The Story of Islam traces the origins and history of Islamic culture from 7th century Arabia through the dramatic expansion of the caliphate across Africa and Asia to the reign of Ottoman Sultan Suleiman the Magnificent at the dawn of the modern age. It focuses upon seven cities, each of which served as a center of Islamic culture during this rich millennium - Mecca, Medina, Damascus, Baghdad, Cordoba, Cairo, and Istanbul. Emphasis is placed upon the achievements of Arab scholars, scientists, and architects as well as the evolution of Islamic doctrine. The book is ideal for the classroom (ages 12 and up) and the homeschool, containing discussion questions, multiple maps, charts, a glossary, and a detailed list of reference materials.