Untitled Flashcard Set

Gunpowder Empires

Ottoman, Safavid, Mughal—used gunpowder weapons to expand.

Sultan

Ottoman ruler.

Shah

Safavid ruler.

Emperor

Mughal ruler.

Ottoman Religion

Sunni Islam.

Safavid Religion

Shia Islam.

Mughal Religion

Mostly Muslim rulers over a Hindu majority.

Janissaries

Christian boys taken, converted, and trained as elite soldiers.

Millet System

Religious minorities ran their own communities but paid taxes.

Ottoman Trade Regulation

The state taxed and controlled trade, supported guilds.

Major Ottoman Cities

Istanbul, Damascus, Aleppo, Cairo.

Social Features of Ottoman Cities

Diverse populations, merchants/artisans, dhimmi autonomy.

Ottoman Architecture

Huge mosques with domes and minarets.

Monumental Architecture Significance

Power and wealth of rulers.

Example of Ottoman Monumental Architecture

Suleymaniye Mosque in Istanbul.

Suleiman the Magnificent

Most powerful Ottoman Sultan, expanded empire, patron of arts.

Treatment of Conquered People by Ottomans

Allowed religious autonomy with extra taxes.

Devshirme System

System of recruiting Christian boys for military or administration.

Ways Ottomans Showed Power

Architecture, military strength, and control of trade.

Ottoman Economy

Based on trade (Silk Road, Mediterranean), agriculture, taxation.

Ottoman Culture

Mix of Islamic, Byzantine, Persian influences.

Importance of Istanbul

Trade hub connecting Europe, Asia, Africa.

Importance of Guilds

Organized artisans and controlled quality/standards.

Safavid Religion

Shia Islam.

Shah Abbas I

Greatest Safavid ruler, strengthened military, trade, culture.

Safavid Capital

Isfahan.

Safavid Mosques

Colorful domes and tall minarets symbolizing heaven.

Focus of Safavid Art

Calligraphy, carpets, miniature paintings.

Safavid Economy

Based on silk, carpets, trade, agriculture.

Safavid Rivals

Ottomans (Sunni vs Shia conflict).

Persian Influence under Safavids

Language, culture, art shaped empire identity.

Founder of Mughal Empire

Babur in 1526.

Akbar the Great

Tolerant ruler, expanded empire, promoted religious blending.

Din-i Ilahi

Akbar’s religion mixing Hindu, Muslim, Jain, Christian ideas.

Akbar's Treatment of Hindus

Ended jizya tax, allowed Hindus in government.

Monuments Built by Jahangir and Shah Jahan

Taj Mahal and other monuments.

Mughal Architecture

Blend of Islamic, Persian, Hindu styles.

Example of Mughal Architecture

Taj Mahal = symbol of love + power.

Mughal Economy Base

Agriculture (cotton, rice, wheat) + trade.

Mughal Culture

Persian language, art, Hindu-Muslim cultural blending.

Role of Women in Mughal Empire

Some had power in court (e.g., Nur Jahan).

Sikhism

New syncretic faith in N. India blending Hindu & Muslim ideas.

Mughal Social Hierarchy

Muslim elites on top, Hindu majority below.

Mughal Military

Gunpowder, cavalry, elephants.

Importance of Akbar’s Tolerance

United Hindus and Muslims in empire.

Common Language in Mughal India

Persian in court, but many local languages spoken.

Aurangzeb

Later ruler, reversed tolerance, imposed strict Islam.

Common Features of Gunpowder Empires

Islamic, used gunpowder weapons, monumental architecture, trade-based economies.

Rulers Showing Power

Military strength, architecture, wealth.

Role of Religion

Central to legitimacy, but policies varied (tolerant vs strict).

Architecture Symbolism

Power, wealth, and religion.

Economic Base of Gunpowder Empires

Agriculture and trade.

Cultural Legacy of Gunpowder Empires

Blended Islamic, Persian, local influences.

Importance of Cities

Centers of trade, religion, culture.

Use of Bureaucracy

Organized tax collection, law, administration.

Role of Elites

Supported rulers but sometimes challenged them.