Jonathan Wyrtzen’s “Worldmaking in the Long Great War” uncovers the neglected role of the Middle East in World War I. The book spans from 1911-1934, covering local struggles such as the Rif Wars and Kurdish revolts, asserting that the region was an active participant rather than a passive victim of colonialism. Wyrtzen connects historical events to modern conflicts, challenging traditional narratives and emphasizing the importance of local agency in shaping the Middle East’s contemporary political landscape.
In “Worldmaking in the Long Great War: How Local and Colonial Struggles Shaped the Modern Middle East,” Jonathan Wyrtzen critically examines the often-overlooked role of the Middle East during World War I. He expands the narrative beyond the popular myth of Lawrence of Arabia, illustrating how local struggles influenced the region’s trajectory. Spanning from 1911 to 1934, Wyrtzen analyzes various conflicts, including the Rif Wars, Kurdish revolts, and the Great Syrian Revolt, demonstrating that the Middle East was not merely a passive victim of colonialism but an active participant in shaping its future.
Wyrtzen argues that World War I presented a unique moment when different futures were possible for the Middle East. He emphasizes that the reverberations of this tumultuous period are evident even in contemporary conflicts, such as Da’esh’s actions against the Sykes-Picot Agreement’s legacy. In Morocco, memories of the Rif Republic highlight the lasting impact of anti-colonial movements. Wyrtzen also refutes the notion that Dien Bien Phu in 1954 marked the first defeat of entrenched Western forces by indigenous troops, stating that significant indigenous victories occurred earlier, such as the Senussi triumph at Gasr Bu Hadi in 1915.
The book explores the central role of religious movements in anti-colonial struggles, detailing instances such as the Sheikh Said Rebellion in Anatolia and the Senussi movement in Libya. Wyrtzen’s coverage of Syrian affairs offers a rare English-language perspective on French colonialism, while his retelling of Ibn Saud’s consolidation of power reflects a well-known narrative competently revisited. While the book effectively addresses these crucial elements, there is an opportunity to broaden its scope to include regions like Somalia and Afghanistan, both of which engaged in significant anti-colonial efforts around the same time.
“Worldmaking in the Long Great War” contributes to a historiographical shift that positions the Middle East at the heart of World War I. Influential works, including Sean McMeekin’s “The Russian Origins of the First World War,” underscore the complexities of the region’s involvement in the larger conflict. Wyrtzen challenges the romanticized view of the Middle East as peripheral to the war, underscoring the region’s active engagement amidst the chaos of global conflict, often illustrated through meticulous examination of diplomatic communications and neglected historical documents.
This book stands as an essential read for scholars and enthusiasts of colonial studies, the Middle East, and the alternate pathways of historical development. Wyrtzen’s nuanced approach serves not only to educate about the past but also to rethink the implications of local actions in shaping contemporary geopolitical dynamics.
The history of the Middle East during World War I has often been overlooked, with its significant events relegated to the margins of mainstream narratives. Recent scholarship, however, has begun to highlight the region’s pivotal role in shaping modern geopolitics. Jonathan Wyrtzen’s book represents a part of this resurgence, focusing on local struggles and the colonial context that influenced the Middle East from 1911 to 1934 and connecting historical events to modern-day implications.
In conclusion, Jonathan Wyrtzen’s “Worldmaking in the Long Great War” provides an expansive examination of the Middle East’s impact during World War I, challenging long-held assumptions of passivity. By detailing local struggles and victories, the work illustrates how anti-colonial movements shaped the region’s modern borders and political landscape. Given its thorough analysis and compelling narrative, this book is highly recommended for anyone interested in understanding the complexities of Middle Eastern history and its contemporary relevance.
Original Source: manaramagazine.org
