1. Shiite-Sunni Divide
On Muhammad’s death, a Muslim’s disagreed about who should rule
This disagreement would divide Muslims into two groups
Still causes conflict today

2. Shiite Believed Muhammad’s son-in-law Ali should lead
Thought his line possessed mystical powers
Descendants called Imams
Others thought any good Muslim could lead

3. Sunni A compromise between those groups
Any pious male from Mohammad’s tribe
Considered political leader more so than religious
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4. The Safavid Empire

5. The Safavid Empire Between Ottomans and Mughals
Located in modern day Iran
Started as Nomadic Turks

6. The Safavid Empire 12 year old boy, Ismail, claimed to be the Imam
Developed a following and eventually forged an empire
This became the Safavid Empire
Rulers called Shah

7. Shiite-Sunni Divide Safavid and Ottoman Empire came into conflict
Ottoman = Sunni
Safavid = Shiite
Ismail defeated and captured by the Ottomans

8. Shah Abbas the Great Reached peak under Shah Abbas the Great
Made peace with Ottomans
Created a powerful, standing army
Including own Janissaries out of kidnapped Russians

9. Shah Abbas the Great Reduced Taxes Tolerated non-Muslims
Built a new capital, Isfahan
Became the center for silk trade, run by Christian Armenians
It had 163 mosques, more than 250 public baths, and about 1,800 shops.

10. Empire Declines Ottomans continue pressure
Neglected sea trade, that was changing the world
Shiite religious strife and persecution of Sunni’s caused rebellions

11. Muslim Empire Trading Card
Directions: Create six trading cards related to the Muslim Empire. When you are finished, you’ll get to share and trade your cards with others so you can learn more. They should be two sided.
REQIUREMENTS: Create (9) trading cards. You must create three cards that have to do with events, three cards that have to do with important people, three that have to do with places from this period of history. You should have one from each empire for each catagory
Use your text book, notes, and the internet to help you get ideas and to help you research. Your cards should be INFORMATIVE, neat, colorful, and creative.