(In many Muslim dominated nations, such as Turkey, Iran or Khazakistan, Kurdistan ... if you ignore their historical identity and call them an "Arab", they would get very upset and angry, but the elite Arab wannabe Abid of Sudan, Eritrea, Somalia, Djibouti or Ethiopia, he would no doubt kill any human being in the name of religion to be accepted as part of the "Arab Club".)
The Unspoken Impact of Arab Imperialism in Africa: A Legacy Shaping Politics and Cultural Identity
Sep 27, 2024
In the discourse of African history and its colonial legacy, the aggressive expansion and influence of Arab imperialism is often downplayed. While much attention is given to European colonialism, Arab imperial expansion across Africa—beginning in the 7th century—played an equally significant role in shaping the continent's cultural, political, and social landscape. This influence continues to ripple across the region today, affecting governance, identity, religion, and inter-ethnic relations.
The Rise of Arab Imperialism in Africa
The spread of Arabic culture in Africa was a direct consequence of the Islamic conquests that began shortly after the death of Prophet Muhammad. By the mid-7th century, Arab forces had extended their reach from the Arabian Peninsula into North Africa. Arab armies conquered Egypt in 641 AD, marking the beginning of centuries of Arab expansion that would touch regions from the Maghreb to sub-Saharan Africa.
Arab imperialism was not only military but also cultural. With the spread of Islam came the Arabic language, the Quran, and an accompanying set of values, governance systems, and social structures that significantly altered the African regions it touched. While some welcomed …
=============