Berço dos três monoteísmos, terra de conflitos religiosos e de obsessões identitárias, o Médio Oriente tende a desencadear paixões e a suscitar a repetição de infortúnios. Para retirar uma tal carga simbólica, Jean-Pierre Filiu adota um estilo de narrativa laica, dando-nos uma abordagem nova de uma história de mais de mil e quinhentos anos, a partir de 395, ano da fundação do Império Romano do Oriente.
Jean-Pierre Filiu (1961) is a French professor of Middle East studies at Sciences Po, Paris School of International Affairs, an Orientalist and an Arabist.
This is a good book for those interested in the fascinating history of the Middle East. Filiu delineates his writing by focusing on the political history of the region, however, with that said, aspects of religion culture etc. spills over into the political realm. I have been searching for a book that has a distinct focus on political developments of the region and think that this book is a good introduction to such developments. Filiu does a good job in past and present events both in modern history as well as ancient. I also like the innovative move to begin the writing of ME history with the split of the Roman Empire. While many historical depictions of the region starts with the birth of Islam, the approach this book takes gives a clearer backdrop to the environment within which Islam later emerged. The book also did a good job including the political developments of Turkey and Persia and its effect on the rest of the region. These are sometimes dismissed as less important in historical writings on the Middle East where an over-emphasis on Arab countries is prevalent. All in all, a good book, worth the read
Prominent French historian Jean-Pierre Filiu's latest book is a comprehensive exploration of the Middle East's political history, from the split-up of the Roman Empire in 395AD to the counter-revolutions of the present-day. Read our review here: https://www.newarab.com/features/deco...
Un excellent livre qui retrace l’histoire du Moyen Orient depuis la fondation de Constantinople jusqu’à aujourd’hui.
Il permet de comprendre cette région, non seulement, de point de vue historique, mais également, de point de vue Géopolitique.
Le Moyen Orient actuel, qui fut pendant longtemps un centre où se sont succédées des superpuissances qui ont dominé le monde sur plusieurs siècles, connaît aujourd’hui des événements tragiques à ne pas finir.
Comment les nouveaux empires ont installé leurs assises lors du déclin de l’empire Ottoman? Les guerres et les alliances entre ces nouveaux empires ont modelé la naissance d’un nouveau Moyen Orient en guerre depuis plus d’un siècle?
La compréhension de cette histoire permet de mieux expliquer les événements d’aujourd’hui? Mais permet-t-elle faire des projections pour l’avenir?
A very good overview of the history of the Middle East from 395 to the present day. To my mind the most telling chapter was Chapter 8: 'The Time of the Mandates' (1914-1949), which spells out the devastating impact of French and British colonialism in the Middle East between the two world wars, and how it helped set in motion destructive forces which are still impacting the region today. I learned a lot from this book, and I also particularly appreciated the full-colour map section, to which I found myself constantly referring as the story unfolded. Four stars out of five.
Um livro lúcido, que percorre a história do Médio Oriente desde 395 (fundação do Império Romano do Oriente), até ao presente, não do ponto de vista religioso habitual, que mais não é do que uma forma de desculpa, mas das condições sociais, políticas e culturais de cada comunidade que forma esta complexa parte do mundo. Excelente leitura para os dias que correm.
Alright read for anyone interested in learning a brief history about a region that a brief history doesn’t do the job, nonetheless I enjoyed the book for what it was meant to do.
Noble projet que celui de ce livre : "[La France et l'Europe] ont tout à gagner à formuler un projet d'avenir pour une région aussi proche que stratégique et tout à perdre à laisser les conflits s'y emboiter les uns dans les autres (...) A l'heure où les prédateurs régionaux manipulent le passé pour justifier leurs aventures, il importe de leur opposer une lecture dépassionnée des siècles écoulés et d'éviter que des récits de combat ne nourrissent de nouvelles crises"
L'ouvrage impressionne par son érudition et par la singularité et la pertinence de sa démarche. Il présente souvent de façon édifiante des événements plus ou moins connus de l'histoire de la région.
Sa lecture n'en est pas moins difficile. En choisissant de couvrir une telle étendue d'espace et de temps dans un format relativement condensé, Filiu est contraint d'enchaîner les individus, les mouvements et les lieux (dont la toponymie peut varier), dont la succession peut fatiguer le lecteur profane, au risque de le perdre.
Une œuvre admirable dont la forme risque malheureusement de desservir le projet ambitieux porté par l'auteur.
Nice overview of the history of the region, showing how all the middle east has always been a stage for wars between the different empires, kingdoms, crusaders, religions & sects.