The Indian Ocean Trade and Islamic States

 India and Islam, pals since 711  Allah on the go

 The success of trade in the Indian Ocean can be attributed to the annual monsoons.  These winds blew from Northeast to Southwest in the summer and Southwest to Northeast in the winter. The course of the winds allowed merchants from India to travel to Middle Eastern and East African regions, and vice versa.  The merchants established many ports in Arabia, Persia, and the African Horn. These ports became the magnets of trade in the Indian Ocean.

IIn order to successfully cross the gargantuan Indian ocean, and transport a variety of products, Indians, Arabs, and Africans used giant ships known as Dhows. TThese ships were powered by triangular sails and held over 400 tons of goods, greatly increasing the productivity of trade.

 Hundreds of cities dotted the coasts of the Indian Ocean Basin. Of them the wealthiest and most prominent were:  Mogadishu: Presently capital of Somalia  Aksum: Ancient trade port in Sudan/Egypt  Hormuz: Large trade metropolis in Persia  Aden: Historic corner of trade in Yemen  Mombasa: Wealthy trade center in Kenya

Ibn Battuta  Was born to a rich family in Tangier Morocco  Ibn Battuta was arguably one of the greatest travelers of all time.  Ibn Battuta visited the Swahili Coast, and stopped at a Mombasa. It wasn’t until later that this city became popular. He then set sail down the coast and landed in Kilwa which was a very big gold trading center. He thought it was one of the most beautiful and well- constructed cities he had ever seen. He believed the planning of the city was the reason for its success

Other important people:  Eudoxus of Cyzicus was the first Greek to pass through the Indian Ocean  Zheng He- Led many Large fleets through the Indian Ocean Basin during the Ming Dynasty

Mrs. Palma do not worry… We did not forget TThe Indian Ocean trade was a giant influence on many Islamic societies. This is clearly seen in the East African Coast, inhabited by a mixture of Arabic, Indian, and African peoples. TThe Indian Ocean Trade had a very positive effect on the East African society. First of all, the small fishing villages dotting the Horn of Africa explosively prospered from trade the Muslim Empires.

 They served as the mediators of trade between the Sub-Saharan kingdoms, India, and the Muslim Empires.  This trade entirely changed the political system of Easy Africa. The region divided into small but very prosperous city-states. These states shared a common language, Swahili, and converted to Islam to ease trade with their prime consumers, the Muslims.

 What were the ships used to navigate the India Ocean Basin called?  What were the annual storms that were key to the success of the Indian Ocean Basin called?  Name at least of the major magnet cities of the Indian Ocean Basin.  What was the name of the Moroccan who was named one of the greatest travelers of all time and visited many cities of the Indian Ocean Basin?  Name three items that where traded?  Explain how the Indian Ocean trade affected other societies throughout the region?

 Aaron Rubenstein Patrick Sobota Erich Makarov Richard Schermerhorn Kevin Tan