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Hellenzied Islamic World

Hellenized Islamic World

The Arab conquests of the 7th century, brought the Islamic world into contact with Hellenistic culture. As Islamic armies swept into Egypt and Syria, the Byzantines left behind strong elements of Greek math, science, and most importantly philosophy. The Muslim reaction to these Greek influences was mixed. Arab philosophers such as Averroes and the Mu'tazilites embraced Greek reason. By contrast the followers of Al- Ghazali and the Ash'arites began a campaign of deHellenization. During the 8th century the Mu'tazlites achieved supremacy under the patronage of Abbasid Caliph Al-Ma'mun and his immediate successors. This however did not last long and the Ash'arites gained power and would remain in full control to this day.

This then brings us to the question of what if the Islamic World embraced Hellenism? How would this have been accomplished?

Averroes being more popular then Al-Ghazali?

A stronger Abbasid Dynasty that fully embraces the Mu'tazilites?

Byzantine Victory at Battle of Manzikert in 1071? Byzantine resurgence might help the spread of Hellenism. Seljuk Turk leaders Alp Arslan and Nizam al-Mulk were also big supporters of the Ash'ari.

Neo-Mu'tazilite movement?
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