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Muslim conquest and institutional formation

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  • Ahmed, Faisal Z.

Abstract

Recent studies suggest that Muslim military conquest (632–1100 CE) generated an institutional equilibrium with deleterious long-run political economy effects. This equilibrium was predicated on mamluk institutions: the use of elite slave soldiers (mamluks) and non-hereditary property rights over agricultural lands to compensate them (iqta). This paper evaluates this historical narrative by exploring the accuracy of its initial step. Using a difference-in-differences strategy, I show that conquest changed institutions in conquered territories. I then provide suggestive evidence that the presence and efficacy of mamluk institutions affected this institutional configuration and that leaders survived longer in power during the conquest period.

Suggested Citation

  • Ahmed, Faisal Z., 2021. "Muslim conquest and institutional formation," Explorations in Economic History, Elsevier, vol. 81(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:exehis:v:81:y:2021:i:c:s0014498321000188
    DOI: 10.1016/j.eeh.2021.101400
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Political economy; Institutions; Historical legacy; Military conquest; Islam;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • N15 - Economic History - - Macroeconomics and Monetary Economics; Industrial Structure; Growth; Fluctuations - - - Asia including Middle East
    • O10 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Economic Development - - - General
    • P16 - Political Economy and Comparative Economic Systems - - Capitalist Economies - - - Capitalist Institutions; Welfare State
    • F54 - International Economics - - International Relations, National Security, and International Political Economy - - - Colonialism; Imperialism; Postcolonialism

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