Ilias Luursema
AUTHOR

Ilias Luursema

The Netherlands

Ilias is a researcher with a background in Middle Eastern Studies and International Relations.

Education:
University of Groningen
MA Middle Eastern Studies
Expertise:
Ancient Middle East Contemporary Middle East
Member since: Sep 03, 2022
Location: The Netherlands
Published posts: 9

Articles by Ilias Luursema

The Mamluk Sultanate: How Slaves Came to Rule an EmpireThe Mamluk Sultanate: How Slaves Came to Rule an Empire

The Mamluks, a class of slave warriors, seized power in Egypt in 1250. Their sultanate grew into the Islamic superpower of its time.

The Age of Jahiliya: What Did Arabia Look Like Before Islam?The Age of Jahiliya: What Did Arabia Look Like Before Islam?

Ever wondered what Arabia looked like before the coming of Islam? Read below to find out.

Who Was Lawrence of Arabia?Who Was Lawrence of Arabia?

In the 1920s, Thomas Edward Lawrence, better known as Lawrence of Arabia, became a widely-known phenomenon.

Muammar Gaddafi & the African Union: For a United Africa!Muammar Gaddafi & the African Union: For a United Africa!

In the late 1990s, Muammar Gaddafi of Libya started propagating his vision of a unified Africa. His ideas inspired leaders across the continent, eventually forming the African Union.

The African Union: Achievements, Challenges, & the Future of AfricaThe African Union: Achievements, Challenges, & the Future of Africa

By addressing issues on the world’s most turbulent continent, the African Union is maturing as an organization and becoming a driving force in realizing a unified and prosperous Africa.

In the Shadow of Heracles: Alexander the Great’s HeroIn the Shadow of Heracles: Alexander the Great’s Hero

Alexander the Great referred to Heracles with great admiration. He claimed descendance from the mythological figure and reputedly named a son after him.

In Debt: How the Ottoman Empire Became Beholden to European CapitalIn Debt: How the Ottoman Empire Became Beholden to European Capital

In 1854, the Ottoman Empire entered into loan agreements with European creditors. Over the decades that followed, the debt span out of control.

Living Deities: Ancient Mesopotamian Patron Gods & Their StatuesLiving Deities: Ancient Mesopotamian Patron Gods & Their Statues

By invoking their deities into statues, ancient Mesopotamians believed their gods to be present with them. Religious life revolved around the Mesopotamian Patron Gods.

The Catacombs of Kom El Shoqafa: Ancient Egypt’s Hidden HistoryThe Catacombs of Kom El Shoqafa: Ancient Egypt’s Hidden History

The Catacombs of Kom El Shoqafa is one of the most historically important archeological sites in Alexandria. Learn about the catacombs here.