Between the fall of Rome and the European voyages of discovery, no event was more significant than the rise of Islam. Within a few centuries, the Islamic empires blossomed, projecting their power from Africa to the East Indies, and from Spain to India. Inspired by the words of Prophet Muhammad, and led by the Caliphs and Sultans, this political and religous expansion remains unequaled in speed, geographic size and endurance.

ISLAM: EMPIRE OF FAITH is narrated by Academy Award^® -winning actor Ben Kingsley. This three-hour program tells the spectacular story of the great sweep of Islamic power and faith during its first 1,000 years, from the birth of the Prophet Muhammad, to the peak of the Ottoman Empire under the reign of Suleyman the Magnificent. Historical re-enactments and a remarkable exposition of Islamic Art, artifacts and archiyecture are combined with interviews of scholars from around the world to recount the rise and importance of early Islamic civilization. Increasingly, scholars and historians are recognizing the profound impact that Islamic civlization has had on Western Culture and the course of world history.

Running time: 163 minutes on two tapes
Produced by: Gardner Films in association with PBS and Devillier Donegan Enterprises
Producer/Director: Robert Gardner


This is the VHS version. it is also available on DVD. A stunning tour of ancient Islamic architecture with producer's commentary