At the latest since the Islamic expansion Europe and the Arabic world are close neighbours. Nonetheless European and Christian history and Arabic and Islamic history are often viewed separate from each other. Alfred Schlicht demonstrates that this perception frequently falls short. This history book reaches from the Islamic conquering of Sicily and southern Spain in the 8th century to Europe?s economic dependency on oil from the Middle East.
The author points out that the Arabic world and Europe are linked through a net of connections and interdependencies. He indicates prejudices, reservations and stereotypes on both sides, obscuring a lucid view on the "other". Furthermore he describes the intensive economic and cultural relations that have existed between Orient and Occident since the ancient world.
The peaceful settlement of the Middle East conflict and the rapprochement of the north and south coast of the Mediterranean to a greater area in a global context are regular central issues. The dialogue with the Arabic world is vital and this history book presents the essential background.