‘A superb account of the 1860 Damascus massacres—much neglected nowadays but central to the creation of the modern Middle East’ - Simon Sebag Montefiore

‘A stunning portrait of the Ottoman Empire and of Damascus during a time of crisis. Absolutely riveting’ - Peter Frankopan

‘An accessible, enlightening and ultimately surprising account of an episode of which most western readers will be unaware’ - Christopher de Bellaigue

This remarkable book recreates one of the pivotal points in the history of the Middle East: the ensuing bursts of unrest that erupted in 1860, which led to the massacre of thousands of Christians in Damascus.

Eugene Rogan masterfully recreates the lost world of the Middle East under Ottoman rule. The once mighty empire was under pressure from global economic change and European imperial expansion. The mid-19th century reforms increased tensions throughout the empire, with Damascus being known as the most dangerous point.

A populous city linked by caravan to Baghdad, the Mediterranean, and Mecca, the chaos of languages, customs, and beliefs made Damascus a delicately tolerable place. But when the reforms began to favor the minority Christian community at the expense of the Muslim majority, people who had generally lived side by side for generations became fierce enemies as news of the civil war in Lebanon reached the city.

Under the threat of a French military force, the Ottomans faced destruction with efficiency and brutality - but the old, usually quite tolerant world of Damascus laid in ruins. It would take 25 years to restore stability and prosperity to the Syrian capital.

This is a critical read for understanding the emerging modern Middle East from the destruction of the old Ottoman world and a uniquely immersive history.

Pages: 400, Dimensions: 16.1x16.1cm