The Middle East economy
Subtitle: decline and recovery : selected essays
By: by Charles Issawi.
Series: Princeton series on the Middle East
Publisher: Markus Wiener Publishers
Published: 1995
Place of publication: Princeton, N.J
Language: eng
Number of pages: 239
Subjects: Middle East -- Economic conditions -- 1979-; Middle East -- Economic conditions -- 1945-1979.
Description: Once large caravans traversed huge distances to reach Middle Eastern cities whose wealth from long-distance trade, superior architecture, craftsmanship, and scientific knowledge filled Christian crusaders with awe. Europe knew nothing comparable until the late Middle Ages, when the systematic use of waterways made transportation more efficient. From the fourteenth century on, Europe surpassed the Middle East in most of the areas in which that region had formerly excelled.

Charles Issawi focuses on the main reasons for the economic decline of the Middle East. He discusses climate, geography, and religion, with particular emphasis on the military elite, whose contempt for artisans and merchants thwarted positive economic initiatives. The role played by minorities and foreigners throughout the region's history is also examined.
Notes: Includes bibliographical references.
Selected articles previously published in journals and books between 1978/79 and 1995.