Reign of Süleyman I Peak of the empire Süleyman as "Lawgiver"

Discussion Despite the success of his reign, how did Süleyman create problems for the Ottoman Empire? By executing his most able sons, he ensured that the next ruler would be an incompetent one.

Beginnings of Decline Changes in government Impact of Western ideas and customs Economic problems

Discussion Why do you think some sultans tried to stop the introduction of Western ideas and customs? They may have felt threatened by Western ideas or customs and may have been trying to preserve their own culture.

Ṣ afavids Attempt to Build a Shia Empire A new dynasty in Persia and Central Asia Attempts to unify empire through forced conversion

Discussion What effects do you think the Safavids' attempts to enforce mandatory conversion to the Shia faith might have had on the Sunni population? Rising hostility and further division between Sunni and Shia Muslims.

Background The teachings of the prophet Muhammad formed the foundation of Islam. When Muhammad died, he left no clear line of succession, and disagreements later broke out about who should be the caliph, or leader of Islam. An especially contentious argument surrounded the legacy of the fourth caliph, Ali, who was Muhammad's son-in- law. After Ali was assassinated, the Umayyad Dynasty became the leaders of Islam. But followers of Ali, refusing to recognize the Umayyads as caliphs, formed their own branch of Islam that came to be called Shia. Another branch, called Sunni, was formed by Muslims who disagreed with the Umayyads but still recognized them.

Discussion What did the emphasis on religious orthodoxy mean for people in the Ṣ afavid Empire? People were pressured to conform to traditional religious beliefs and women were forced into seclusion and required to wear the veil.

Orthodoxy Orthodoxy - conforming to established doctrine, especially in religion. Are there calls for religious orthodoxy today? Religious leaders of many faiths today urge people to follow or return to traditional beliefs.

Discussion How were the Ottoman and Ṣ afavid empires similar? How were they different? Similarities: both were Muslim, both conquered surrounding territory, both had the latest weapons, and both encouraged the arts. Differences: the Ottomans were Sunni, whereas the Ṣ afavids were Shia; the Ottomans were ruled by a sultan, whereas the Ṣ afavids were ruled by a shah.