Islamic Civilization Chapter 6 Section 3 732-1212 C.E.

Prosperity in the Islamic World Generally speaking , the Islamic empire was very wealthy. The Islamic Empire made the majority of its wealth through trade with a number of other established civilizations. Imports – Gold, Slaves, Ivory, (From Africa) ; Silk, Porcelain (China) ; Spices & Sandalwood (SE Asia & India) Exports – Linens, Dates, Stones, & Grain

The Role of Cities A number of cities grew and Flourished under the Islamic Empire. The constant movement of the capital insured that many of the cities that held administrative positions grew thanks to trade centered around it. Wealthy Islamic cities included Baghdad (C), Damascus (C), Cordoba ( C ), and Cairo Architecturally, the grandest buildings in these cities were either administrative buildings or Mosques. Bazaars, or outdoor covered markets was also a feature of large Islamic cities. These Bazaars gave access to goods to these citizens including goods from within the Islamic empire and some of imported commodities from outside the empire.

The Importance of Farming Farming remained an important way to make a living for poorer citizens within the Islamic world. In addition to farming, poorer citizens herded animals as another means of getting income & food. Wealthy land owners were also able to acquire large areas of land on which they used slave labor to cultivate the land.

Islamic Society Though all Muslims were equal in the eyes of Allah, this did not stop a clear social hierarchy that developed inside the Islamic Empire. - Ruling Families, Senior officials, Nomadic elites, Merchants - Poorer Muslims - Non- Muslims - Slaves (always non-Muslims) Slaves were both male & female, and were always non Muslims since the Quran forbids one Muslim to enslave another. Slaves fought in wars & female slaves worked within the homes of the wealthy.

The Role of Women The Quran views men & women as equals. Women in the Islamic world had some freedoms that other women in this time period did not enjoy such as the right to inherit properly. Socially, Islam is a male dominated society were women always needed a male guardian ( Father, Husband, Brother, etc.) Marriages were arranged by the parents of the 2 individuals. Women could only marry once, where as men could have up to 4 wives. Having to pay a dowry (a gift of $) to their new brides. Although marriages were pre arranged, women had a right to initiate a divorce under certain circumstances.

The Role of Women Women usually wear something that covers up their bodies. More of an older Arab tradition than a rule from Quran, many Muslim women still wear this traditional clothing today. - Hijab – Head scarf covers head & Neck. - Chador – Covers full body, face exposed. - Burka – Cover entire body including face.

Traditional Islamic Clothing for Women Burka Hijab Chador