modern middle east

Monotheistic

Believing in one god.

Monotheistic religions

Islam, Judaism, Christianity.

Significance of Jerusalem to Judaism

Site of ancient Jewish temples; central part of Jewish history.

Significance of Jerusalem to Christianity

Jesus was crucified and resurrected there.

Significance of Jerusalem to Islam

Where the Prophet Mohammed is believed to have ascended to heaven.

Ottoman Empire

One of the most powerful empires, existing from 1299 to 1923.

Ottoman Empire's capital city after conquest

Constantinople, later renamed Istanbul.

Sunni Islam

The largest branch of Islam, followed by 85-90% of Muslims.

First Caliph of Islam

Abu Bakr, a close friend of Prophet Mohammed.

Difference between Sunni and Shia Muslims

Sunni believe leadership should be chosen by the community; Shia believe it should be a direct descendant of Muhammad.

Zoroastrianism

The state religion of the Sasanian Empire, one of the oldest monotheistic religions.

The Five Pillars of Islam

Declaration of Faith, Prayer, Charity, Fasting, Pilgrimage.

Hagia Sophia

Originally a Christian cathedral that became a mosque.

Crusades

Military campaigns by Christian knights aiming to reclaim the Holy Land.

Achaemenid Empire

The first Persian Empire, founded by Cyrus the Great.

Gunpowder Empires

Empires that utilized gunpowder weapons for expansion, including Ottoman, Safavid, and Mughal.

Defensive Developmentalism

Efforts by empires to strengthen and modernize themselves in response to external pressures.

Tanzimat Reforms

Reforms aimed at modernizing the Ottoman Empire and promoting equality among subjects.

Sectarianization

The process where religious affiliation becomes the main basis for identity and politics.

Jihad

Holy struggle or effort in the path of God.

Caliph

The religious and political leader considered the successor of Prophet Muhammad.

Umma

The global Muslim community.

Hadith

Collections of quotes and stories about Muhammad’s words and actions.

Divine Favor

Belief that the Sultan commanded respect and support from God.

Islahat Fermani

Ottoman decree promoting equality between Muslims and non-Muslims.

Sharia

System of Islamic law based on the Quran, Hadith, and interpretations of Islamic scholars.

Hajj

A religious journey to Mecca, one of the Five Pillars of Islam.

Mosque

Islamic place of worship.

Sunnah

A collection of sayings and actions of Prophet Muhammad, used to guide Muslims.

Ramadan

Islamic month of fasting from dawn to sunset.

Battle of Chaldiran

A significant battle in 1514 between the Ottoman Empire and the Safavid Empire, resulting in an Ottoman victory.

Sokollu Mehmed Pasha

An influential Ottoman grand vizier during the 16th century, known for his reforms and diplomacy.

Capitulations

Treaties between the Ottoman Empire and European powers that granted certain privileges and exemptions to Europeans within Ottoman territories.

Wahhabism

A religious movement founded by Muhammad ibn Abd al-Wahhab, advocating a return to pure Islamic teachings and rejection of innovations.

The Eastern Question

The strategic and political issues posed by the decline of the Ottoman Empire and the struggles of European powers for influence in its territories.