Islamic Strategy Game Promotes Understanding

29 Jan 2009 at 10:52:07 by Andy Alderson

A Syrian developer has created a strategy title which aims to promote understanding of Islamic culture in the West.

Al-Quraish, developed by Syria-based Afkar Media, tells the story of the first 100 years of Islamic history from the perspective of four nations: Bedouins, Arabs, Persians, and Romans. According to the Christian Science Monitor (via Game Politics) the game features historical figures such as Khaled Ibn Waleed, a legendary Muslim warrior who never lost a battle. Players must build armies, conduct battles and free slaves as well as building trade routes and protecting resources.

"Al-Quraish is going to help people in the West better understand the people who are living in the East. We want to show that this civilization was a sort of practical and almost heavenly civilization," said Afkar Media's Radwan Kasmiya.

"I get very embarrassed by the way we [Muslims] are showing our civilization. There were rational laws that were governing Muslims at that time [on which the game is based]. This allowed this civilization to last for a long time and to accept the other civilizations that they came in touch with."

"Most video games on the market are anti-Arab and anti-Islam. Arab gamers are playing games that attack their culture, their beliefs, and their way of life. The youth who are playing the foreign games are feeling guilt... But we also don't want to do [a game] about Arabs killing Westerners."

We have contacted Afkar Media, stay tuned for an interview.