AB_Chapter_19_Islamic_Gunpowder_Dynasties-1

Gunpowder Empires

Large multiethnic states in Southwest, Central, and South Asia that relied on firearms to conquer and control their territories.

Ibn Khaldun

A 14th-century historian known for his work 'Muquaddimah' which discusses the cyclical nature of history.

Ottoman Empire

The largest and most enduring Islamic empire, founded by the Osman Dynasty in the 1300s and lasting until 1918.

Mehmed II

Also known as 'the Conqueror', he established Istanbul as the empire's capital after conquering Constantinople in 1453.

Devshirme

A selection system whereby Christian boys from conquered areas were recruited to serve in the Ottoman military and government.

Suleiman I

Ruled from 1520-1566, known for military conquests, cultural achievements, and being termed 'the Lawgiver' for his legal reforms.

Janissaries

Elite Ottoman military forces recruited through the devshirme system, consisting of converted Christian boys.

Safavid Empire

An Islamic empire founded in Persia in the 1500s, known for its Shia Islam dominance and conflicts with the Sunni Ottoman Empire.

Shah Abbas I

Also known as Abbas the Great, he ruled from 1587-1629 and presided over the height of the Safavid Empire.

Akbar

The most notable Mughal ruler who ruled from 1556-1605, known for his policies of religious tolerance and administrative reforms.

Din-i-llahi

A syncretic religion created by Akbar in an attempt to reconcile Hinduism and Islam.

Tamerlane

A Mongol-Turkic ruler known for his military conquests across Central Asia and the Middle East in the late 14th century.

Battle of Lepanto

A significant naval battle in 1571 where a European coalition defeated the Ottoman navy.

Harem Politics

The influence of the women in the sultan's harem on political decisions and succession.

Mughal Empire

Founded by Babur in the 1520s, it was a prominent empire in India characterized by wealth and cultural achievements.

Aurangzeb

The last significant Mughal emperor who ruled from 1658-1707 and expanded the empire, but whose reign led to decline.

Shariah Law

A system of Islamic jurisprudence that governs all aspects of life, including criminal justice and family law.

Zamindars

Paid government officials under Akbar who were responsible for tax collection and local administration.

Isfahan

The capital of the Safavid Empire known for its beautiful architecture and gardens during Shah Abbas's reign.

Taj Mahal

A mausoleum built by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan in Agra as a tomb for his wife, a symbol of Mughal architecture.

Cultural contributions

Achievements in arts and architecture made by the Gunpowder Empires, including mosques, manuscripts, and paintings.

Slavery in the Ottoman Empire

The system of slavery in which captives from military campaigns were converted to Islam and made slaves in various roles.