: Unlike the rigid racial castes in the Americas, slaves in the Middle East could occasionally rise to significant power and renown, such as the Mamluk military commanders.
Reviewers from the Journal of Social History and The New York Times have praised Lewis for his detailed use of primary sources, including Arabic and Persian literature, to show how prejudice often "won out over pious sentiments". However, some critics suggest the book focuses heavily on elite households and could have benefited from a deeper look at the broader assimilation of races in Islamic empires. Race and Slavery in the Middle East - Bernard Lewis Race and Slavery in the Middle East: An Histori...
: Until the early 20th century, slaves included both white Europeans (such as Slavs and Circassians) and black Africans. : Unlike the rigid racial castes in the
Lewis examines how slavery functioned differently in Islamic lands compared to the transatlantic trade, while also highlighting the evolution of racial prejudice in the region. Race and Slavery in the Middle East -
: Lewis argues that Westerners often idealized Islamic slavery to criticize American practices, but he presents evidence that racial prejudice—specifically against black Africans—was present in Middle Eastern society despite Islamic teachings of equality. Unique Features of Middle Eastern Slavery :
: Lewis addresses why there are relatively few descendants of African slaves in the Middle East today compared to the Americas. He attributes this to high mortality rates, low birth rates, and the frequent castration of male slaves. Critical Reception
: Islam restricted the methods of enslavement and encouraged the manumission (freeing) of slaves.