Destiny Disrupted by Tamim Ansary
- 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 study of modern Middle Eastern politics
B) A history of European colonialism
C) A biography of the Prophet Muhammad
D) A history of the world from an Islamic perspective
- 2. What does Ansary argue was the 'great disruption' for the Islamic world?
A) The Crusades
B) The rise of the Ottoman Empire
C) The Mongol invasions
D) The encounter with modern Western power
- 3. Which empire does Ansary describe as the last great Muslim empire?
A) The Safavid Empire
B) The Ottoman Empire
C) The Mughal Empire
D) The Umayyad Caliphate
- 4. What does Ansary suggest about the Islamic Golden Age?
A) It was contemporary with the European Renaissance
B) It occurred after the Mongol invasions
C) It was a period of great scientific and cultural achievement
D) It was a time of military expansion only
- 5. According to Ansary, what was the significance of the Battle of Talas (751 CE)?
A) It marked the beginning of the Crusades
B) It ended the Byzantine Empire
C) It established Muslim rule in Spain
D) It stopped Arab expansion into Central Asia
- 6. According to Ansary, what was the significance of the translation movement in Baghdad?
A) It was opposed by most Muslim rulers
B) It isolated Islamic scholars from other traditions
C) It preserved and advanced classical knowledge
D) It caused the decline of Islamic science
- 7. How does Ansary characterize the modern period for the Islamic world?
A) As a period of uninterrupted progress
B) As a time of reacting to Western dominance
C) As completely separate from global history
D) As a continuation of medieval traditions unchanged
- 8. What is Ansary's main purpose in writing 'Destiny Disrupted'?
A) To defend Western colonialism
B) To present Islamic history from an insider's perspective
C) To criticize Islamic civilization
D) To write a comprehensive world history textbook
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