1.2 Vocab

Muhammad

Founder of main prophet of Islam

Abbasid Caliphate

Descendents of the Prophet Muhammad’s uncle, al-Abbas overthrew the Umayyad Caliphate and ruled Islamic empire from their capital in Baghdad (founded 762) from 750 to 1258.

Baghdad

Capital of the Abbasid dynasty located in Iraq near ancient Persian capital of Ctesiphon.

House of Wisdom

Combination library, academy, and translation center in Baghdad established in the 800’s.

Mamluk Sultanate

Islamic empire of warrior-slaves who established an Islamic sultanate throughout Egypt and North Africa from 1250-1517.

Seljuk Turks

Nomadic invaders from central Asia via Persia; staunch Sunnis; ruled in name of Abbasid Caliphate from mid-11th century.

Aishah al-Bauniyyah

One of the most prolific female Muslim writers before the 20th century whose work heavily influenced the Sufi movement.

Sufis

Mystical Muslim group that believed they could draw closer to God through Prayer, fasting, and a simple life.

Hijab

A head covering worn in public by some Muslim women.