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