Hugh Kennedy, a historian specializing in the Islamic world's history, joins Emily Briffett to explore the Abbasid caliphate's fascinating past. They discuss how the Abbasids rose to power and established Baghdad as a cultural capital. The conversation highlights the vibrant intellectual life during the Golden Age, featuring influential scholars and poets. They also touch on the complex coexistence of different religious communities and the factors leading to the caliphate's decline, culminating in the impactful Mongol invasion.

Hugh Kennedy, an expert on the Islamic Caliphate, dives into the riveting life of al-Khayzuran, who transformed from a slave to the Queen Mother of the Abbasid Caliphate. Their discussion reveals how she navigated and influenced politics across a vast empire during her time. From her surprising rise to power to the intricate family dynamics that led to her son’s throne, Kennedy sheds light on al-Khayzuran's complex legacy and the cultural renaissance of Baghdad. Her story is a captivating blend of intrigue, influence, and power.

Melvyn Bragg and his guests discuss the Central Asian polymath al-Biruni and his eleventh-century book the India.Born in around 973 in the central Asian region of Chorasmia, al-Biruni became an itinerant scholar of immense learning, a master of mathematics, medicine, astronomy and many languages. He corresponded with the age's greatest scientist, Avicenna, and made significant contributions to many fields of knowledge.In 1017 al-Biruni became a member of the court of the ruler Mahmud of Ghazna. Over the course of the next thirteen years he wrote the India, a comprehensive account of Hindu culture which was the first book about India by a Muslim scholar. It contains detailed information about Hindu religion, science and everyday life which have caused some to call it the first work of anthropology.With:James MontgomeryProfessor of Classical Arabic at the University of CambridgeHugh KennedyProfessor of Arabic in the School of Oriental and African Studies at the University of LondonAmira BennisonSenior Lecturer in Middle Eastern and Islamic Studies at the University of CambridgeProducer: Thomas Morris.

Experts Robert Hoyland, Robert Irwin, and Hugh Kennedy discuss the influential Arab philosopher Ibn Khaldun. They delve into his turbulent political career, his theory on the rise and fall of dynasties, the concept of Asabiyya, and his views on political leadership. They also explore his negotiations with the conqueror Tamalain and his impact on both European and Muslim scholars in the 19th century.

Experts in Islamic history discuss the Sunni-Shia split, origination from succession disputes after Prophet Muhammad's death. Debate on hereditary vs. selection principle for leadership, leading to political and theological division. Focus on key events like Husayn's martyrdom shaping Shia beliefs, and the rise of the Hidden Imam in Shia Islam.