Developments in Dar al-Islam

Flashcards covering major themes from the notes on Developments in Dar al-Islam (c. 1200–1450): centers of learning, political shifts, religious tolerance, key figures, cultural and economic exchanges, and the spread of Islam.

What center of learning drew scholars to Baghdad during the Abbasid period?

The House of Wisdom.

Name two major successor states to the Abbasid Caliphate that emerged as Abbasids declined.

The Mamluk Sultanate in Egypt and the Seljuk Turks; later Turkic-ruled empires such as the Ottoman, Safavid, and Mughal.

How did Abbasid rulers generally treat Christians and Jews within the empire?

They tolerated Christians and Jews and allowed them to practice their faith as long as they believed in one God and did good works.

Who were the Mamluks and what roles did they play in Islamic society?

Enslaved people, often of Turkic origin, who served as soldiers and later bureaucrats; they established the Mamluk Sultanate in Egypt.

What event in 1258 significantly altered the Abbasid state?

The Mongol conquest, which ended the Abbasid Caliphate.

What was the impact of the Seljuk Turks on Abbasid political structure?

A Seljuk leader declared himself sultan, reducing the Abbasid caliph to a religious figure rather than political ruler.

Why did European Crusaders come to the Islamic world, and what effect did this have?

To reopen access to holy sites near Jerusalem; they fought against Muslim rulers, leading to ongoing military and political conflicts.

What was the Mongol impact on the Islamic world?

Conquered the remaining Abbasid territory in 1258 and advanced westward until stopped by the Mamluks in Egypt.

What caused Baghdad to decline economically after the 8th century?

Trade routes shifted north away from Baghdad; wealth and population declined; canals decayed and agriculture could not fully support the urban population.

Name the three large Islamic empires rooted in Turkic cultures by the 16th century.

Ottoman Empire (Turkey), Safavid Empire (Persia), Mughal Empire (India).

Who was Nasir al-Din al-Tusi and what was his contribution?

A prominent Islamic scholar (1201–1274) who advanced astronomy, law, logic, ethics, mathematics, and medicine; directed an advanced observatory that contributed to the development of trigonometry.

What is Ibn Khaldun known for in the history of science and scholarship?

Founder of historiography and sociology; renowned for early methods of studying history and society.

Who was 'A'ishah al-Ba'uniyyah and why is she notable?

A Sufi poet and mystic known for 'Clear Inspiration, on Praise of the Trusted One,' reflecting mystical illumination and a bridge between intellect and spirituality.

What role did Sufi missionaries play in the spread of Islam?

They spread Islam by adapting to local cultures and sometimes weaving local religious elements into Islamic practice, aiding conversions.

How did commerce influence Islamic society during this period?

Merchants were highly esteemed; revival of Silk Road and Indian Ocean trade brought wealth and funded culture and scholarship; some merchants even served as missionaries.

What was slavery like in Islamic society?

Islam allowed slavery but forbade enslaving Muslims; Jews, Christians, and Zoroastrians were exempt; slaves could gain freedom and some could rise in status; slave women had particular rights and opportunities.

What is hijab, in the context of Islamic practice?

A term referring to modest dress or a head covering worn by Muslim women; reflects cultural and religious expectations of modesty.

What impact did Ibn Rushd (Averroes) have on European thought?

His commentaries on Aristotle influenced Maimonides, which in turn influenced Christian philosophers such as Thomas Aquinas.

What key technology related to writing did Muslims help transfer to Europe, aiding later intellectual movements?

Paper-making; originated in China and transmitted to Europe via Islamic scholars, aiding the spread of knowledge.

What was the significance of the Battle of Tours (732) for Islamic expansion?

Islamic military was stopped in Western Europe, marking the limit of rapid Muslim expansion into the continent.