THUGHUR SHAMI AND ÁWASIM (HISTORICAL, CULTURALAND SOCIAL DEVELOPMENTS FROM THE CONQUESTS TO THE END OF 3 CENTURY A.H)

Document Type : Research Paper

Author

Abstract

Since the very early years after Hijrah, Sham (Greater Syria),
especially with promises of conquest made by the Prophet (pbuh)
to the Muslims, was of special importance. Natural and cultural
features of the region and its neighborhood to the Eastern
Roman Empire had always attracted the attention of various
states. Following the disintegration of the Islamic Caliphate, this
caused permanent conflicts among the local and regional
governments. On the other hand, the borders region always
witnessed wars between the Muslims and the Byzantines. The
coinage of the word thughur (Borders and áwasim (forts), in the
political literature ofMuslims since the early centuries A.H. and
their repetition in sources, indicates the high importance of these
regions.
The cultural and social peculiarities ofthughur and ’awasim
had a significantrole in shaping many regional developments and
intellectual and social trends. These regions did not have a
coherent ethnic and cultural identity; rather, they enjoyed a kind
Vol.6,Spring2005,Serial.No.21 5 of fluidity in their cultural identity. For many centuries, this
heritage was passed to the residents of these regions such that
they always inherited the thoughts, culture and civilization of
nations from the east and west of the Muslim world. They
combined such diverse elements creating a new identity for
themselves.

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