Exploring the Middle East’s Role in World War I Through Wyrtzen’s Lens

Jonathan Wyrtzen’s “Worldmaking in the Long Great War” emphasizes the Middle East’s active participation in World War I, highlighting local struggles such as the Rif Wars and the Great Syrian Revolt. The author argues that these indigenous movements were crucial in shaping the region’s future, countering the notion of a passive response to colonialism. The book advocates for a reexamination of the Middle East’s historical significance during this transformative period.

“Worldmaking in the Long Great War: How Local and Colonial Struggles Shaped the Modern Middle East” by Jonathan Wyrtzen reexamines the Middle East’s significant yet often overlooked role during World War I. The work challenges the narrative that presents this region as merely passive in the face of European colonial ambitions. Wyrtzen details how local and colonial struggles from 1911 to 1934 altered the geopolitical landscape, focusing on conflicts like the Rif Wars and the Great Syrian Revolt.

Wyrtzen indicates that World War I presented unprecedented opportunities for the Middle East, showcasing how various indigenous movements actively shaped their futures. The author highlights connections between historical events and contemporary issues, such as Da’esh’s renegotiation of borders and the lasting impacts of previous uprisings like the Rif Republic in Morocco.

The book argues against the claim that the Senussi’s victory at Gasr Bu Hadi in 1915 was the first significant defeat of Western forces by indigenous fighters. Wyrtzen emphasizes that earlier victories, including Arab successes in Morocco and Syria, challenge conventional views and underline the region’s active resistance to colonialism.

Religious movements also played a crucial role, as illustrated by the Sheikh Said Rebellion in Anatolia and the Senussi movement in Libya, which combined Islamic practices to combat colonial forces. Wyrtzen effectively captures these dynamics while addressing how European powers, particularly Italy, sought greater influence in the Middle East during this period.

The book presents a compelling discussion about French colonialism in Syria, a topic rarely explored deeply in English-language literature. Additionally, Wyrtzen revisits the well-documented rise of Ibn Saud and his conflict with the Ikhwan, providing insights into foundational moments in the current political landscape.

Although the scope of the book is impressive, its coverage could have extended to include regions such as Somalia and Afghanistan. The Third Anglo-Afghan War demonstrates Afghanistan’s quest for independence, while the Somali uprising led by Muḥammad ibn ‘Abdallāh Hassan reflects ongoing resistance against colonialism with far-reaching implications.

The Middle East’s contributions to World War I have often been marginalized in historical discourse, overshadowed by European narratives. Recent literature seeks to rectify this oversight, presenting the region not as a passive player but as a site of significant struggle and change during the Great War. Jonathan Wyrtzen’s work contributes to this discourse by detailing various indigenous movements and conflicts, arguing for a reevaluation of the period’s importance in shaping modern Middle Eastern politics and identities.

Wyrtzen’s “Worldmaking in the Long Great War” asserts that the Middle East played a central role in World War I, challenging traditional narratives of colonial passivity. By exploring local struggles against colonial powers, the book sheds light on enduring geopolitical dynamics and encourages a rethinking of the region’s historical significance. This work is essential for understanding the complexities of colonial resistance and the shaping of modern borders and identities in the Middle East.

Original Source: manaramagazine.org