AMSCO Unit 1.2 Developments in Dar al-Islam

Judaism, Christianity, Islam

the 3 major religions that influenced cultures in Europe, Africa, and the Middle East

Death of Muhammad

Islam spread rapidly after this, and extended from India to Spain, and new Islamic states appeared in Egypt, Turkey, and Spain

Abbasid Caliphate

between 8th and 13th centuries during this, many scholars traveled to Baghad to study at a center of learning called the House of Wisdom.

outside attacks

1100s and 1200s, Abbasid Empire suffered from

First group that attacked Abbasid Empire

1. Mamluks
- slaves west of Abbasid Empire known as Mamluks were recruited to serve as soldiers and government officials, most were Turkish. Seized control of Egypt and established Mamluk Sultanate empire

Second group that attacked Abbasid Empire

2. Seljuk Turks
- north of Abbasid empire in central Asia came another group of Muslims, the Seljuk Turks. Captured parts of the middle east included Baghad. Seljuk leader called himself Sultan. Seljuk Empire lasted from 1037-1194.

Third Group that attacked Abbasid Empire

3. Crusaders
- Abbasids allowed Christians to travel easily to and from their holy sites and around Jerusalem. Seljuk Turks limited this travel so Christians organized groups of soldiers called Crusaders to reopen access.

Fourth Group that attacked Abbasid Empire

4. Mongols
- One of most famous in history
- Came from Central Asia and conquered what was left of Abbasid Empire in 1258 and pushed Seljuk Turks out of Baghad. Continued to push westwards but were stopped in Egypt by Mamluks.

Economic Challenges of Dar Al-Islam

Baghad lost place on Silk Road routes as it moved to northern routes. Over time, it lost population anf canals fell into disrepair. Slowly, infrastructure that made it a great city fell into decay

Cultural and Social Life of Dar Al-Islam

Islamic world fragmented politically but advanced culturally. In addition to Baghad and Cordoba, Cairo in Egypt and Bukhar in Central Asia

Cultural Continuities

Scholars followed advice from Muhammad to learn from many cultures
- translated Greek literature into Arabic, saving works of Aristotle and other Greek thinkers from oblivion
- studied mathematical texts from India
- adopted techniques for paper-making from China

Nagiral Din al-Tusi (1201-1274)

one of most celebrated Islamic scholars

Aishah al-Ba'uniyyah (1460-1507)

female muslim writer
- poem honoring Muhammad shows broad learning

Sufis

mystical Muslim group that believed they could draw closer to God through prayer, fasting, & simple life
- grasping truths they believe couldn't be understood by learning
- missionaries played big role in spreading Islam because they adapted to local traditions and cultures, and their tolerance won them converts

Commerce, Class, and Diversity in Dar Al-Islam

Islamic societies viewed merchants better than most societies at that time
- esteemed as long as they made fair dealings and gave to charity

Slavery in Islam

Islamic law prohibited slavery of other Muslims and people of 'the Book', Jews, Christians and Zoroastrians.

Women in Islam

Muhammad believed in treating women nicely so Islamic women enjoyed more privileges than others.
- covered faces and heads, solidifying into hijab
- could study/read but not with men unrelated to them
- dowries to be paid to women instead of father
- forbade female infanticide
- 1st wife educated and had own business
set pattern for recognition of women's abilities
Higher statues than Christian/Jewish women
- allowed to inherit property and retain ownership after marriage
- remarry if widowed and cash settlement if divorced
- wife could sometimes initiate divorce
- could practice birth control
However, no women wrote of how they viewed position in society
Rise of cities/towns in Islamic-ruled areas resulted in limitations of women's rights

Impact of Islam in Africa

Islamic merchants brought regions like Indian Ocean and West Africa into a wider trading network
- East Africa traders blended Bantu and Arabic to create Swahili, still spoken by various groups in Africa Great Lakes and other parts of Southeast

Islamic Rule in Spain

Umayyads had little success in Middle East but had more success west
- In 711, Muslim forces defeated by Byzantre armies in North Africa but successfully invaded Spain from the South
- designated Co'rdoba as capital for Spain

Battle of Tours

(732 CE) European victory over Muslims. It halted Muslim movement into Western Europe.

Overview of Abbasid Empire

Location: Southwest Asia and North Africa
Capital: Baghad

Overview of Umayyad Empire

Location: Southwest Asia, North Africa, and Southwest Europe
Capital: Damascus and then Co'rdoba

Similarities between Abbasid and Umayyad Empires

Branch of Islam: Sunni
Ethnicity of Leaders: Arab
Foreign Policy: Spread influence of Islam but tolerant

Tolerance in Islam

Similar to Abbasids in Baghad, Umayyad rulers in Co'rdoba created tolerance with Muslims, Christians, and Jews coexisting.
- promoted trade allowing Chinese and Southeast Asian products to enter Spain and Europe
- traveled in ships called dhows, which were developed in India/China that had long hulls that made them good for carryinh goods but bad at warfare