The Old World & Five Seas

By Walid Mahroum

In the ancient lands of West Asia lies the crib of civilization - the Old World. Stretching from the Mediterranean shores to the Yellow Sea, this region bore witness to the rise and fall of empires, and the mix of cultures over the centuries.

In "The Old World & Five Seas," we travel through time to reveal the West Asia's rich history. At the heart of our exploration is the legendary Silk Road - a complex trade network linking widespread lands and enabling the exchange of goods, ideas, and culture.

As we travel through the ages, we challenge the confusion that rocked the Old World - from external threats to internal discord. Yet within the chaos, we find human insistence and innovation lasting.

We explore the economic trials some nations face, advocating proactive measures to boost their resilience. It champions diversification, innovation, and sustainable development as key tactics to maintain competitiveness and attract investment.

The book surveys the geopolitical landscape of the Five Seas, spotlighting the evolving changing aspects between key players like Syria, Turkey, Iran, and Saudi Arabia. It explains the strategic importance of the region's trade routes, energy resources, and geopolitical stakes. The history chronicles the shifts in allegiances and strategies, especially in light of Saudi attempts to wield influence and capitalize on renewable prospects.

While underscoring the Red Sea Project's transformative potential, the book notes its challenges, including instability and ecological issues.

 "The Old World & Five Seas" records not just the past but West Asia's enduring legacy - a story of strength, adaptation, and change that still resonates today. Join me on this epic trip through time, where the echoes of history impart timeless wisdom.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Walid Mahroum
• Release date: Apr 12, 2024
• ISBN: 9798224875047

Walid Mahroum

Walid Mahroum is a multidisciplinary educator, with a diverse background in art, design, music, literature, and education. Lived and worked in the Middle East, Africa, Europe, and the Americas, experiencing different cultures and art forms from a young age.   Driven by his love for history, Walid extensively studied and read about major historical events and the philosophers and psychologists who shaped our understanding of the world. He remains passionate about exploring the interplay between history, geography, and the arts, which he weaves into his writing. Mahroum's exposure to diverse cultures and art forms has allowed him to approach art and design from a unique and diverse perspective, infusing his work with a rich mixture of influences. As an artist, his work reflects a deep appreciation for cultural diversity and an exploration of how different art forms can intersect and influence one another.

Book preview

The Old World

History and Civilization

In the vast sweep of time, there is a region steeped in history, culture, and tradition – a place that bore witness to the rise and fall of empires, the exchange of ideas, and the merging of civilizations. This area, known as the Old World, stretches from West Asia to East Asia, encompassing diverse landscapes, peoples, and cultures. At its core lie ancient cities like Damascus, Jerusalem, Baghdad, and cultural centers like Persia, India, and China. Join me on a trip as we discover the rich history and enduring legacy of the Old World.

Damascus: Birthplace of Civilization

Our journey begins in Damascus, one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world. Situated in the fertile plains of the Levant, Damascus has served as a crossroads for civilizations throughout history. From the ancient Silk Road trade routes to the bustling markets of the Ottoman Empire, Damascus has been a hub of trade, culture, and innovation. Its ancient past is visible in its streets, where ruins stand as reminders of its long history at the center of civilization.

Damascus, holds a special place in human history as the birthplace of civilization. Situated in present-day Syria, this ancient city has a rich and storied past that spans over thousands of years. Let’s search into the historical significance of Damascus and its pivotal role in shaping the course of human civilization.

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Ancient Origins

The history of Damascus can be traced back to the Neolithic period, around 10,000 BCE, when the area was first settled by hunter-gatherer communities. Over time, these early inhabitants transitioned to agriculture and established permanent settlements, laying the foundation for the city's future development.

By the third millennium BCE, Damascus had appeared as a thriving urban center within the ancient Near East. It became a focal point for trade and commerce, thanks to its strategic location along the caravan routes connecting Mesopotamia, Egypt, and the Mediterranean world. The city's prosperity attracted settlers from diverse backgrounds, leading to the assimilation of various cultures and traditions.

Key Historical Periods

Throughout its long history, Damascus has been ruled by numerous civilizations and dynasties, each leaving its mark on the city's landscape and culture. Among the most notable periods in Damascus's history is the Hellenistic era, during which it served as a cosmopolitan hub under the rule of the Seleucid Empire.

However, it was under Roman rule that Damascus reached its zenith as a major urban center. The Romans invested heavily in the city's infrastructure, constructing grandiose buildings, aqueducts, and roads that enhanced its status as a regional capital.

The Umayyad Caliphate, which rose to power in the 7th century CE, further solidified Damascus's importance as a cultural and political center. The Umayyad Mosque, one of the oldest and most revered Islamic monuments, was built during this period and remains an iconic symbol of the city's Islamic heritage.

Cultural Contributions

Damascus has made significant contributions to human civilization in various fields, including architecture, literature, and religion. The city's architectural landmarks, such as the Umayyad Mosque and the Citadel of Damascus, showcase the ingenuity and craftsmanship of its builders.

In addition to its architectural achievements, Damascus has been a center of learning and scholarship throughout history. The city's libraries and academies attracted scholars from across the Islamic world, fostering intellectual exchange and the advancement of knowledge.

Damascus holds religious significance for Christians, Muslims, and Jews alike. It is believed to be the place where the Prophet Muhammad embarked on his Night Journey.

Modern Significance

In the modern era, Damascus continues to be a exciting cultural and economic center despite the challenges posed by political unrest and conflict. Its rich heritage and historical landmarks attract tourists and scholars from around the world, contributing to the city's cultural and economic vitality.

Jerusalem: City of Faiths

Traveling westward, we come to Jerusalem, a city revered by billions as a spiritual center. For centuries, Jerusalem has attracted pilgrims from around the world to its holy sites. Here, amid the ancient stones of the Old City, the history of conquest and coexistence is tangible.

Historical Background

Throughout history, Jerusalem has been a prized possession and much fought over. Archaeological work in the area suggests that the city was inhabited as far back as 4000BC.

Its earliest known name may be Jebusite, the translation of a Canaanite town. Together with the later arriving Philistines, they are believed to be the earliest known ancestors to present day Palestinians.

Philistinians settled along the stretch of the Mediterranean coast that extended approximately from Jaffa to the Gaza Strip, and was within the land of Canaan for many centuries. Having left such an indelible mark, the land of Philistia, or Palestine as it became known, has remained to this day.

In 1000BC, the Israelite king, David, invaded Jerusalem and walled and fortified the city against further invasion. Later, when King Solomon built the temple, Jerusalem became a spiritual capital, first for the Jews and later for Christians and Muslims too.

In 586BC it fell to the Babylonians and their temple was destroyed by Nebuchadnezzar but later rebuilt. Alexander the Great also captured the whole of Palestine in 332BC and in the subsequent years, the Egyptian Ptolmies and Syrian Seleucids ruled Jerusalem.

Towards the approach of the 1st century, the city was the ruling capital of the Maccabean empire of Simon Maccabee, before giving way to the long rule of the Romans.

During the Roman era, the town of Bethlehem near Jerusalem witnessed the birth of Jesus Christ, a prophet in Islam and, in the Christian belief, the son of God.

Jesus preached the importance of worshipping one God in the towns of Nazareth and Galilee where he lived.

But it would be in Jerusalem where he was tried by the Roman official Pontius Pilate as a rebel and false prophet.

The sentence he received was death, and Christians believe he was then crucified. This act became the central pillar of Christianity and the place of his (alleged) crucifixion in Jerusalem became the holiest site in Christendom.

His followers flocked to the site in pilgrimage and a church, the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, was built around it. Biblical Palestine became a holy land for Christians

After Jerusalem was conquered by the Romans, it became the capital of the Herod dynasty that ruled under the direction of Rome. In AD70 the Roman emperor Titus destroyed the Temple to punish and discourage the Jews who had rebelled against his rule.

In AD135 the Roman emperor Hadrian rebuilt the city, giving it new walls and officially naming the land as Palestine while re-naming Jerusalem as Aelia Capitolina in honour to his pagan God, Jupiter.

From AD313, with the widespread acceptance of Christianity by Rome, Jerusalem underwent a revival, greatly aided by St Helena (wife of Emperor Constantine), who sponsored much re-building of the city in the early 4th century. It became a centre for Christian pilgrimage.

By AD638, with the rapid spread of a new religion in the region, Islam, the city was captured by an army led by Abu Ubaydah under the caliphate of Umar ibn al-Khattab and Islam came to Palestine.

Ever since the time of Muhammad, Muslims have considered Jerusalem to be an important place for pilgrimage after Makka, due to its religious significance as being the place of the prophet’s miraculous journey to heaven.

Between AD688 and AD691, the Dome of the Rock mosque was contsructed by al-Walid ibn Abd al-Malik. Two years later, the al-Aqsa mosque was built on the same site, commemorating the place of the prophet’s prostrations. The two mosques and their surroundings became known as al-Haram al-Sharif and it became the third holiest site for Muslims.

By the 11th century, Islam had been in the region for more than 500 years. The city gained a worldwide reputation as a city of the three faiths. But with the Fatimids in power, their empire fighting Christian expansionism, the rulers began to restrict the flow of Christian pilgrims. The