Caliphs of Islamic Empire Conquest, dynasties, and exansion
Caliph “successor to Muhammad” Expanded territory of Islam
1 st Caliph Muhammad dies in 632 Followers chose successor Abu Bakr 1 st Caliph Daughter was one of Muhammad’s wives Friend of Muhammad
Arab Conquest Islamic movement grew much during Abu Bakr’s reign Romans expanding Italy, Muslims expanding Arabia Conquest encouraged by Quran Jihad=defensive warfare
Next Caliph Abu Bakr died No clear successors Umar A-Khattah was 2 nd caliph Assassinated Uthmar was 3 rd caliph Assassinated
Umayyads Civil war Supporters of Abu Bakr vs. supporters of Muawwiyyah Muaw becomes caliph Known for his virtue “I never use my sword when my whip will do, nor my whip when my tongue will do” Made office of caliph hereditary Moved capital from Medina to Damascus Beginning of Umayyad dynasty
Umayyad Dynasty Conquest Conquered people along Mediterranean coast of northern Africa Soldiers scene as ideal citizens Those defeated kept land but paid rent to Muslims Attempted attack on Constantinople to defeat Byzantine Empire Muslims lost Uneasiness would continue between 2 empires
Split in Islam Revolt Shiite Muslims Muhammad appointed successor 'Ali ibn Abi Talib, husband of the Prophet's daughter Fatimah Believe in free will Sunni Muslims Follow hadiths (teachings to go along with Quran) Believe Muhammad appointed no successor Abu Bakr, father of the Prophet's favored wife, 'A'ishah (elected by people of Medina) Believe human actions are controlled by Allah’s will Majority in Muslim world today
Abbasid Dynasty 750-Abu al-Abbas (descendant of Muhammad’s uncle) overthrew Umayyad dynasty Built new capital city at Bagdad All Muslims could hold both civil and military office Haran al-Rashid Best known of caliphs “Golden Age of Abbasid dynasty” Known for his charity Supported artists and writers
Abbasid Dynasty
Same Problems Fighting over successor Harun al-Rashid’s sons fought to succeed him Almost destroyed city of Bagdad Vast wealth led to financial corruption Shortage of qualified Arabs for key positions Recruited Persians and Turks Rulers of provinces broke away and formed independent dynasties
Seljuk Turks Converted to Islam Prospered as soldiers during Abbasid dynasty Moved in on Arab empire 1055 took over Bagdad Sultan “holder of power”
Mongols Led by Genghis Khan Advanced across Asia and Middle East Destroyed everything in their path Reached Red Sea Eventually converted to Islam and intermarried with local peoples End of great Arab Empire
Review: Another name for a successor of Muhammad is: 1. Umayyad 2. Mosque 3. Caliph 4. Shiite
Review: What are the two major sects of Islam? 1. Abbasid and Umayyad 2. Sunni and Shiite 3. Abu Bakr and Muaw 4. Muhammadism and Muslim
Review: Which Islamic Dynasty would have experienced a “golden age”? (Remember, a golden age is a time with great intellectual, artistic, and societal achievements –Athens during Pericles’ reign) 1. Muhammad 2. Umayyad 3. Seljuk Turks 4. Abbasid