NMC201H1

Slavery in Islamic History 600-1600

In this class students will study of the institution of slavery in the Islamic world from the seventh century CE to the end of the sixteenth century CE. The course will examine the continuity/establishment, development, and evolution of this institution in the Muslim world. Questions that will be tackled are: How were the slaves enslaved/acquired? Who were the slaves? Where did they come from? What position(s) did they occupy in society? What were the attitudes towards the slaves? How were they treated? The course will also examine and shed light on the various types/ forms of slavery in the Islamic world such as military slavery, domestic slavery, agricultural slavery, and female slavery/concubines.