In his 1990 work, renowned historian Bernard Lewis explores the complex social structures of the Middle East, specifically debunking the myth that the region was a "racial utopia". Core Arguments & Themes
: Lewis addresses why there are relatively few descendants of African slaves in the Middle East today compared to the Americas. He attributes this to high mortality rates, low birth rates, and the frequent castration of male slaves. Critical Reception Race and Slavery in the Middle East: An Histori...
: Until the early 20th century, slaves included both white Europeans (such as Slavs and Circassians) and black Africans. In his 1990 work, renowned historian Bernard Lewis
: Unlike the rigid racial castes in the Americas, slaves in the Middle East could occasionally rise to significant power and renown, such as the Mamluk military commanders. In his 1990 work