Division of Islam Rival groups argued about who had right to succeed Muhammad as caliph. Muslims divide into two groups: Sunni and Shia Shia Muslims, discontent with Umayyads (group of Caliphs), rebel Abbasid Dynasty comes to power about 750 A.D. Sunni: Shia: Most Muslims Mostly Muslims in Iraq and Iran Muhammad’s Son- in-Law, Ali, is rightful heir Ali’s descendants should be leaders Allah 5 Pillars Quran Both:

Overthrew Umayyad Empire (First Four Caliphs, leaders of Islam) Focused on improving trade and culture Moves capital from Damascus to Baghdad (in Persia). Location on Tigris River connects trade routes from Mediterranean Sea to East Asia. Golden Age: Appreciation of Persian Culture brings Persian influence to Arabia A New Dynasty

Abbasids could not hold the empire together. Seljuk Turks from Central Asia moved into Abbasid territory Seljuk Turks were nomads and great warriors 1055 A.D.– Seljuks seize Baghdad and took control of the government and army Allowed Abbasid caliphs to manage religious matters Seljuk ruler calls himself sultan– “holder of power” After 200 years of ruling, conquered by the Mongols (1258 A.D.) The Seljuk Turks

Turkish clans that called themselves “Ottomans” after their leader Osman 1453 A.D.– Mehmet II “The Conquer” seizes the Byzantine capital, Constantinople and renames it “Istanbul” Ottmans pushed into Europe, Southwest Asia, and Northern Africa Controlled much of the Mediterranean area until the late 1500s Leader called sultan– most famous was Suleiman. Called the “Lawgiver” because he organized Ottoman laws, built schools and mosques Allowed religious freedom even though Islam was official religion Non-Muslims were required to pay tax The Ottomans

1501 A.D.– Shia leader Ismail proclaims himself shah, or “king” of Persia Ismail founded Safavid dynasty Persian spread as language of culture and trade Urdu– language spoken in Pakistan based partly on Persian The Safavids Shah Abbas In 1587 A.D., Abbas I becomes shah of Persia Generally tolerant of Christianity, allowing diplomatic ties to European countries Ties to Europe helps Persia grow economically and militarily.

1500s A.D.– the Moguls set up Muslim Empire in India Under leader Akbar, Mogul empire prospered Akbar allowed people to practice their religions After Akbar, rulers were less tolerant– persecution of Hindus and Sikhs Sikhs and Hindus rebel, but India ultimately falls to British control India's Mogul Empire