EXPLORING ISLAMIC HISTORY IN THE DIGITAL AGE THROUGH VIDEO GAMES: AN INTRODUCTORY ANALYSIS WITHIN THE FRAMEWORK OF KNIGHTS OF THE LIGHT

Year 2024, Volume: 19 Issue: 1, 87 - 101, 09.03.2024

Halil İbrahim Yılmaz

https://doi.org/10.34082/islamiilimler.1449523

Abstract

This article analyses the computer game ‘Knights of the Light: The Prologue,’ which focuses on a theme from the early periods of Islamic history, and evaluates its role in the teaching and learning Islamic history. The game centres around the Battle of Qādisiyya (15/636), a critical juncture during one of the significant milestones for Muslims in their struggle against the Sassanids, marking a pivotal moment in the early Islamic conquests. Commanders Qaʿqāʿ b. ʿAmr and his brother ʿĀṣim b. ʿAmr, who played crucial roles in the events leading up to the eradication of the Sassanids from the historical stage, are the primary figures in this game. Despite encountering some technical flaws and receiving unfavourable feedback from players, the game’s commendable effort to adhere to historical data and accurately present the conditions of that period deserves recognition. In this regard, the game becomes the focal point of this article concerning the instruction and education of Islamic history. Factors such as the prominence of learning materials through computer games, the vivid portrayal of historical events, and the encouragement of students to delve into more profound research, as exemplified by this game, suggest the effectiveness of such games as valuable tools in the education of Islamic history.

Keywords

Islamic History, Video Games, Learning History, Teaching History, Knights of the Light: The Prologue

DİJİTAL DÜNYADA İSLÂM TARİHİNİ BİLGİSAYAR OYUNLARI ÜZERİNDEN KEŞFETMEK: KNIGHTS OF THE LIGHT ADLI OYUN ÇERÇEVESİNDE ALANA BİR GİRİŞ

Abstract

Bu makale, yakın zamanda piyasaya sürülen ve İslâm tarihinin erken dönemlerindeki bir temasını odak noktasına alan ‘Knights of the Light: The Prologue’ adlı bilgisayar oyununu incelemekte ve bu oyunun İslâm tarihinin öğrenimi ve öğretimindeki rolünü değerlendirmektedir. İncelemeye alınan bilgisayar oyunu, Müslümanların Sâsânîler’e karşı mücadelesinde önemli dönüm noktalarından ve yine ilk İslâm fetihlerin kritik eşiklerinden biri olan Kâdisiyye Savaşı’na (15/636) odaklanmaktadır. Sâsânîler’in tarih sahnesinden silinmesinde kilit bir konumda olan bu savaş öncesinde büyük mücadeleler gösteren komutanlardan Ḳaʿḳāʿ b. ʿAmr ve kardeşi ʿÂṣım b. ʿAmr, bu oyunun en temel iki figürüdür. Bazı teknik hatalar barındırması ve oyunculardan olumsuz geri dönüş almasına rağmen oyunun tarihî verilere sadık kalma çabası ve oyunculara dönemin atmosferini doğru bir şekilde sunma çabası takdir edilmelidir. Bu yönüyle bahsi geçen oyun, İslâm tarihinin öğrenimi ve öğretimi noktasında bu makalenin konusu olmuştur. Çalışmanın temel hedefi, söz konusu oyunun İslâm tarihi öğrenimine ne şekilde katkı sağladığını ve sağlayabileceğini ortaya koymaktır. Bu oyun örnekliğinde bilgisayar oyunları aracılığıyla öğrenme materyallerinin öne çıkması, tarihî olayları canlandırma ve öğrencilerin daha derin bir araştırma yapmaya yönlendirilmesi gibi faktörler, bu tür oyunların İslâm tarihi eğitiminde etkili bir araç olabileceğini göstermektedir.

Keywords

İslâm Tarihi, Bilgisayar Oyunları, Tarih Öğrenimi, Tarih Öğretimi, Knights of the Light: The Prologue

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