Origins and Contributions of Muslim Empires Ottoman, Safavid, and Mughal SSWH 12

Origin of Ottoman Empire Began in 1299, with the gift of land in return for helping Seljuk Turks fight the Mongols. Gradually began period of territorial acquisitions, including the final defeat of the Byzantines in 1493.

Geographical Extent of the Ottoman Why Suleyman the Magnificent? Trade, economic growth, and tremendous cultural and artistic activity helped define the reign of Süleyman as a "Golden Age."

Geographical Extent of the Ottoman At the end of his rule, Suleyman the Magnificent had nearly doubled the Ottoman territories Vienna in the West Upper Arab Peninsula in the East Crimea in the North The Sudan in the South

Decline of Ottoman Empire After Suleyman, the Ottomans gradually lost territory. Sultans became less involved & power passed to ministers from elite groups in society. Poor and rural areas unrepresented. Increased corruption and taxes. Continued on until after WWI, when it was dissolved because of its alliance with Germany and the country of Turkey was established.

Origin of the Safavid Empire Rose in 1501 when Shah Ismail took much of Iran and Iraq and made himself shah (king) of a new Persian Empire Campaigned for Shi’ite faith and unify and gain more territory in Anatolia and Arabian Peninsulas

Geographical Extent of Safavids Why Shah Abbas I? The Safavids under Abbas reached their height during his reign.

Geographical Extent of Safavids Under Shah Abbas I, Safavids controlled The Arabian Peninsula Iran and Iraq

Decline of the Safavid Empire After Abbas I, shahs did not have talent or political skill. Shi’ite religious power increased in court and society had negative effect

Origin of the Mughal Empire Founded by Babur in 1500. Taking some of the decaying Timur Lenk empire, which had been established after the (Khan) Monguls went through the area. Went through period of territorial expansion.

Geographical Extent of Mughals Under Babur Why Babur? Founder Babur’s territory Timur Lenk’s western part (Afghanistan) Kabul Khyber Pass into North India

Geographical Extent of Mughals Under Akbar Why Akbar? The Golden Age of the Mughals Akbar’s Territory Most of Northern Indian subcontinent

Decline of the Mughal Empire Growing domestic problems under Shah Jahan Wars & building projects caused weak treasury and higher taxes Son, Aurangzeb, killed brother and imprisoned father to take over Tried to end Hindu “social ills” Domestic unrest led to foreign attack British began to colonize on the coasts

Ottoman Influence in Religion Sunni Muslims Sultan claimed to be caliph religious leader in charge of guiding the church maintaining Islamic law Laws applied to Muslims Used religious advisors called ulema (administered legal system and schools) Tolerant of non-Muslims Non-Muslims paid special tax but had freedom to practice other faiths

Ottoman Influence in Law Ottomans served as military soldiers for the Islamic Abbasid dynasty Built for jihad Used janissaries – local Christians who converted to Islam and served as foot soldiers Became known as a gunpowder empire formed by conquerors based on their mastering technology of firearms

Ottoman Influence in Law Sultan – political & military leader; power became hereditary. Centralized administrative system (bureaucracy) Run through council meeting headed by grand vizier Became isolated from the people Later: power passed to officials as Sultan became less involved in government.

Ottoman Influence in Law Territory was administered as an empire. divided into provinces governed by local officials known as pashas collected taxes supplied armies kept law and order responsible to sultan’s court

Ottoman Influence in Law Even though they were Islamic, women had some rights because of the ethnic Turkish belief in equality. Own and inherit property Could not be forced to marry Could sometimes get divorced Much power in the palace, i.e. Queen Mother (mother of the sultan)

Ottoman Influence in Art Sultans were supporters and patrons of art Pottery, rugs, textiles, jewelry, arms, and armor Calligraphy, manuscript painting developed Silk industry reemerged Wall hangings, sofa covers, court costumes Most important: Architecture (public works & religious buildings) modeled on Hagia Sophia Sinan built 81 mosques with domes & 4 towers (minarets)

Safavid Influence in Religion Shi’ite Muslim Used faith as unifying factor Sent missionaries out into neighboring empires Massacred Sunni Muslims in Baghdad Following Abbas I, Safavids forced orthodoxy on people Subordinated women (seclusion & veil) Curbed intellectual freedom

Safavid Influence in Law Used military principles like Ottomans Janissaries Gunpowder Latest weapons Shahs (rulers) Available to the people Appointed bureaucracy on merit Active in monitoring trade and manufacturing

Safavid Influence in Law Safe travel in the empire rest areas on roads policed to prevent bandits Ongoing battles with Ottomans over territory Eventually settled by peace treaty signed by Abbas I

Safavid Influence in Art Knowledge and learning (science, math, and medicine) equaled other societies in the region Planned capital city Isfahan Palaces, mosques, bazaars, polo court Buildings decorated with metalwork, tiles and glass New practices in silk weaving Bright colors Silver and gold threads Designs of birds, animals, and flowers Wool carpet weaving is the biggest thing. – PERSIAN RUGS

Mughal Influence in Religion Very religiously tolerant Muslim leadership Married Hindu (native Indian) Allowed Christians to work as advisors in court

Mughal Influence in Law Use of heavy artillery Good negotiators Semi-independent states held together by the emperor’s power Like a federal government High levels filled with Muslims Lower levels filled with Hindu Trade and manufacturing flourished due to peace and stability in the empire

Mughal Influence in Art Patron of the arts (writing, painting, building) Blended Persian and Indian styles together in new architecture Taj Mahal was this style Painting flourished Akbar style – humans in action, using Renaissance perspective and lifelike portraits