1. BellRinger #XX
Why do you think the Middle Ages are also called the Dark Ages?

2. Should they have really been called the “Dark Ages?”

3. Arab and Islamic Empires
A Review of Islam
Founded by Muhammad c in Arabia
Monotheistic religion that drew from Judaism and Christianity - Allah
Holy book is the Qur'an or Koran
Teaches Muslims the 5 Pillars

4. Arab and Islamic Empires
Arabs conquered a large area, which extended from the Indus River to the north African coast of the Mediterranean, to Spain and southern France (632 and 732): they brought their language, their culture, and their religion to these territories, 50% of the once great Roman Empire. 

5. Muslim Armies Conquered Many Lands
Abu Bakr (UH-boo BAK-uhr)
First Caliph
Successor
Ruled according to the Qur’an
Made Arabia a unified Muslim State

6. Beginnings of an Empire
Muslim Leaders turned their attention elsewhere
Persian Empire
Byzantine Empire
Christians and Jews could continue to practice
However, they had certain rules to follow

7. Growth of the Empire
Early Caliphs came from the Umayyad (oom-EYE- yuhd) family
Moved the capital to Damascus
Took over lands in Central Asia and Northern India
Controlled trade in Eastern Mediterranean
Conquered parts of N. Africa
Berbers resisted initially, then many converted

8. Growth of the Empire Cont’d
In 711 Arab and Berber Army conquers Spain
Army continues to what is now France, but is defeated by a Christian army near the city of Tours
Moors ruled most of Spain for 700 years
In 749 a new Islamic dynasty, the Abbasids (uh-BAS-idz) gain power
Reorganized the government making it easier to rule

9. Trade Helps to Spread Islam
Along with their goods, Arab merchants took Islamic beliefs to India, Africa, and South East Asia
DO THE QUICK WRITE

10. *A Mix of Cultures Muslims generally practiced religious tolerance
They did not ban all religions in their lands
Christians and Jews kept most of their rights
Had to pay a special tax
Forbidden from converting anyone
Many that were conquered converted to Islam
Cultures began to blend
Arabic language
Islam becomes a religion to many cultures
Language helped to unify

11. *Growth of Cities Trade: brought people together created wealth
supported cultural development
The process of growing or improving

12. *Growth of Cities Cont’d
Baghdad
Capital of Islamic Empire in 762
Trade and farming made rich
Caliphs supported Science and arts
Center of culture and learning
Cordoba
By early 900s was the largest & most advanced city in Europe

13. Three Muslim Empires
Non-Arab Muslim groups built large powerful Empires in Europe, Asia, and Africa
Ottoman Empire
Turkish warriors
Janissaries – slave soldiers *VERY FIERCE FIGHTERS*
1453 Mehmed II (the Conqueror) Used gunpowder to conquer Constantinople
Spreads east through Anatolia (pg 365)
Suleyman I (The Magnificent)
Empire reaches its height

14. Three Muslim Empires Cont’d
The Safavid Empire
Persian Muslims (took over present day Iran)
Came into conflict with Ottomans and other Muslims
Disagreement about who should be Caliph
Mid-600s Islam splits into 2 groups
Shia – Muhammad’s descendents should be Caliph
Sunni – Caliphs did not have to be related to Muhammad
Ottomans were Sunnis and Safavids were Shia

15. The Safavid Empire Cont’d
Began in 1501
Safavid leader Esma’il conquered Persia
Esma’il takes Persian title Shah, or King
Made Shiism the official religion
He wanted to spread it further but failed
Lost to Ottomans
1588 greatest Safavid leader, ‘Abbas becomes Shah
Took back lands lost to Ottomans
Safavids blend Persian and Muslim cultural traditions
Esfahan, the capital grew wealthy from trade
Built beautiful mosques
Lasted until mid-1700s

16. The Mughal Empire East of the Safavid Empire, in northern India
Turkish Muslims from Central Asia
Established in 1526 by Babur (BAH- boohr)
Mid 1500s Akbar conquered new lands
Ended tax on non-Muslims
Allowed Hindus and Muslims to live peacefully

17. The Mughal Empire Cont’d
Unique culture
blended Persian, Islamic, and Hindu elements
Became known for their Architecture
Taj Mahal
Tomb built by Shah Jahan
Late 1600s an emperor reversed Akbar’s policies
Destroyed Hindu temples
Riots broke out
Mughal Empire soon fell apart

18. Islamic Empire Map This is worth 20 pts!!
You may work alone or with A PARTNER (this means 1 other person)
Your map must include the following elements:
The Ottoman Empire and capital (5 pts)
The Safavid Empire and capital (5 pts)
A Key that indicates expansion and the capitals (5 pts)
Must be colorful and creative
*HINT: Use the maps from pages 365, 366, and 367 in your books