The Era of Decline: Between Truth and Claim

Abstract

#The research aims to discuss the accusation leveled against the Mamluk and Ottoman eras, labeling them as periods of decline. The research adopts an inductive methodology and is divided into three sections: the key criticisms of this era from literary and cultural perspectives, the manifestations of prosperity, and the causes of misconceptions. The research concludes with the findings and recommendations. The key findings indicate that the judgment on a historical period encompassing the Mamluk and Ottoman eras as a period of decline is not scientifically or historically accurate. Such a judgment obscures the achievements of approximately six centuries of Arab and Islamic civilization and culture, extending from the fall of Baghdad to the Mongols in 656 AH to the fall of Egypt to the French in 1213 AH. This period represents half of our Islamic history, which witnessed the greatest accomplishments in the humanities and natural sciences.