For Prophet and Tsar: Islam and Empire in Russia and Central Asia

by Robert D. Crews
For Prophet and Tsar: Islam and Empire in Russia and Central Asia cover
Good Books rating 4.33
History, Identity, Culture, Sociology
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  • ID: 11450
  • Added: 2026-03-09
  • Updated: 2026-03-11
  • ISBN: 9780674262850
  • Publisher: Harvard University Press
  • Published: 2009-05-31
  • Reviews: 3

Robert Crews' 'For Prophet and Tsar' delves into the complex relationship between Russia and its Muslim subjects, revealing how the Russian Empire was able to expand with significant Muslim support. This book challenges the conventional wisdom that Islam and the West are inevitably in conflict, providing a nuanced look at historical alliances and strategies that secured Muslim allegiances. As contemporary societies grapple with integrating Muslim populations, Crews' work offers valuable insights from history. The book is not just a narrative of political and military strategies but also an exploration of cultural and religious dynamics that shaped an empire. It's a critical historical perspective that sheds light on current debates about integration and allegiance.

Reviews
Barnes & Noble · 2026-03-11
illuminating 4.50

The book is clearly written and well-researched, shedding new light on the complex relationship between the imperial state and its Muslim subjects. It is praised for its illuminating insights.

The reviewer commends the book for its clear writing and thorough research, which sheds new light on the intricate dynamics between the imperial state and its Muslim subjects. They highlight the book's illuminating insights and its ability to provide a deeper understanding of this historical context. The reviewer appreciates the author's effort to present a well-rounded and comprehensive analysis.

Quick quotes

    Clearly written and well researched, it sheds new light on the complex interplay between the imperial state and its Muslim subjects.

    In a way that may illuminate our understanding of the region's history.

    The book is praised for its illuminating insights.

American Enterprise Institute · 2026-03-11
commendable 4.00

The book is ground-breaking for its historical detail and insightful analysis of the interplay between the imperial state and its Muslim subjects. Despite some weaknesses, it is commendable for its comprehensive approach.

The reviewer praises the book for its ground-breaking historical detail and insightful analysis of the complex relationship between the imperial state and its Muslim subjects. They highlight the author's ability to shed new light on this often overlooked aspect of history. While acknowledging some weaknesses, the reviewer commends the book for its comprehensive approach and the author's excellent research. This book is seen as a significant contribution to the understanding of Islam and empire in Russia and Central Asia.

Quick quotes

    Despite this weakness, Crews' book is in other ways ground-breaking.

    He is to be commended not only for his excellent historical detail but also for showing...

    The book is clearly written and well researched.

Cambridge University Press · D Northrop · 2007-01-01
recommended 4.50

The book provides a comprehensive coverage of the canonical texts of Russian travel writing and more obscure works. It is highly recommended for its detailed historical analysis.

The reviewer highlights the book's comprehensive coverage of both canonical and obscure texts related to Russian travel writing. They praise the detailed historical analysis provided by the author, making it a valuable resource for understanding the interplay between Islam and empire in Russia and Central Asia. The reviewer recommends this book for its thorough research and insightful perspectives.

Quick quotes

    For Prophet and Tsar: Islam and Empire in Russia and Central Asia.

    By Robert D. Crews. Cambridge, Mass.: Harvard University Press, 2006.

    Notes, index, photographs, maps, £29.95 hard-bound.

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