"What Went Wrong: The Clash Between Islam and Modernity in the Middle East" is a book

written by Bernard Lewis, a renowned scholar and historian of the Middle East. In this book,
Lewis examines the historical and cultural factors that have contributed to the decline of the
Islamic world in relation to the West.

The main premise of the book is that the Islamic world, once a leading center of civilization,
has experienced a series of setbacks and failures that have left it lagging behind the progress
achieved by the Western world. Lewis argues that the Muslim societies of the Middle East have
failed to adapt to the challenges posed by modernity and have struggled to reconcile their
traditional values with the forces of globalization and Western influence.

The book traces the roots of this divergence between Islam and modernity back to the early
interactions between the Islamic world and the West, such as the Crusades and the European
colonialism. Lewis suggests that these encounters created a sense of resentment and mistrust
among Muslims, leading to a sense of cultural and political stagnation. He also explores the
impact of factors like authoritarianism, lack of political reform, and religious conservatism on
the Muslim world's struggle to keep pace with the West.

Lewis argues that the decline of Islamic civilization was not predetermined or inevitable but
rather the result of a series of historical circumstances and choices made by Muslim societies.
He also highlights the need for introspection and self-criticism within the Muslim world to
address the challenges posed by modernity and to regain their position as contributors to
global civilization.

"What Went Wrong" generated significant discussion and controversy upon its publication in
2002. Critics argue that Lewis's analysis oversimplifies complex historical and political
dynamics, and some have accused him of bias or Orientalism in his portrayal of Islam. However,
the book remains influential for its exploration of the challenges faced by the Islamic world in
the modern era and its contribution to the ongoing dialogue on the relationship between Islam
and the West.

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What Went Wrong? The Clash Between Islam and Modernity in the Middle East" is a book
written by Bernard Lewis, a renowned historian specializing in Middle Eastern studies.
Published in 2002, the book explores the historical factors that contributed to the decline and
current challenges faced by the Middle East in relation to the West.

In "What Went Wrong," Lewis examines the divergence between the Islamic world and the
West, particularly in terms of political, economic, and social development. He argues that while
the West progressed and embraced modernity, the Middle East experienced a significant
decline in power and influence, leading to its current state of socio-political turmoi

The book delves into various historical events and phenomena to shed light on the reasons
behind this divergence. Lewis begins by discussing the era known as the "Medieval Synthesis,"
a period when Islamic civilization flourished and made remarkable contributions to science,
philosophy, and culture. However, he argues that starting from the 17th century, the Middle
East gradually fell behind the West in terms of economic growth, technological advancements,
and military power.

Lewis identifies several key factors that contributed to the decline of the Middle East. He
highlights the impact of Western imperialism and colonization, which disrupted traditional
Islamic societies and introduced new systems of governance and economic structures. He also
emphasizes the influence of modern ideologies, such as nationalism and socialism, which
challenged traditional Islamic values and institutions.

Moreover, Lewis explores the impact of Islamic religious and cultural attitudes towards
modernity. He examines how certain interpretations of Islam resisted or struggled to adapt to
the changing world, leading to a sense of cultural stagnation and a resistance to innovation.
Lewis argues that this resistance to modernity and the challenges posed by Western
dominance have created a sense of frustration and anger among many Muslims, which has
sometimes manifested as anti-Western sentiment and radicalism.

Throughout the book, Lewis offers insights into the complex relationship between the Middle
East and the West, highlighting historical grievances, misunderstandings, and clashes of
ideologies. He also provides a historical context to better understand the contemporary issues
facing the Middle East, including political authoritarianism, economic underdevelopment,
religious extremism, and the Arab-Israeli conflict.

In summary, "What Went Wrong?" by Bernard Lewis offers a historical analysis of the factors
that contributed to the divergence between the Islamic world and the West. It explores the
decline of the Middle East in relation to the rise of the West and examines the impact of
imperialism, cultural attitudes, and religious ideologies on the region's development. The book
provides valuable insights into the complex dynamics that shape the Middle East's relationship
with modernity and the challenges it continues to face.

Biography:

Bernard Lewis (1916-2018) was a British-American historian and scholar of the Middle East. He
was born in London, England, and later became a naturalized citizen of the United States. Lewis
is widely regarded as one of the most influential and prolific scholars in the field of Middle
Eastern studies.

Throughout his career, Lewis authored numerous books and scholarly articles, covering a wide
range of topics related to Middle Eastern history, culture, and politics. His works have had a
significant impact on the understanding of the Middle East and its interactions with the West.

Lewis specialized in the study of Islamic civilization, Ottoman history, and the
modern Middle East. He was known for his deep knowledge of Arabic, Turkish,
and Persian languages, which allowed him to conduct extensive research in
primary sources and engage directly with the region's historical documents.

One of Lewis's most well-known works is the book "The Middle East: A Brief
History of the Last 2,000 Years," which provides a comprehensive overview of
the region's history from ancient times to the modern era. This book, along with
many others, reflects his expertise in analyzing the complexities of the Middle
East and its interactions with the broader world.

Lewis's scholarship often addressed controversial topics, and his views were
sometimes seen as contentious. He offered perspectives on the relationship
between Islam and the West, the decline of Islamic civilization, and the
challenges facing the Middle East in the modern era. His work sparked both
praise and criticism, and he remained an influential figure in the field until his
passing in 2018.

Lewis specialized in the study of Islamic civilization, Ottoman history, and the modern Middle
East. He was known for his deep knowledge of Arabic, Turkish, and Persian languages, which
allowed him to conduct extensive research in primary sources and engage directly with the
region's historical documents.

One of Lewis's most well-known works is the book "The Middle East: A Brief History of the Last
2,000 Years," which provides a comprehensive overview of the region's history from ancient
times to the modern era. This book, along with many others, reflects his expertise in analyzing
the complexities of the Middle East and its interactions with the broader world.

Lewis's scholarship often addressed controversial topics, and his views were sometimes seen as
contentious. He offered perspectives on the relationship between Islam and the West, the
decline of Islamic civilization, and the challenges facing the Middle East in the modern era. His
work sparked both praise and criticism, and he remained an influential figure in the field until
his passing in 2018.

Bernard Lewis's contributions to Middle Eastern studies have shaped the understanding of the
region's history and continue to be studied and debated by scholars today. His extensive body
of work and his commitment to rigorous research have solidified his legacy as one of the most
influential historians in the field of Middle Eastern studies.