Saleh Al Sagri

(Professor, History and Civilization Department at Imam

Muhammad bin Saud University)

Author

Dr. Saleh Al Sagri is the Professor in the History and Civilization Department at Imam Muhammad bin Saud University. He holds a PhD in International Relations from University of Kent. Dr. Saleh Al Sagri has more than 40 years’ experience working in various countries. He was appointed as Cultural Attaché in China, Cultural Attaché in Kuwait and Counsel of United Nations in USA.

Abstract

Trade on the Silk Road was a major factor in the development of the Chinese Culture and the Arabian Culture, opening political and economic interactions between them. Although, silk was the major trade from China, religions and philosophies also travelled along the Silk Road. The Silk Road served as a means of carrying out cultural trade among the cultures along its network. The main traders were the Chinese, Persians, Romans, Indians and Arab traders. The role of the "Silk Road" towards civilization and culture in the past was of vital importance in transferring different types of cultures to different societies. It brought them closer and bridged the gap in their differences. This assisted them in having closer discussions and understanding between different cultures and civilizations. From an economical perspective, which was the main purpose of this initiative, the Silk Road was used to transfer their riches and their mutual interests, in order to strengthen their world trading through every passage that it passes on the Silk Road between different cultures and civilizations. From a political perspective, it is to strengthen the ties and the relationships between the civilizations and cultures that the Silk Road passes through. It has a vital role in a political understanding although there are systematic differences between their cultures and civilizations. Ensuring the Silk Road is still in place and throughout the civilizations for more than 2200 years and continues to strive well into the 21st Century is of utmost importance to maintain the balance between different cultures and civilizations in the years to come.