Propaganda and Piety: The Umayyad Rewriting of Syria is a bold and eye-opening exploration of how power, politics, and religion intertwined to redefine one of the most important regions in Islamic history. Written by renowned historian Shaykh Rasul Jafariyan, this groundbreaking work uncovers how the Umayyad dynasty reshaped the very identity of Syria - transforming its historical memory, cultural fabric, and spiritual narrative to serve their political ambitions.
Far more than a history lesson, this book offers a powerful lens through which to understand how propaganda has been weaponized for centuries. The Umayyads did not rely solely on the sword; they deployed sermons, scholars, poets, and religious symbolism to recast their legacy and marginalize their opponents. These strategies, subtle yet devastating, created narratives that have echoed across centuries, fueling sectarian divides and shaping the way Muslim communities perceive their past and present.
What makes this work especially urgent and provocative is its unflinching examination of modern parallels. Jafariyan exposes how echoes of Umayyad propaganda still reverberate today, as contemporary scholars and institutions, knowingly or otherwise, participate in rewriting Syria’s history to serve political and sectarian goals. By connecting ancient strategies to modern-day manipulations, the book pushes readers to confront uncomfortable truths about how religious sentiment can be exploited in the name of power.
Through meticulous research, incisive critique, and a masterful weaving of historical evidence with modern analysis, Propaganda and Piety delivers:
- A riveting account of how the Umayyads embedded their vision into Syrian identity.
- Sharp parallels between medieval propaganda techniques and today’s ideological conflicts.
- A critical challenge to narratives that deepen sectarianism in the Muslim world.
- A deeper appreciation of how historical memory shapes contemporary struggles.
At once scholarly and accessible, this book is essential reading for anyone interested in Islamic history, Middle Eastern politics, sectarian identity, or the dangerous allure of propaganda. It is not only a guide to understanding the past but also a call to resist the manipulation of religion and history in the present.
Propaganda and Piety: The Umayyad Rewriting of Syria is more than a historical investigation—it is a piercing critique of the ways truth is bent, faith is instrumentalized, and memory is rewritten in pursuit of power.
