ISLAMIC CIVILIZATION Islamic cities had their own physical appearance Palace & mosques = most impressive buildings Fountains, public baths, bazaars

ISLAMIC SOCIETY Muslims live their lives in accordance with Allah’s teachings revealed in the Quran Islam claims that all people are equal in the eyes of Allah/ was not always the case in the Arab empire = well defined upper class of ruling families & wealthy merchants Oppressive customs towards women are more connected with Arab practice than to the teachings of the Quran

ADVANCES IN LEARNING: The synthesis of Eastern and Western ideas and of new thought with old, brought about great advances in medicine, mathematics, physics, astronomy, geography, architecture, art, literature, and history.

TRANSMISSION OF KNOWLEDGE: Many crucial systems such as algebra, the Arabic numerals, and the concept of the zero, were transmitted to medieval Europe from Islam.

THE MUSLIM EMPIRE, stretching from Spain to India, was unified by a common language (Arabic), a common faith, and a common culture. Government run by religious leaders

ISLAMIC ACHIEVEMENTS Al-Ma’mun’s House of Wisdom = Baghdad, Arab scholars translated Greek works by Plato, Aristotle, etc./ Mathematics texts were included Math = created algebra & passed on India’s numbering system known as “Arabic” in Europe; used zero Science = perfected astrolabe-used by sailors to determine location by looking at position of planets & stars

ISLAMIC ACHIEVEMENTS Literature = Quran was main book/ Omar Khayyam wrote Rubaiyat / Arabian Nights (1001 Nights) collection of folktales & fables that were first told orally & then written down over many years Art/Architecture = blends together Arabic, Turkish, & Persian traditions

SPREAD OF ISLAM: Among the reasons for the rapid and peaceful spread of Islam was the simplicity of its doctrine. Islam calls for faith in only one God worthy of worship.