Muslim Empires For each of the following empires- Read and fill in the chart, also take notes on the videos.

Songhai Empire 1464-1591 (at its height) The Songhai Empire (sometimes spelled Sohghay) was the last of West Africa’s greatest empires. It took over Mansa Moussa’s Mali empire- which spread and encouraged Islam and trading of goods and books. Sunni Ali Ber, who was cruel, immoral, and persecuted religious people, founded the Songhai. The empire controlled the gold-salt trade in the area. Its capital was Timbuktu, a city linking the Sahara caravan traders with merchants trading on the Niger river. A strong military was necessary in order to protect the trade routes, and also to expand the empire’s borders. The capital city was an important center of learning, with Sankore University- the first of Africa, men from all social classes among the Arab world came to study theology, law, rhetoric, & literature. The most powerful king of the empire was Askia Mohammed. He centralized the government, promoted Islamic law, and learning. Songhai declined after attacks from Moroccan troops who wanted to control the trade routes.

Songhai Empire 1464-1591 (at its height) 2 min video http://videos.howstuffworks.com/discovery/29493-assignment-discovery-history-of-timbuktu-video.htm About Saharan camel trade https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yNwQeLFk74o Begin watching @ minute 2:25 seconds stop at 5:55 and skip forward to 7:30-9:50 About ethnocentric views of Mali - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5TFbEks_zFc start @0:25 seconds - 6:55 (of course you can keep watching if you are interested) 3

Mughal The Mughal Empire was founded by Babur, a descendant of the Mongols. The empire was strengthened by Abu Akbar, the most successful of its rulers. The Mughals had a strong and powerful army, and were one of the earliest Asian empires to embrace the use of firearms in battle. Although the Mughals were Muslim, Akbar instituted a tolerant religious policy to keep peace with the empire's Hindu population. The location of the empire allowed it to trade with European nations and other parts of Asia and Africa. Goods produced in the empire included silk and cotton textiles and indigo, a purple dye. The Taj Mahal was built during the Mughal reign by Shah Jahan, as a tomb for his wife. Decline: religious tension between hindus, Muslims, and Sikhs allowed French, Dutch, & British to create trading posts without opposition. Once in, the British East India Company began expanding the British Empire.

Mughal Empire 1556-1707 (at its height) BBC http://www.bbc.com/news/entertainment-arts-20405482 Video- 3:45 http://www.smithsonianmag.com/video/Secrets-of-the-Taj-Mahal.html Crash Course video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nbuM0aJjVgE 8

Ottoman The Ottoman Empire stretched over three continents at its height, converting many to Islam, but mainly practiced religious tolerance. The empire conquered Constantinople and renamed the capital, Istanbul in what is modern day Turkey. Under Sultan Süleyman the Magnificent, the empire entered a “golden age,” developing a legal code, built many mosques, schools, & hospitals, expanded & modernized the navy, and controlled international trade/ major routes. The empire exported coffee, ceramics, rugs, & embroidered textiles. Islam, the religion of the Ottoman Empire, is reflected in its art & architecture. Painting, poetry, and calligraphy were also important. Decline doesn’t occur until defeat in World War I. This empire also commits the first genocide of the 20th century against Armenians.

Ottoman Empire 1453-1918 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i5jE7y5vT5M * long- but don’t have to watch the entire video and other three…. However, you are welcome to do so, if it helps your understanding. 11

Safavid The Safavid ruled over parts of Central Asia the region known as Persia and what is now Iran. The leaders of the Safavids, known as Shahs, tried to unify the multiple ethnic groups in their land through Shiite Islam and suppressed all other religions. Shah Ismail I conqured vast amounts of land. Though they were strong military leaders who often led their well-equipped armies against the Ottomans, the shahs also encouraged artistic and scientific development. Elaborate architecture was built throughout the capital city, Isfahan, and was decorated by tiles, paintings, and glass. Silk weaving techniques flourished and well-crafted carpets were highly prized. Safavid society was a mix of Persian and Turkish groups, and was organized into a social pyramid led by the Shah and his government and military, followed by the wealthy landowners and finally the common people. Decline: due to a collapse of the empire because of rebellions.

Safavid Empire 1502-1736 14

http://study.com/academy/lesson/decline-of-the-muslim-empires-ottomans-safavids-mughals.html 5 minutes- overview of Ottoman, Safavid, Mughal