this documentary be an excellent introduction to those aspect of islam which be cover . unfortunately it be far too limited in scope but i understand why this be . with a fixed amount available for production cost the choice be either coverage in depth of a small part of the whole or a diluted coverage of a wider range of topic . it cover and at about 50 minute each and three aspect of the religion represent mohammed and the origin and the culture and the first christian crusade and and the ottoman empire . each be give excellent coverage but it be very much a secular description rather than a religious one . for those people who have little knowledge of islam except for exposure to the western propaganda and the news of islamic terrorist ( a minute minority of the whole ) this be an eye opening documentary . everyone should know about the rich cultural heritage which keep alive intellectual pursuit during the dark age of western europe . the section on the ottoman empire and the fall of constantinople be well covered and provide some information i be not familiar with . the photography be also excellent and show some of the wonderful architectural achievement of the early muslim . i be not clear how much of the footage be of real life situation be record and how much be script for the production and or how much ( if any ) be extract from other footage and but the blend result in a well balance and instructive video . highly recommend for everyone and especially those whose exposure to islam be only that which be portray by the usa medium .