The Spread of Islam and Its Historical Impact

Muhammad

Prophet and founder of Islam, died in 632.

Abu Bakr

First caliph elected after Muhammad's death.

Caliphate

Islamic dynasty ruling over Muslim territories.

Sunni

Branch of Islam believing in elected caliphs.

Shi'a

Branch of Islam believing in Ali's descendants as leaders.

Imam

Religious leader in Shi'a Islam interpreting the Qur'an.

Sufi

Mystical Islamic group seeking personal connection with God.

Umayyad Caliphate

Caliphate from 680 to 750, expanded Islamic territory.

Al-Andalus

Muslim state in Spain, capital Córdoba.

Great Mosque of Damascus

Significant architectural achievement of the Umayyad Caliphate.

Dome of the Rock

Islamic shrine in Jerusalem, built by Umayyads.

Golden Age of Islam

Period of cultural, scientific, and economic flourishing.

Baghdad

Capital of the Abbasid Caliphate, central trade hub.

Checks

Banking innovation during the Abbasid Caliphate.

Córdoba

Cultural center of Al-Andalus, known for architecture.

Alhambra

Famous hilltop fortress in Granada, Spain.

Tigris and Euphrates Rivers

Rivers crucial for Baghdad's trade and defense.

Cultural Tolerance

Coexistence of multiple faiths in medieval Spain.

Haggadah

Jewish text for Passover rituals.

Public Works

Infrastructure projects enhancing urban living in Baghdad.

2 million residents

Estimated population of Baghdad at its medieval height.

University of Al Karaouine

Oldest existing degree-granting university, founded 859 CE.

Fatima Muhammad Al-Fihri

Founder of University of Al Karaouine in Morocco.

One Thousand And One Nights

Collection of Middle Eastern folk tales and stories.

Abbasid Decline

Weakening of Abbasid Empire due to internal revolts.

Fatimids

Shia dynasty that established independence in Egypt, 832.

Buyids

Persian dynasty that emerged in the 800s.

Byzantine Empire

Eastern Roman Empire that regained territories in Anatolia.

Turks

Central Asian peoples with diverse religious practices.

Ghazis

Islamic border warriors, often Turks, defending against non-Muslims.

Seljuks

Turkic group that established an empire in Central Asia.

Sultan

Title for Muslim sovereign, recognized by Abbasid caliphs.

Rum Seljuks

Branch of Seljuks that occupied former Byzantine lands.

First Crusade

1096-1099 military campaign to reclaim Jerusalem.

Al Mu'tasim

Abbasid caliph who began Turkish slave recruitment.

Mamluks

Turkish slave soldiers who established their own state.

Crusades

Religious wars that weakened the Abbasid Empire.

Baghdad Fall

Mongol conquest leading to Baghdad's destruction in 1258.

Anatolia

Region in Turkey, significant in Byzantine and Seljuk history.

Mongol Conquests

Military campaigns that devastated Middle Eastern territories.

Persian Mercenaries

Soldiers hired by Abbasids, viewed as less trustworthy.

Turkish Writing System

Developed script used by Turks for communication.

Nomadic Turks

Turks who migrated and lived a mobile lifestyle.

Crusader States

Territories established by Crusaders after the First Crusade.

Zengi

Mosul's governor who initiated the Second Crusade.

Second Crusade

Crusade launched in response to Zengi's actions in 1144.

Salah al-Din

Leader of the Fatimids expanding into Syria.

Ayyubids

Dynasty founded by Salah al-Din after his death.

Mamluks

Turkic slave soldiers used by Ayyubids.

Mongol Empire

Empire expanding into Central Asia and the Middle East.

Khawarazm-Shah Empire

Empire conquered by the Mongols during their expansion.

Merv

City flooded by Mongols, resulting in 700,000 deaths.

Abbasid Caliphate

Islamic caliphate ended by Mongol conquest in 1258.

Hulegu

Mongol leader who invaded the Middle East.

Battle of Ayn Jalut

Turning point where Mamluks halted Mongol advance.

Shajar al-Durr

Female ruler who became Sultan of Ayyubids in 1249.

Louis IX

French king captured by Mamluks during the Seventh Crusade.

Seventh Crusade

Crusade led by Louis IX, resulting in Mamluk victory.

Mongol Tactics

Brutal strategies including slaughtering civilians and leaders.

Mamluk Rule

Characterized by military prowess and eventual governance of Egypt.

Mongol Conquest

Invasion leading to the destruction of cities and cultures.

Turkic Origin

Background of Mamluks taken as boys for military training.

Georgian and Armenian Christians

Allies of Hulegu in the Mongol invasions.

Damascus Surrender

City that capitulated without resistance to Mongol forces.

Factors for Mamluk Decline

Multiple reasons leading to the weakening of Mamluk power.