Chapter 4: the Spread of Islam

Section 1 Early Expansion

Objective Questions What region did the Muslims first unify, and who was the caliph who led this unification? What is religious tolerance, and how did the Muslims practice it? Why were Baghdad and Cordoba important cities?

Muslim Armies Conquer Many lands After Muhammad’s death, a man named Abu Bakr was chosen to be the next leader of Islam. He was the first caliph, successor to Muhammad, and was looked at as the highest leader of all Muslims. Caliphs had to follow Muhammad’s example, which meant ruling according to the Qur’an, however, early caliphs turned out to be less religious then Muhammad.

Beginnings of an Empire Abu Bakr was a political and military leader, who directed a series of battles against Arab tribes who did not follow Muhammad’s teachings. By his death in 634, he had made Arabia a unified Muslim state. Muslim armies went on to defeat Persian and Byzantine armies in battle. When Muslims conquered a region, they made treaties, agreements, with the conquered peoples. The Pact of Umar was one of these. Conquered people could not build places of worship or dress like Muslims.

Growth of the Empire Umayyad: Battles with the Berbers Many became early caliphs Capital was in Damascus Took over lands in Central Asia, northern India, and North Africa. Battles with the Berbers Slowed Muslim growth in the late 600s Berbers were native people to North Africa After years of fighting, many Berbers converted to Islam and joined in the efforts to spread it.

Growth of an Empire Muslims invade Europe Abbasids come to power Invade and conquer Spain in 711 Moved into France but were stopped by a Christian army near the city of Tours The Muslims who ruled Spain, Moors, would rule for the next 700 years. Abbasids come to power New ruling clan in 750 Reorganized the government to make it easier to rule such a large region.

Trade helps Islam Spread Merchants introduced Islam to India Although many Indian Kingdoms remained Hindu, coastal trading cities soon had large Muslim communities. In Africa, many societies had both Muslim and African customs, and many African leaders converted to Islam. Between 1200 and 1600, Muslim traders carried Islam as far east as Malaysia and Indonesia.

Trade Helps Islam Spread Products and Inventions Learned from the Chinese how to make paper and use gunpowder. New Crops such as cotton, rice, and oranges arrived from India, China, and Southeast Asia. From Africa, new products such as ivory, cloves, and slaves came into the region.

A Mix of Cultures Muslims did not ban all religions other than Islam in their lands, Jews and Christians had to pay a special tax. They also had to follow the rules of the treaties governing conquered peoples. Many converted to Islam, began to speak Arabic and adopted Muslim customs.

The Growth of Cities Baghdad Became the capital of the Islamic Empire in 762 Major trading center One of the world’s richest cities in the late 700s and early 800s. Supported science and the arts Had a hospital, an observatory, and a library/university.

The Growth of Cities Cordoba Became the capital of the Spanish Moors in 756 Made textiles and jewelry By the early 900s, was the largest and most advanced city in Europe. Had mansions, mosques, public water, and lighting systems. Center of learning for Muslim men and women Center of Jewish culture, many held key jobs in the government.

Section 2 Muslim Empires

The Ottoman Empire In the Mid-1200s Muslim Turkish warriors, Ottomans, began to take land from the Christian Byzantine Empire in modern day Turkey. Ruled lands from eastern Europe to North Africa and Arabia. Key to expansion was the Ottoman Army Trained Christian boys from conquered towns to be soldiers, Janissaries, who converted to Islam and were fierce fighters. Also aided by gunpowder and cannons

The Ottomans Empire In 1453, led by Mehmed II conquered Constantinople. Became known as “the Conqueror” Made Constantinople his new capital but changed its name to Istanbul. Turned the Hagia Sophia into a mosque. Later sultans, Ottoman rulers, would conquer Asia Minor, Syria, Egypt, and the cities of Mecca and Medina.

The Ottoman Empire Suleyman I: empire reached its height (r. 1520-1566) “The Magnificent” Took control of the eastern Mediterranean and pushed into Europe.

Ottoman Government and Society The sultan issued laws and made all major decisions in the empire. Society divided into two classes: Ruling class: judges and advisors to the sultan Had to be loyal to the sultan, practice Islam, and understand Ottoman customs Other Class: people who didn’t fit the previous requirements. Many were Jews and Christians.

Ottoman Society Limited the Freedom of Women Had to live apart from men in an area of a household called a harem. Kept women out of public life, however wealthy women could still own property or businesses. Some could even use their money to build schools, mosques, and hospitals.

The Safavid Empire Persian Muslims who would come into conflict with Ottomans over the Sunni/Shia disagreement. Shia: Muslims who thought that only members of Muhammad’s family could become caliph. Sunni: Muslims who didn’t think caliphs had to be related to Muhammad as long as they were good Muslims and strong leaders.

The Safavid Empire Safavid Empire began in 1501 when Esma’il conquered Persia and became shah, king. Made the Shia the official religion of the empire Wanted to convert all Muslims to Shia, but was defeated by the Ottomans, who were Sunni. Esma’il died in 1524 and the next leaders struggled to keep the empire together.

Safavid Empire ‘Abbas became shah in 1588 and would become the Safavid’s greatest leader. Strengthened the military and modernized his soldiers with gunpowder. Like the Ottoman’s, trained slave boys as skilled warriors. Took back lands lost to the Ottoman’s and made contributions to the Safavid culture and economy.

Culture & Economy Blended Persian and Muslim traditions Capital city of Esfahan was considered one of the world’s most magnificent cities in the 1600s. Manufactured hand woven carpets, and textiles made out of silk and velvet, ceramics and metal goods. Lasted until the mid-1700s

The Mughal Empire East of the Safavid Empire in India Mughals were Turkish Muslims from Central Asia. Founded by Babur or “Tiger”. Tried for years to make an empire in Central Asia When he didn’t succeed, he moved to northern India. Established the Mughal Empire in 1526.

The Mughal Empire Emperor Akbar: mid-1500s Conquered many new lands and strengthened the government. Believed that no single religion, even Islam, had all the answers to life’s questions. Got rid of the tax on non-Muslims and invited Hindus to be part of the Mughal government. When Akbar died, new emperors changed his tolerant policies and made the people obey strict religious laws. Non-Muslims were persecuted and forced to pay taxes.

The Mughal Empire Cultural Achievements Persian and Indian cultures blended to form the Mughal culture. Language, building design, and clothing were blended. The Taj Mahal was built between 1631 and 1647 by Akbar’s grandson Shah Jahan for his wife.

Section 3 Cultural Achievements

Science and Philosophy Astronomy Studied time and clock making Improved the astrolabe, which charted the stars Geography Ibn Battutah: traveled to Africa, India, China, and Spain in the 1320s Made more accurate maps and better ways to calculate distance.

Science and Philosophy Math Combined the Indian number system with the Greek number system Created al-jab, “algebra” Medicine Created tests for doctors to pass before they could treat people Made encyclopedias of drugs with descriptions of each drug’s effects. Wrote descriptions of diseases Started the first pharmacy school to teach people how to make medicines The first public hospital was built in Baghdad.

Science and Philosophy Sufism: teaches that people can find God’s love by having a personal relationship with God. Sufis: person who practices Sufism.

Literature and the Arts Poetry and short stories Omar Khayyam: Sufis poet who wrote about faith, hope, and other emotions. A Thousand and One Nights Sinbad the Sailor Aladdin Ali Baba and the 40 Thieves

Literature and the Arts Architecture Mosques: originally modeled after Muhammad’s house in Medina, began to become more elaborate and decorative. Include: Great Hall: Huge hall where people gather to pray. Dome and Minaret: narrow tower from which Muslims are called to prayer. Great mosques were built in Istanbul, Mecca, Cairo, Baghdad, and Cordoba.

Literature and the Arts Muslims think only Allah can create humans and animals or their images. As a result, most Muslim artists didn’t include people or animals in their works. Calligraphy: decorative writing Made sayings from the Qur’an into great works of art that they could use to decorate mosques and other buildings.

Muslim Scholars, Leaders, & Achievements Quiz 1. This scholar traveled to Africa, India, China, and Spain in the 1320s. 2. This scholar proved that land did not go all the way around the Indian Ocean. 3. This scholar wrote a math textbook on what would later become algebra. 4. This achievement teaches that people can find God’s love by having a personal relationship with God. 5. This scholar was also known as Avicenna and wrote a medical encyclopedia. 6. This achievement was most dramatically displayed through calligraphy. 7. This leader got rid of the tax on non-Muslims and invited Hindus to be part of his government. 8. This leader was given the nickname “the Magnificent” and was the greatest Ottoman sultan. 9. This scholar discovered how to diagnose and treat the deadly disease of smallpox. 10. This achievement was displayed by the use of astrolabes and observatories.