East Asia and Dar-al-Islam: Empires, Trade, and Cultural Exchange

Confucianism

Philosophical teaching in China that helps rank individuals in the social hierarchy and was historically promoted through the civil service exam.

Civil Service Exam

An examination in China designed to recruit government officials, historically taken by every Chinese male, with success leading to good job opportunities.

Buddhism

Religion that replaced Confucianism in China after the fall of the Han dynasty, leading to the enrichment of monks and a decline in central government power.

Song Dynasty

A powerful Chinese dynasty emerging around the 10th century, known for its wealth, strong military, and efforts to centralize China.

Neo-Confucianism

A blend of Confucianism, Daoism, Taoism, and Buddhism that emerged during the Song Dynasty, incorporating elements from each philosophy.

Filial Piety

A Confucian virtue of respect for one's parents and ancestors, revived during the Neo-Confucianism period.

Golden Age of Trade

A period during the Song Dynasty marked by extensive international trade, especially over the sea, leading to significant wealth and economic growth.

Astrolabe

An instrument that uses stars to determine latitudes on the planet, aiding in navigation.

Magnetic Compass

An invention during the Song Dynasty used for navigation, indicating direction relative to the Earth's magnetic poles.

Foot Binding

A practice in ancient China involving breaking foot bones to create smaller feet, considered a rite of passage for women.

Tributary States

States like Korea and Vietnam that paid tribute to the Song government to avoid invasion, with Vietnam being forced to adopt Neo-Confucianism.

Dar-al-Islam

A term referring to regions where Islam is practiced, encompassing a wide geographical area.

Caliphates

Islamic kingdoms led by a Caliph who serves as both a political and religious leader.

Sultanate

A territory under the rule of a Sultan, typically a non-religious leader, unlike a Caliphate.

Empire

A vast area governed by an emperor, often associated with Christian rulers in history.

Ice Age

Caused by excessive killing

Siege Towers

Used by Persians in warfare

Loss of History

Resulted in destruction and river disposal

Baghdad Goods

Moved from south to north

Abbasids

Faced challenges and fell by 1200

Mongols

Conquered after Abbasids

Islamic Fragmentation

Political disunity but cultural advancement

Universities

Constructed in the Islamic world

Continuities

Aspects remaining unchanged over time

Nasiral-Din al-Tusi

Updated astronomical charts and medical advancements

Ibn Khaldun

Father of history and sociology

Aisha al-Ba'uniyyah

Important Sufi tradition spreader

Sufism

Branch focused on inner reflection

Merchants in Islam

Viewed favorably, unlike in China

Slavery in Islam

Allowed with specific conditions

Sufi Missionaries

Spread Islam with flexibility

Timbuktu

Educational center post-Baghdad fall

Mansa Musa

Richest historical figure, Mali king

Cultural Diffusion

Blend of Hindu and Islamic architecture

Qutub Minar

Architecture blending Hindu and Islamic styles

Urdu Language

Fusion of Farsi and Arabic

Bhakti Movement

Hindu spiritual movement akin to Sufism

Strait of Malacca

Key trade route between China and South Asia

Srivijaya Empire

Hindu empire controlling sea routes

Khmer Empire

Buddhist empire in present-day Cambodia