Reexamining the Middle East’s Role in World War I: A Review of Wyrtzen’s Work
Jonathan Wyrtzen’s book “Worldmaking in the Long Great War” reexamines the Middle East’s role in World War I, challenging mainstream narratives that ignore indigenous agency. Covering events from 1911 to 1934, it highlights significant revolts and conflicts, revealing the intricate relationship between colonialism and local resistance. Wyrtzen’s work is essential for understanding the complex history of the region and its lasting impact on modern geopolitics.
The Middle East’s significance during World War I has often been neglected in historical narratives, despite its lasting impact on contemporary politics. A new wave of literature is now emphasizing the region’s important role during this period. Jonathan Wyrtzen’s book, “Worldmaking in the Long Great War: How Local and Colonial Struggles Shaped the Modern Middle East,” published by Columbia University Press in 2022, is a significant addition to this discourse.
Wyrtzen posits that World War I presented a unique moment of potential change for the Middle East. Covering events from 1911 to 1934 across a vast geographic expanse from Morocco to Iran, his work challenges the perception of the region as merely a subject of European imperialism. Key conflicts, such as the Rif Wars, Kurdish revolts, and the Great Syrian Revolt, are thoroughly explored in the text.
The book draws parallels between early 20th-century conflicts and contemporary issues, notably highlighting the ramifications of the Sykes-Picot Agreement. Wyrtzen recounts how past victories of indigenous forces, such as the Senussi victory at Gasr Bu Hadi in 1915 and Arab successes during the Rif Wars, counter the narrative that indigenous resistance was first achieved during the Vietnam War.
Religious movements significantly influenced these anti-colonial efforts. The Sheikh Said Rebellion in Anatolia, noted by Winston Churchill, and the Senussi movement in Libya, which combined Sufi and Sunni practices against Italian colonialism, exemplify this intertwining of faith and resistance. Wyrtzen also discusses Mussolini’s attempts to establish influence in the region through ties with the Imamate in Yemen.
Particularly noteworthy is Wyrtzen’s in-depth examination of French colonialism in Syria, presented with unprecedented detail in English-language literature. The narrative regarding Ibn Saud’s consolidation of power in Saudi Arabia, although well-established, is effectively revisited by the author, showcasing his skill in retelling complex histories.
While the book effectively covers a broad range of topics, its scope could be improved by incorporating additional regions such as Somalia and Afghanistan. The Third Anglo-Afghan War in 1919 and the rebellion led by the “Mad Mullah,” which affected Somalian resistance, are significant events that resonate in the broader context of post-World War I conflicts.
Wyrtzen’s analysis situates the Middle East centrally within World War I historiography. Influential works like Sean McMeekin’s “The Russian Origins of the First World War” highlight the pivotal role of regional ambitions in prompting the conflict. This reinforces that the war was not merely a European affair but deeply intertwined with Middle Eastern dynamics.
The popular image of the Middle Eastern theater as a romanticized interlude during World War I is effectively challenged by Wyrtzen. Through diligent research into underappreciated historical documents, he reveals the active involvement of local actors in shaping modern political landscapes and borders in the region. His perspective on the significance of indigenous agency during this time is profound.
“Worldmaking in the Long Great War” is an essential read for individuals engaged in studies of colonialism, Middle Eastern history, or the intricacies of historical contingencies. Wyrtzen’s compelling narrative enriches the discourse surrounding the Great War and its lasting influence on the modern Middle East.
Historically, World War I narratives have minimized the Middle East’s contributions and consequences, leading to a skewed understanding of the region’s pivotal role. However, contemporary scholarship is beginning to recover these stories to recognize the Middle East’s significant impact on global politics and historical developments. Jonathan Wyrtzen’s recent work joins this growing literature, shifting perspectives on colonial struggles and their lasting implications.
In summary, Wyrtzen’s analysis illustrates that World War I was a transformative period for the Middle East, rife with agency and significant events that shaped regional dynamics. His work invites a reevaluation of historical narratives, encouraging readers to recognize the importance of local struggles in shaping contemporary circumstances. “Worldmaking in the Long Great War” serves not only as an insightful historical account but also as a meaningful contribution to discussions on colonialism and resistance.
Original Source: manaramagazine.org
