An article published by the American Enterprise Institute discusses the history of slavery in the Muslim world, highlighting its longevity and impact on African populations.
The topic is significant as it addresses aspects of human enslavement that are less frequently covered in mainstream education and public discourse, particularly regarding the trans-Saharan slave trade and its legacy.
According to the American Enterprise Institute, historian Justin Marozzi’s work details how the cross-Saharan slave trade was conducted by Arabs and Ottoman Turks for approximately 1,400 years. The article states that this practice targeted eastern, central, and western Africa, resulting in an estimated 17 million Africans being enslaved—more than those taken to the New World during the transatlantic slave trade. The article also notes that white Europeans were captured by Barbary pirates and Ottomans from regions such as Ireland, Spain, Italy, Greece, and Slavic lands.
The article cites Marozzi’s observations on contemporary reactions to this history: “No comparison between Western and Muslim slaving is intended to minimize the vileness of the Western slave trade; but it is worth noting that modern-day criticisms of slavery (including demands for reparations) are voiced at a much lower volume by the descendants of those who were at the receiving end of slavery in the Islamic world.” It further references John Hunwick’s assessment that academic study on forced migration into Islamic societies is limited compared to research on transatlantic slavery.
Marozzi’s book reportedly arranges historical accounts thematically, covering different categories of slaves within Islamic societies. The article describes how some individuals rose to prominence while most remained enslaved for life. It also recounts practices such as castration of young boys for service as eunuchs and highlights high mortality rates associated with these procedures.
The article concludes by suggesting that increased scholarship or public discussion could lead to greater recognition of this aspect of history. For more information, visit the original source.
