1.2 AMSCO AP world

Abbasid Empire

A major Islamic dynasty that ruled from 750 to 1258, known for its cultural and scientific achievements, especially in Baghdad's House of Wisdom.

Mamluks

Enslaved people, often ethnic Turks, who served as soldiers and bureaucrats in Egypt; they established the Mamluk Sultanate after seizing control of the government.

Seljuk Turks

A Central Asian group that challenged the Abbasids beginning in the 11th century and established themselves as sultans, reducing the caliph's power.

Crusaders

European Christian soldiers organized in the late 11th century to capture the Holy Land from Muslim control, also to reopen access for pilgrims.

Mongols

A nomadic Central Asian group that conquered the Abbasid Empire in 1258, marking a significant decline in Islamic power in the region.

House of Wisdom

A renowned center of learning located in Baghdad where scholars from various cultures collaborated to translate and build on existing knowledge.

Sufism

A mystical Islamic belief system emphasizing introspection and the pursuit of divine love, often incorporating local cultural practices.

Ibn Khaldun

A prominent Islamic historian and philosopher, recognized as a founder of historiography and sociology for his analytical approach to history.

‘A’ishah al-Ba’uniyyah

A female Sufi poet known for contributing significantly to Islamic literature and mysticism during the late 15th century.

al-Andalus

The Islamic state in Spain, known for its cultural and scholarly achievements, where Muslims, Christians, and Jews coexisted and influenced one another.

Dhow

A type of ship developed in the Indian Ocean, characterized by its long, thin hulls suitable for trade rather than warfare.

Shariah

Islamic law derived from the Quran and Hadith, governing both personal and communal aspects of Muslims' lives.

Harem

A domestic space reserved for the women of a Muslim household, often including wives and concubines.

Córdoba

The capital of Islamic Spain (al-Andalus) known for its large library and scholarly contributions during the Middle Ages.

Battle of Tours

A decisive battle in 732 where Frankish forces halted the advance of the Islamic military into Western Europe.

Dowry

A payment made by a groom to a bride, which Muhammad mandated to be paid directly to the bride rather than her family.