Islamic Culture
Government Sunni, Shia develop after Muhammad’s death Disagreement over who should lead Sunni Wisest member of lead tribe Shia, Shi’ite Descendant of Muhammad Abu Bakr 1st caliph Caliph head of Muslim community
Sunni vs. Shia/Shiite Sunni Shia/Shiite Believed caliphs should be elected Make up 90% of all Muslims “Orthodox Islam” Shia/Shiite Claim leaders should be related to Muhammad Extremists Today’s tension linked more to ethnic groups Not religion
Umayyad Clan 661 1st hereditary caliphate Damascus capital Successful military campaign Islam, skill, and treasure key Appointed own admins. Tolerated other cultures
Abbasid Clan 750 Overthrew Umayyad Capital Baghdad Empire too large Major world power 2nd to Changan (Xi’an) Empire too large Hard to control Muslim culture spread Spain to Indonesia Dal al-Islam used by travelers