📚 The Great Cities of Islam 📚
Author: Taha Kilinc
Illustrator: Narges Hashemy
Publisher: Ketebe Publishing
Age: 12+
Islamic Content: 45 cities that illuminate the world with Islamic influence
Concerns: There’s mention of tombs, tekkes etc. as historical facts.
Summary/Review:
I have had my eye on this book ever since I have seen it across social media. Its magnificent size really is eye catching and the information it offers is glimpses of rich Islamic history on how each of the cities came to be.
Aside from the common Islamic cities included from the Muslim lands such as Mekka, Medina, Cairo. Tunis, Damascus, Marrakesh etc, I found it quite fascinating to learn about some cities I have never come across as well as cities from the Balkan region that I am familiar with. Each city has an illustrative 2-page spread that includes its name, country, population and its popular landmarks. Each one is followed by a 2-page spread of historical information and facts that pertain to it.
What I felt most excited about is that the author has included Prizren, Kosova in this list, which is often overlooked in most inclusive Muslim books. Every time I visit back home, I make sure to make a trip to Prizren and its unique architectural landscape which is influence by the Ottomans. (I have attached a couple of personal photos from my last trip in 2022).
As I stated above, this book does mention tombs of pashas, tekke landmarks, and Rumi. Thus is why I rated the book as a historical source for teens as it can be used as a great opportunity for discussing and clarifying the the Islamic stance regarding these topics. I do want to make clear that the book mentions them as historical sites not something that signify importance in Islamic.
Nonetheless, this gigantic book is a wonderful source for youth and above. My only literary critique would be, since this is a non-fictional book that it would include a sources an references which is a standard practice in publishing.
#gifted
Muslim Kids Book Nook 