Trade and Geography in the Origins and Spread of Islam

Stelios Michalopoulos, Alireza Naghavi and Giovanni Prarolo ()

No 18438, NBER Working Papers from National Bureau of Economic Research, Inc

Abstract: In this study we explore the historical determinants of contemporary Muslim representation. Motivated by a plethora of case studies and historical accounts among Islamicists stressing the role of trade for the adoption of Islam, we construct detailed data on pre-Islamic trade routes, harbors, and ports to determine the empirical regularity of this argument. Our analysis—conducted across countries and across ethnic groups within countries—establishes that proximity to the pre-600 CE trade network is a robust predictor of today's Muslim adherence in the Old World. We also show that Islam spread successfully in regions that are ecologically similar to the birthplace of the religion, the Arabian Peninsula. Namely, territories characterized by a large share of arid and semi- arid regions dotted with few pockets of fertile land are more likely to host Muslim communities. We discuss the various mechanisms that may give rise to the observed pattern.

JEL-codes: N0 N27 N3 O1 O43 Z0 Z1 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2012-10
New Economics Papers: this item is included in nep-his and nep-int
Note: DEV EFG POL
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Citations: View citations in EconPapers (35)

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Working Paper: Trade and Geography in the Origins and Spread of Islam (2012)
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