This is Volume II of a planned six on Islamic Area Studies. Originally published in 2000. The Islamic Area Studies Project plans to do multidisciplinary research on Muslim societies in both the Islamic and non-Islamic worlds, by reflecting the fact that areas with close ties to Islam now encompass the world. This series presents the important new knowledge and debate achieved through international joint research about Islam as a religion and civilization, particularly emphasizing comparative and historical analysis. The series will hopefully provide multifaceted, useful information to deepen the reader's understanding of the Islamic world.