Volume 5 examines the history of Judaism in the Islamic World from the rise of Islam in the early sixth century to the expulsion of Jews from Spain at the end of the fifteenth. This period witnessed radical transformations both within the Jewish community itself and in the broader contexts in which the Jews found themselves. The rise of Islam had a decisive influence on Jews and Judaism as the conditions of daily life and elite culture shifted throughout the Islamicate world. Islamic conquest and expansion affected the shape of the Jewish community as the center of gravity shifted west to the North African communities, and long-distance trading opportunities led to the establishment of trading diasporas and flourishing communities as far east as India. By the end of our period, many of the communities on the 'other' side of the Mediterranean had come into their own—while many of the Jewish communities in the Islamicate world had retreated from their high-water mark.

"This book is published in conjunction with the exhibition, Christianity in Asia: sacred art and visual splendour, presented at the Asian Civilisations Museum, Singapore, from 27 May to 11 September 2016"--Title page verso.

Bruno, chef de police in the French town of St Denis, is already busy with a case when the body of an undercover French Muslim cop is found in the woods, a man who called Bruno for help only hours before. But Bruno's sometime boss and rival, the Brigadier, doesn't see this investigation as a priority - there are bigger issues at stake. Bruno has other ideas. Meanwhile, a Muslim youth named Sami turns up at a French army base in Afghanistan hoping to get home to St Denis. One of Bruno's old army comrades helps to smuggle Sami back to France, but the FBI aren't far behind. Then an American woman appears in St Denis with a warrant for Sami's extradition. Bruno must unravel these multiple mysteries, amidst pressure from his bosses, and find his own way to protect his town and its people.

Documenting the recent studies conducted on a highly original, beautiful, and long-neglected site by excavation teams, this exploration reveals the hidden treasures of a near-eastern civilization. More than 350 art masterpieces, mostly unknown to a foreign public and dating from prehistoric times to modern days, introduce the life and culture of a land of exchanges located at the crossroad of major civilizations--including the Mediterraneans, Mesopotamians, and Indians--which today constitutes Saudi Arabia. The numerous testimonies include the necropolis of Hegra, a smaller version of Petra inscribed on the UNESCO World heritage list; Mecqua, the fortress of Teima, which shows strong Mesopotamian and Egyptian influence; and the Dedan site, which is characterized by monumental sculpture of Ptolemaic inspiration. Precious dishes and jewelry, monumental sculptures, temples, and palaces ornate with frescoes fill the pages of this sumptuous examination.