1. Think about:
Who is this, and what does it tell us about the achievements of the Islamic Empire???

3. Cultural Achievements
Architecture
Mosques
Domes
Minarets
Dome of the Rock – site in Jerusalem where Muhammad ascended into Paradise
Market towns blossomed into cities
Cities:
Baghdad
Damascus
Cordoba
Cairo
Architecture blended different cultures:
blended Byzantine and Muslim ideas
incorporated Roman features
Used Christian churches as models

5. Cultural Achievements
Art Forms
Mosaics
Calligraphy
Geometric Designs
* Muslim law forbade the depiction of human forms in art (only Allah can create life)
Art:
Muslim law forbade the depiction of human forms in art (only Allah can create life)
Calligraphy – art of beautiful handwriting
Decorative art – woodwork, glass, ceramics, textiles

7. Cultural Achievements
Alphabet & Language
Arabic
Book Making
Muslims made the first bound books
Bedouin poets
Poetry reflected nature and the pleasures of life and love
Muslims made the first books

9. Cultural Achievements
Universities
Located in:
Cordoba, Spain
Baghdad – House of Wisdom
Timbuktu, Mali
Preserved Greek & Roman Learning
Improved on Persian and Indian discoveries
Translated Greek & Latin to Arabic
Muhammad encourage learning
Deep curiosity and quest for the truth

10. Cultural Achievements
Literature
Qu’ran is the standard for all literature & poetry
The Rubiyat by Omar Khayyam (Poetry)
The Thousand and One Nights – collection of fairy tales, parable & legends