Mughal, Ottoman and Safavid Chapter 21 Overview Mughal, Ottoman and Safavid

Periodization From 1450 to 1750, Europe had begun their ascent to world power through their creation of a maritime, global trade network. However, land based/gunpowder empires remained the dominant political form for most of Eurasia. They built their empires off the use of gunpowder, and for the first time were able to subjugate nomadic groups with their superiority of technology (guns!). Although, land-based empires eventually succumbed to European domination (in the next unit) they, from 1450 -1750, counterbalanced the growth of European power and colonization.

Ottoman, Safavid and Mughal All originated from the Turkic nomadic culture of Central Asian steppe Had absolute monarchs who modeled their courts on earlier Islamic dynasties Competition with each other led to political division and military clashes Supported a new flowering of Islamic Arts Suleiman the Magnificent Taj Mahal (Mughal) Isfahan (Safavid) was considered to be the most architecturally beautiful city in the entire world

Ottoman Political Absolute monarch, Suleiman the Magnificent (Law giver), expansion (takeover of Constantinople), Wars (Safavid, Battle of Lepanto). Great navy and army. Military was based on use of calvarymen and janissaries. Devshirme system to continue janissaries. Economic More sustained trade than other Islamic empires, partly due to their location on the Dardenelles, Black and Medit. Sea. Religious Sunni Muslim but wide diversity due to their diverse lands (Greece, Balkans) Social Important merchant class, more equality for women than other Islamic empires (real estate) Intellectual/Arts Constantinople highly sophisticated, cosmopolitan city Near Modern day Turkey. At its height it occupied Red Sea, Tigris Euphrates, Constantinople and Eastern Europe.

Safavid Political Absolute ruler, “Hidden imam” current ruler is the stand in until then, strong army equipped with firearms, no navy (dependent on Europe). War with Ottomans- lost. Economic Marginal trade, small manufacturing, technology was limited and therefore the agricultural sector was small. Religious Shi’ite Muslims developed a unique culture from neighbors. Social Women significantly private Intellectual/Arts Isfahan not cosmop, but beautiful! Few Europeans Near Modern Iran. Land locked.

Mughal Political Strong military that attacked from the West. Muslim rulers that had a strong bureaucracy (Babur and Akbar). Military based on mansabdar system. Economic Limited trade due to inland capital. Land grant system based on military service; conflicted with previous regional ruler claims. Religious Muslim government ruling a Hindu majority. New Faith tried to reconcile. Sikhism (blend of Hinduism and Islam) Social Religious issues and land grant issues caused social instability Intellectual/Arts Taj Mahal Near Modern day Pakistan, Afghanistan and Northern India

Decline Similarities for all three: Inadequate communication and transportation systems Unruly warrior elites and inadequate bureaucracy: eventually began to use their “power” and operated independently. Ex: Janissaries, Mansadbars Rise of European rivals Widespread economic issues: payment form military, tax issues and silver inflation Ottoman: Growing weakness. Sultan as figurehead. Becoming more heavily dependent on Europeans. Mughal: Rise of regional powers…eventually would be pockets of Mughal control Safavid: dependence on Europeans and warriors, economic decline.