1. Islamic empire Part 1
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2. 1. Introduction TRUE/ FALSE
The study of the Islamic civilization in a course about the Western World is very relevant.
The Islamic empire shares little with the Greco- Roman world.
The Islamic empire has a lot in common with the civilizations of Persia, India and pre-Islamic Arabia.
In the Middle Ages the Christian kingdoms of Western Europe inherited all the Greco-Roman legacy and developed new scientific ideas (astronomy, medicine…) based on their knowledge of the Classical World.

3. 1. Introduction The Roman empire is divided among three empires:
Byzantine empire
Islamic empire (Persia, Syria, Northern Africa and Spain)
Christian kingdoms of Western Europe (France, Germany, Northern Italy)

4. 1. Introduction: Europe in 900

5. 2. Origins of the Islamic empire
Ethnic background: Who were the first Muslims?
Centers of power: What is the capital(s) of the Islamic empire?
Government
Basis of the economy
Religion

6. 2. Origins of the Islamic empire
People: Arab tribes from the Arabian peninsula.
Centers of power: Mecca, Medina, Damascus, Cordoba, Baghdad, Cairo.
Government: monarchy (theocracy): caliphate
Economy: trade
Silk rout from China to the Middle East and Venice.
Religion: Islam (teachings of Mohammed)

7. 3. Life of Mohammed (570-632) A merchant from Mecca in Arabia.
Inspired by Judaism and Christianity in his travels.
He became a prophet to the Arab people.
He preaches monotheism and opposes idolatry.

8. 3. Life of Mohammed
Hijra in 622: Flight from Mecca to Medina (Year 1 for Muslims)
Medina: “City of the prophet”, development of the Koran.
Return to Mecca: jihad: expansion of Islam.

9. 4. Islamic Principles
Monotheism: the same God worshipped by Jews and Christians.
Recognition of earlier prophets: Abraham, Moses, Jesus.
Mohammed is the final prophet.
Respect for the people of the Book (Christians and Jews).

10. 4. Islamic principles

11. 4. Islamic Principles
Reinterpretation and inclusion of Arabian rituals.
Kaaba:
Pre-Islamic sanctuary around the Black Stone.
Islamic sanctuary built by Abraham and Ismail (Isaac) as the House of God.
Black stone: landmark to count the circumambulations.

12. 4. Islamic Principles The 5 Pillars of the Faith
“There is no God but Allah, and Mohammed is his messenger.”
Pray five times daily.
Fast during the month of Ramadan.
Give alms to the poor.
Make the pilgrimage to Mecca (hajj).

13. 4. Islamic Principles