Front cover iPad of The Book of Islamic Dynasties by Luqman Nagy. Islamic history book illustrated by Ta-Ha Publishers

Front cover of The Book of Islamic Dynasties by Luqman Nagy. Islamic history book illustrated by Ta-Ha Publishers

The Book of Islamic Dynasties

A Celebration of Islamic History and Culture

Luqman Nagy

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Does Islamic history feel too complicated and messy? This book simplifies 1,400 years of Islamic history. Through hand-drawn art and clear narration, Luqman Nagy invites you to discover the major dynasties that have ruled over the Islamic world through the centuries, focusing on their inventions, heroes, and the lasting beauty they left for the world today. Suitable for teens and adults.

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Description

We all know the story of the Prophet ﷺ and many of the Companions, but what about our knowledge of later Islamic history and all the dynasties that have ruled over the centuries that followed?

The Book of Islamic Dynasties is written and illustrated by Luqman Nagy, an academic who has spent decades travelling the length and breadth of the Muslim world, and experiencing many of these places for himself. As a result, this is a vibrant, well-researched celebration of the art, culture and personalities that shaped and expanded the Islamic world.

Using his own hand-drawn illustrations of real artefacts and locations he visited, Nagy provides a unique visual perspective that makes history come alive. Whether you are reading about the grand Abbasids or the pioneering Ottomans, the focus remains on discovering the legacies that continue to enrich our lives in so many ways today.

While the physical edition has been a bestseller for 18 years, this ebook version ensures that this treasure trove of knowledge remains available. Every hand-painted map and illustration is preserved in high definition, allowing you to zoom into the intricate details of Islamic history from any device.
Why You Need This Book
Visual treat: Experience history through hand-drawn illustrations and maps based on the author’s real-life travels and authentic artefacts.

Concise: This book distils complex political shifts into clear, engaging narratives the whole family can learn from.

Celebration of Muslim culture: Rather than an account of military history, it is a celebration of the great thinkers, builders, and leaders of the past, and is ideal for strengthening the Muslim identity of the whole family.

Cultural focus: There is a focus on the Golden Ages of science, architecture, and literature that shaped modern civilisation.

Travel-based: Benefit from the unique perspective of an academic-traveller who has visited the places where these dynasties once stood.
Author Biography

Luqman Nagy was born and raised in Vancouver, Canada. He graduated from the University of British Columbia with graduate degrees in Library Science and Education, and subsequently pursued Middle Eastern language studies at Ankara University (Turkish), Pahlavi (Shiraz) University (Persian), and Umm al-Qur’a University, Makkah (Arabic). Since 1970, he has travelled the length and breadth of Islamic world in search of traditional Muslim societies – including the indigenous nomadic peoples. He has now retired from decades of university lecturing, and currently resides with his family in Turkey and Canada. The author’s writing – produced after having lived, worked and travelled in the Islamic world for over half a century – focuses mainly on the rich, cultural and historical heritage of Islamic lands.
Translator Biography
This Book is Best For
Parents: who want a reliable, beautifully presented resource that celebrates Islamic heritage.

Teens: who are curious to read about the history of the expansion of the Islamic caliphate right up until the twentieth century.

Visual readers: who appreciate vibrant descriptions being supplemented with hand-drawn maps and art.

Teachers: who need a trusted resource to teach children about the various Islamic dynasties. The focus here is not on military campaigns, but on celebrating the achievements of each dynasty.
Specifications

Endorsements & Recognition

AA, Author

“This book was my travel companion on a recent trip, and it was a delight to read this summarized version of Islamic history, which highlights various dynasties. The fascinating nature of Islamic history ensures that it never becomes monotonous, no matter how many times you read about it. This particular book does an excellent job of presenting the material, and I believe it is one of Luqman Nagy’s best works.”

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is this a children’s book or an adult’s book?

Luqman Nagy has a wonderfully engaging style of writing and illustrating that is loved by both adults and older children. This book is suitable for, and can be enjoyed by, adults and children aged 13+.

There is a common misconception that only children’s book ought to be illustrated, but not adult’s books. We think that a richly illustrated text is a much more sensory immersive read for the adult soul. The illustrations here aren’t just to break up the text and offer decoration, but are tools to document the architecture, landscapes and coinage of the various periods.

Is the information inside authentic?

Completely. Luqman Nagy has spent over 50 years travelling and living in the Islamic world. He doesn’t just write about the dynasties from bookish research; he has travelled these places. His insights are grounded in both lived experience and wider study.

Is this book suitable for teenagers?

It is ideal for this age group and is the perfect foray into serious history. There is a helpful glossary at the back for any unfamiliar terms.

Which dynasties does this book cover?

Starting with the Umayyads and ending with the Ottomans, Luqman Nagy covers both the famous dynasties like the Abbasids and Mughals, but also the lesser known ones such as the Almohads and the Samanids. There are a total of 19 Islamic dynasties covered in the book.

Is this book historically accurate?

Yes. Luqman Nagy is an academic and linguist who has studied in Makkah, Ankara, and Shiraz. His work is based on scholarly research and personal observation of historical sites.

Why should I buy a history book when I can find facts online?

This book isn’t meant to be a collection of facts about the dynasties. It’s a celebration of the culture and personalities that define who the Ummah is today through the eyes of someone who has studied the history and also travelled to these places, to bring the past alive for you through wonderful story-telling and hand drawn art.

Is it relevant for adults too?

Definitely. When we were editing this book, there were so many facts that we didn’t know ourselves and so many dynasties we hadn’t even heard of. We think it’s a great book for adults to help us understand what Islam went through after those early foundational years that we are probably more familiar with, and how that shaped us into the blended Ummah we are today.

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At a time when there were limited faith-based resources to learn and teach Islam to the Muslim community in English, Afsar & Jamal-un-Nisa Siddiqui founded one of the first Islamic publishing houses in the UK. Leaving behind professional careers, they paved the way for future generations to enjoy a wide range of Islamic literature. Almost fifty years later, we continue to provide the highest quality books worldwide and support literacy charities.