The history of Islam is filled with changes and adaptations. Throughout Muslim history, various movements have emerged from time to time, aiming to transform both the nature of the Islamic faith and the socio-political life of their followers.

Since the 7th century, the followers of the prophet Muhammad spread everywhere to convey his message throughout the known world. Nomadic Muslim tribes - usually originating from Central Asia - carried his words to the steppes and mountains of the vast Eurasian expanse, some peacefully as they led caravans with their goods along the Silk Road, others through their conquests.

The conquerors changed the forms of the defeated empires, but ultimately their own empires also changed, becoming urbanized, and each in turn submitted to a new nomadic Muslim tribe. The changes caused by the conquerors - religious, political, social - were often driven by the idea of Jihad.

Today, Islamic fundamentalism represents a ticking time bomb threatening a region with vast oil reserves...

[Excerpt from the text on the back cover of the edition]