This paper investigates how historical Muslim trade routes shaped urbanization in Europe, the Middle East, and Central Asia before 19th-century breakthroughs.

Distance to Routes & Time Period

Proximity to these routes was linked with higher urbanization rates by 1200 CE. However, that advantage disappeared after 1500 when European trade expanded.

The Shift in Trade Dynamics

Our analysis shows how the opening of new sea lanes and exploration opportunities by Europeans changed global economic patterns. This shift reduced reliance on older land-based Muslim networks.

Urban Decline Explained

The findings demonstrate that cities which benefited from centuries-long trade connections with both continents faced decline as alternative routes emerged, altering comparative advantages.