Key Figures and Events in Islamic and Southeast Asian History

Sufi

A follower of sufism, a mystical religion from islam Key figures to spreading the knowledge of islam to india, and southeast asia.

Buyids

One of the Persian dynasties that ruled over the Middle East. Captured Baghdad and basically controlled the caliphs or other figure heads.

Seljuk Turks

Nomadic Sunnis who took over after the Buyids fell. Got rid of many Shia influences in the empire.

Crusades

Religious wars to take back the christians holy land from muslims. Increased contacts between Europe and the Middle East helped Europe with architecture, war, and academics.

Saladin

A strong leader who united the muslims and defeated the crusaders from Europe. To him, the crusaders were little threat.

Ibn Khaldun

an african historian from the 1300-1400s. developed the theory of how nomadic dynasties rise and fall.

Hulegu

Chinggis Khan's grandson. Took over Baghdad and other muslim territories

Mamluks

the turkish slaves who ruled over egypt. They fended off the Mongols invasion of the middle east.

Shah-Nama

A important persian book written by Firdawsi. shows the history of conquests and battles in persia

ulama

an orthodox religious scholar group in islam. they did not like nonislamic ideas like scientific thinking

al-Ghazali

one of the greatest islamic theorizers. could not combine greek and islam traditions which were rejected by ulama

Muhammad ibn Qasim

Leader of the first conquests into northern india. Sparked the start of the attempt to spread islam into india

Mahmud of Ghazni

Third ruler of the Umayyad Dynasty. Lead many invasions into indian territory and defeated many hindu princes.

Muhammad of Ghur

military leader of persian extraction. established the first political control in northern India.

Qutb-ud-din Aibak

One of the slaves who came to rule after Muhammad of Ghur was assassinated. established the capital at Delhi and proclaimed himself the sultan of Delhi.

Bhaktic cults

Hindu groups who were intensely dedicated to their gods. Helped respond to the islam conversions and were open to all.

Mira Bai

A religious writer of the Bhaktic cults. Some of the religious writers and songwriters were women.

Kabir

A muslim mystic in India. Tried to connect all beliefs as a path to spiritual fulfillment.

Shrivijaya

an empire in southeast asia. When it fell as a key trading empire, it opened the way to the spread of islam.

Malacca

A city on the malayan peninsula. was a key trading city that helped spread islam across southeast asia.

Demak

Another trading state with a bunch of trading centers.. one of the most powerful trading states and a point of intersection for muslim mystics.