- 1. Destiny Disrupted, authored by Tamim Ansary, is a profound exploration of the tumultuous history of Afghanistan and its impact on the broader world. Through a narrative that skillfully weaves personal stories with historical facts, Ansary sheds light on the rich tapestry of Afghan culture, the complexities of its geopolitical significance, and the disruptions caused by war and foreign intervention. The book delves into the historical events that shaped the nation from the rise of the Silk Road to the Soviet invasion and the subsequent civil wars, illustrating how these events disrupted the lives of ordinary citizens and altered the trajectory of a country deeply rooted in tradition and resilience. By blending his own experiences as an Afghan expatriate with meticulous research, Ansary offers readers a unique perspective that challenges stereotypes and invites a deeper understanding of Afghan identity amidst the chaos of modern conflicts. Destiny Disrupted is not just a recounting of history; it is a poignant reminder of the human spirit and the quest for peace, making it essential reading for anyone looking to comprehend the complexities of Afghanistan's past and its influence on the present.
What is the primary focus of Tamim Ansary's 'Destiny Disrupted'?
A) A history of European colonialism
B) A history of the world from an Islamic perspective
C) A biography of the Prophet Muhammad
D) A study of modern Middle Eastern politics
- 2. What does Ansary argue was the 'great disruption' for the Islamic world?
A) The encounter with modern Western power
B) The rise of the Ottoman Empire
C) The Mongol invasions
D) The Crusades
- 3. Which empire does Ansary describe as the last great Muslim empire?
A) The Ottoman Empire
B) The Umayyad Caliphate
C) The Mughal Empire
D) The Safavid Empire
- 4. What does Ansary suggest about the Islamic Golden Age?
A) It occurred after the Mongol invasions
B) It was a time of military expansion only
C) It was contemporary with the European Renaissance
D) It was a period of great scientific and cultural achievement
- 5. According to Ansary, what was the significance of the Battle of Talas (751 CE)?
A) It established Muslim rule in Spain
B) It stopped Arab expansion into Central Asia
C) It ended the Byzantine Empire
D) It marked the beginning of the Crusades
- 6. According to Ansary, what was the significance of the translation movement in Baghdad?
A) It was opposed by most Muslim rulers
B) It caused the decline of Islamic science
C) It isolated Islamic scholars from other traditions
D) It preserved and advanced classical knowledge
- 7. How does Ansary characterize the modern period for the Islamic world?
A) As completely separate from global history
B) As a time of reacting to Western dominance
C) As a continuation of medieval traditions unchanged
D) As a period of uninterrupted progress
- 8. What is Ansary's main purpose in writing 'Destiny Disrupted'?
A) To write a comprehensive world history textbook
B) To criticize Islamic civilization
C) To present Islamic history from an insider's perspective
D) To defend Western colonialism
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