1. Mughal, Ottoman and Safavid
Chapter 21 Overview
Mughal, Ottoman and Safavid

2. Periodization
From 1450 to 1750, Europe had begun their ascent to world power through their creation of a maritime, global trade network. However, land based/gunpowder empires remained the dominant political form for most of Eurasia. They built their empires off the use of gunpowder, and for the first time were able to subjugate nomadic groups with their superiority of technology (guns!). Although, land-based empires eventually succumbed to European domination (in the next unit) they, from , counterbalanced the growth of European power and colonization.

3. Ottoman, Safavid and Mughal
All originated from the Turkic nomadic culture of Central Asian steppe
Had absolute monarchs who modeled their courts on earlier Islamic dynasties
Competition with each other led to political division and military clashes
Supported a new flowering of Islamic Arts
Suleiman the Magnificent
Taj Mahal (Mughal)
Isfahan (Safavid) was considered to be the most architecturally beautiful city in the entire world

4. Ottoman
Political
Absolute monarch, Suleiman the Magnificent (Law giver), expansion (takeover of Constantinople), Wars (Safavid, Battle of Lepanto). Great navy and army. Military was based on use of calvarymen and janissaries. Devshirme system to continue janissaries.
Economic
More sustained trade than other Islamic empires, partly due to their location on the Dardenelles, Black and Medit. Sea.
Religious
Sunni Muslim but wide diversity due to their diverse lands (Greece, Balkans)
Social
Important merchant class, more equality for women than other Islamic empires (real estate)
Intellectual/Arts
Constantinople highly sophisticated, cosmopolitan city
Near
Modern day Turkey. At its height it occupied Red Sea, Tigris Euphrates, Constantinople and Eastern Europe.

5. Safavid
Political
Absolute ruler, “Hidden imam” current ruler is the stand in until then, strong army equipped with firearms, no navy (dependent on Europe). War with Ottomans- lost.
Economic
Marginal trade, small manufacturing, technology was limited and therefore the agricultural sector was small.
Religious
Shi’ite Muslims developed a unique culture from neighbors.
Social
Women significantly private
Intellectual/Arts
Isfahan not cosmop, but beautiful! Few Europeans
Near
Modern Iran. Land locked.

6. Mughal
Political
Strong military that attacked from the West. Muslim rulers that had a strong bureaucracy (Babur and Akbar). Military based on mansabdar system.
Economic
Limited trade due to inland capital. Land grant system based on military service; conflicted with previous regional ruler claims.
Religious
Muslim government ruling a Hindu majority. New Faith tried to reconcile. Sikhism (blend of Hinduism and Islam)
Social
Religious issues and land grant issues caused social instability
Intellectual/Arts
Taj Mahal
Near
Modern day Pakistan, Afghanistan and Northern India

7. Decline Similarities for all three:
Inadequate communication and transportation systems
Unruly warrior elites and inadequate bureaucracy: eventually began to use their “power” and operated independently. Ex: Janissaries, Mansadbars
Rise of European rivals
Widespread economic issues: payment form military, tax issues and silver inflation
Ottoman: Growing weakness. Sultan as figurehead. Becoming more heavily dependent on Europeans.
Mughal: Rise of regional powers…eventually would be pockets of Mughal control
Safavid: dependence on Europeans and warriors, economic decline.