creation, they had been locked in struggle ever since, and the contest would endure to the end of time.”

Dichotomy illustrates Zoroaster’s teachings, portraying the universe as a battleground of opposing forces: darkness and light, good and evil. This clear, contrasting imagery symbolizes the perpetual struggle and balance between these dualistic elements within the cosmos. The repetitive use of the word “between” creates a rhythm that reinforces the constant and unending tension that defines existence in this perspective.