1. Chapter Seven: Abbasid Decline and the Spread of Islamic Civilization to South and Southeast Asia

2. Islamic Heartlands in the Middle and Late Abbasid Eras By the mid 9th century, the Abbasid dynasty had begun to lose control over their empire. Shi’a revolts and assassination attempts against Abbasid officials Al-Mahdi (3rd Abbasid caliph) financially drained the empire Did not name a successor

4. Islamic Heartlands in the Middle and Late Abbasid Eras Harun al-Rashid (786-809 CCE) was the most famous and longest lasting Abbasid caliph. After his death, there were several civil wars over succession. Increase in mercenary armies. Social unrest Power behind Abbasid throne.

5. Islamic Heartlands in the Middle and Late Abbasid Eras Civil violence drained the imperial treasury Caliphs attempted to build new capitals near Baghdad Peasant rebellions Tax burdens Agricultural villages, irrigation abandoned Dissenting religious groups

6. Islamic Heartlands in the Middle and Late Abbasid Eras Freedom and influence of women declined. Abbasid society was male dominated. Women began to be veiled. Poor women worked but rich women did not. Abbasid wealth generated large demand for concubines and male slaves.

7. Islamic Heartlands in the Middle and Late Abbasid Eras The Buyids of Persia captured Baghdad in 945 CE. The caliphs became powerless. Controlled by sultans. The Seljuk Turks defeated the Buyids in 1055 CE. The Seljuks were Sunni who eliminated the Shi’a. Egyptians and Byzantines were defeated.

8. Islamic Heartlands in the Middle and Late Abbasid Eras 1096 CE- West European Christian knights invaded Muslim territory To capture the biblical Holy Land Established small, rival kingdoms Most were recaptured Acre- The last to fall in 1291 CE. Europeans borrowed heavily from Muslim civilizations Europeans recovered lost Greek learning Muslim peoples were not very interested in European civilization.

9. An Age of Learning and Artistic Refinement Rapid urban growth Prosperity persisted until late in the Abbasid era Employment opportunities for skilled individuals remained abundant Merchants remained wealthy Long-distance trade Artists and artisans created mosques, palaces, tapestries, rugs, bronzes, and ceramics.

10. An Age of Learning and Artistic Refinement Persian replaced Arabic as the written language of the Abbasid court. Arabic becomes the language of religion, law and the natural sciences Persian became the language of “high culture” Firdawsi’s epic poem, Shah-Nama, a history of Persia from creation to Islamic conquest

11. An Age of Learning and Artistic Refinement Math= major corrections to theories from ancient Greeks Al-Biruini calculated the exact weight of 18 major minerals Improved astronomical instruments, medicine, hospitals Papermaking, silk weaving, ceramic firing Scholars made some of the world’s best maps

12. An Age of Learning and Artistic Refinement Ulama (religious scholars) became more conservative and suspicious of non-Muslim influences and scientific thought Sufis sought personal union with Allah through asceticism, meditation, songs, dancing or drugs. Gained reputations as healers and miracle workers.

13. An Age of Learning and Artistic Refinement Mongols were a threat to Islamic lands Central Asian nomadic invaders Chinggis Khan destroyed the Turkish Persian kingdoms east to Baghdad His grandson, Hulegu, continued the assault 1258 CE- Last Abbasid ruler was killed when Baghdad fell

15. The Coming of Islam to South Asia 7th Century- Muslim invasions added to the complexity of Indian civilization Hinduism= open, tolerant, and inclusive Islam= doctrinaire, monotheistic, evangelical, egalitarian Society where Muslim rulers governed Hindu subjects Peaceful commercial and religious exchange

16. The Coming of Islam to South Asia The Umayyad general Muhammad ibn Qasim conquered Sind Occupation endured Many Indians welcomed the new rulers because they offered religious tolerance and lighter taxes. Minimal conversion efforts= no change in existing religious beliefs

17. The Coming of Islam to South Asia Islamic civilization was enriched by Indian culture. Indian achievements were passed to Arabs Colonies of Arabs settled along India’s coasts, adopted local customs Provided staging points for Islamic expansion

18. The Coming of Islam to South Asia 10th Century- a Turkish dynasty gained power in Afghanistan 12th Century- creation of an extensive state in the Indus valley and north-central India Wutb-ud-din Aibak formed a new state with its capital at Delhi The succeeding dynasties, the sultans of Delhi, were military states

19. The Coming of Islam to South Asia Muslims came as conquerors but interaction with Indians were generally peaceful The main carriers of Islam were traders and Sufi mystics Mosques and schools became centers of regional political power. Buddhists were the most numerous converts.

20. The Coming of Islam to South Asia Islam initially had little effect on the general Hindu community. High-caste Hindus did not accept Muslims as equals. Muslim communities adopted many Indian ways

21. The Coming of Islam to South Asia Attempts to bridge the gaps between Islam and Hinduism. Muslim Ulama stressed the incompatibility of Islam’s principles with Hindu beliefs. Majority of population remained Hindu. South Asia remained the least converted.

23. The Spread of Islam to Southeast Asia 7th and 8th centuries= Southeast Asian sailors and ships were active in trade. 8th century= Muslims gained control of Indian commerce Islamic culture reached Southeast Asia

24. The Spread of Islam to Southeast Asia The first conversions occurred in small northern Sumatran ports. Islam spread into many island in southeastern Asia. Coastal cities were most receptive to Islam. Buddhist conversions were limited to the elite, so the mass of population was open to Islam.

25. The Spread of Islam to Southeast Asia Sufis were tolerant of Buddhist and Hindu beliefs. Islamic law ruled legal transactions. Women help a stronger familial and societal position than they had in the Middle East or India.

26. Global Connections: Islam Despite the political instability of the Abbasids, Islam’s central position in global history was solidified. Islam was the civilizer of nomadic peoples in Asia and Africa. Cultural contributions= from great cities to universities

27. Chapter 7 Discussion Questions How did Abbasid caliphs begin to lose control over their empire? What financed the growth of the Abbasid dynasty? What civilizations succeeded the Abbasids? How did the Crusades affect the Abbasid dynasty? What kinds of achievements did the Abbasids make in sciences, education and the arts? Was Islam accepted in South Asia (India)? Why or why not? How was Islamic civilization enriched by Indian culture? Was Islam accepted in Southeast Asia? Why or why not?