The Ottoman Empire

Ottoman Turks Named after leader, Osman in late 1200s 1453- Constantinople became their capital: renamed Istanbul End of Byzantine Empire 1500s- Sultan Selim I took control of Mesopotamia, Egypt, and Arabia Control of holy cities: Jerusalem, Mecca, Medina Declared himself the new caliph, successor to Muhammad, defender of faith

Suleiman I, “The Lawgiver” Ruled from 1520-1566 Was both sultan (political and military ruler) & caliph (Sunni Islamic ruler) Power passed through hereditary lines Grand vizier: sultan’s political advisor Ulema: sultan’s group of religious advisors Janissaries: members of the army, often captured from Christian families as children.

Ottoman Law Social classes: Rulers: sultan +officials Nobles: owned lots of landagriculture Peasants: worked those farms (BIGGEST GROUP!)

Ottomans and Religion Some religious tolerance Other religions could have a leader who presented the desires of the group (millets) More lenient towards women Could own property Couldn’t be forced into marriage Could seek divorce

Ottoman Empire, continued Strong Navy to protect trade Europeans concerned about Ottoman threat to trade and Christianity 1572- Battle of Lepanto- Spanish fleet defeated the Ottoman fleet Ruled until early 1900s, but began losing territory after loss of the Battle of Carlowitz in 1699 Corruption, introduction of alcohol, coffee and tobacco went against Islamic laws

Ottoman Art Pottery, rugs, silk, textiles, jewelry, arms and armor, architecture mosques modeled after Hagia Sophia minarets- towers that call Muslims to prayer

The Safavid Empire

Islamic Split Safavid Persians broke away from the Islamic Empire because of religious differences. Ottoman sultan claimed religious rule Safavid’s followed Shi’ite Islam: religious rule passes down through the line of Muhammad’s son-in-law, Ali Safavids required all subjects to accept Shi’ite form of Islam

Shah Abbas Ruled from 1587-1629 Built Isfahan as the Safavid capital Many building projects Imam Mosque, parks, palace Tried to gain any allies possible against Ottomans Even teamed up with Britain, an Christian state

Safavid Culture Persian culture spread Language, diplomacy, trade Delicate architecture

Imam Mosque

Decline After Shah Abbas, there was a series of weak rulers. 1736- Nader Shah expanded Persian empire to greatest height, but he was assassinated in 1747 Late 1700s- Qajar Turks took the throne and ruled until 1925

The Mogul Empire

Early Mogul Empire Late 1300s-Timur Lenk (Tamerlane) ruled central Asia/India Ruthless leader 1398- destroyed Delhi, killing thousands After his death, his Muslim Empire started to crumble 1526- Babur (descendent of Timur Lenk) conquered Delhi at Battle of Panipat Set up Mogul Dynasty

Akbar the Great Babur’s grandson was Akbar Benevolent ruler who inherited the throne at age 14 Brought peace and order to northern India Empire seemed centralized, but actually many semi-independent states held together by Emperor Akbar Encouraged religious tolerance to ensure peace between Muslims (monotheistic) and Hindus (many gods) Din-i-ilahi (The Divine Faith) Akbar’s created religion that combined aspects of Islam, Hinduism, Christianity, and others.

Mogul Culture Music, painting, literature flourished in Mughal India Courts were centers of art and learning, built libraries Akbar was illiterate! Shah Jahan built the Taj Mahal at Agra Trade with China brought gunpowder, paper, and Chinese porcelain to Mogul India

Taj Mahal

Mogul Decline Late 1600s- religious toleration was abandoned Right to the throne caused fighting between the ruling family Persecution of Hindus and Sikhs (another middle eastern religion) led these religious groups to rebel, thus weakening the empire.