Empires and Crusades Flashcards

Flashcards about the Seljuk, Fatimid, Ayyubid, and Ottoman Empires, including key figures and events.

Seljuks

A subdivision of Oghuz Turks, named after their chief, Seljuk, who migrated from the Central Asian Steppes.

Tughril Beg

Recognized as the founder of the Seljuk Empire after his brother defeated the Ghaznavids and conquered Persia.

Isfahan

The first capital of the Seljuk Empire.

Alp Arslan

Nephew of Tughril, succeeded him, and won the Battle of Manzikert (1071).

Battle of Manzikert (1071)

A pivotal event leading to Turkish rule in Anatolia and contributing to the First Crusade.

Malik Shah (1072–1092)

Son of Alp Arslan, expanded the Seljuk Empire and oversaw its cultural golden age.

Madrasas

Educational institutions developed during the Seljuk Empire, teaching various disciplines.

Amirs

Served as governors in the Seljuk social hierarchy.

Fatimid Caliphate

Began in Yemen, expanded into Egypt, and at its peak, included Sicily, Syria, Palestine, and Hejaz.

Al-Azhar University (970 CE)

The first university in the Islamic world, founded by the Fatimid Caliphate in Cairo.

Salahuddin Ayyubi

Founder of the Ayyubid Dynasty, known for his bravery, wisdom, and role in reclaiming Jerusalem.

Battle of Hattin (1187)

Decisive victory led by Salahuddin against the Crusaders, leading to the recapture of Jerusalem.

Citadel of Cairo

Constructed in 1186 by the Ayyubids for defense against the Crusaders.

Mamluks

Slave soldiers used by the Ayyubids for military organization.

Safavid Empire (1501-1722)

A contemporary of the Mughal Empire, including all of Iran, parts of Turkey, and Georgia.

Shah Abbas (1571-1629)

Safavid ruler who centralized the government, created a powerful military, and made Isfahan the capital.

Devshirme system

Introduced by Murad I, it brought young boys from conquered European Christian territories into the Sultan's service.

Janissaries

A new corps of soldiers for the Ottoman army formed from the boys taken via the Devshirme system.

Sultan Mehmet II

Captured Constantinople in 1453 and claimed the title "Fateh" or "Conqueror".

Sultan Selim I

Led a military campaign against the Mamluk Sultans of Egypt, conquering core regions of the Middle East and North Africa.

Suleiman the Magnificent

Expanded the Ottoman Empire into Eastern Europe and unified Ottoman laws into a single Code of Law.

Mimar Sinan

Chief architect under Suleiman the Magnificent, designed the Suleymaniye Masjid in Istanbul.

Charles Martel

Frankish prince who defeated the Umayyads at the Battle of Tours in 732 CE.

Charlemagne (742-814 CE)

Grandson of Charles Martel, ruled the Western Roman Empire and enhanced trade with the Arabs.

Great Schism of 1054

Split Christianity into the Western Church (led by the Pope) and the Eastern Church based in Constantinople.

Alp Arslan

Led the Seljuk Turks to victory at the Battle of Manzikert in 1071.

Pope Urban II

Called for the First Crusade, seeking to reunite Christendom and reclaim Jerusalem.

Imad al-Din Zengi

Turkish Prince of Mosul who sought to expel the Crusaders from the Middle East and conquered the County of Edessa.

Salahuddin

Consolidated power, declared himself the leader of the jihad, and united Muslims across Northern Mesopotamia, Syria, Egypt, and Palestine.

Richard I (the Lionheart)

Led the Third Crusade with Frederick I and King Phillip II, ultimately signing a truce with Salahuddin.