Focusing on Shi'ism, Heinz Halm explores its historical development, key rituals, and the influential role of mullahs within the context of Middle Eastern politics. He traces the evolution of the Imams and the establishment of religious authority during the Safavid Empire, highlighting the ongoing tension between Iranian rulers and religious leaders. The book examines how the Khomeini revolution emerged from a deep-rooted historical conflict, with implications that extend into Iraq and Lebanon following the American invasion.
Heinz Halm Book order
February 21, 1942






- 2023
- 2011
The book offers a comprehensive narrative of Arab history, enriched by a newly added 160-page annotated appendix featuring around 40 primary source readings. These sources, spanning from classical antiquity to the 2011 Arab Spring, include poetry, scripture, and economic texts, many newly translated. This expanded version serves both general readers and educators, providing valuable insights into Arab experiences through diverse perspectives. It aims to foster a deeper understanding of the complex cultural and historical tapestry of the Arab world.
- 1996
The empire of the Mahdi
- 452 pages
- 16 hours of reading