The Empirical World of Islam

Umayyad and Abbasid Age

Thought Quiz

“Islamic beliefs and culture exerted a powerful influence in all areas occupied by Arab armies…through the prism of Islam the areas under Islamic control were dramatically transformed.”

Assess the validity of this statement

Umayyad DynastyAfter Muhammad’s death expansion and uncertainty reigned for a century.The answer to dynastic/caliphate succession was answered by the formation of this dynasty in 661 CE.Arab military aristocracy centered in DamascusControlled “Dar al-IslamArab controlled alienated other ethnicities.JizyaArab/Non Arab Muslims were differentiated

Abbasid Caliphate

Persian rebellion led by Abu al-Abbas in 750 ended Umayyad rule.More tolerantMore “cosmopolitan” and urbanExpansion of a lesser interest than under the Umayyad.Did add parts of Europe to their empreCentered around Baghdad

Abbasid Achievements

Signature leader: Harun al-Rashid Signature event: House of WisdomBrought down by the Mongol CatastropheLiterary achievements: Arabian Nights (Aladdin) and the RubiyatPolitical achievements: Ulama and QadisOrganized bureaucracy and standing army

Abbasid Philosophy and Religion

Quran and Sharia form moral guidelinesUlama, Qadis agents of judgement of these guidelinesSufi mystics: Al Gahzali, brilliant missionariesAverroes (Ibn Rushd)

Other Empires: Seljuk Turks

Seljuk Turks: military mercenaries for the Abbasid, challenged the Empire in the 11th Century. Real military and political power in the late Abbasid Age.Routed the Byzantines at Manzikert in 1071

Smaller dynasties

Fatimids: Shiite dynasty in Egypt-973

Almohads

“Moors”Almohads: Morocco, Southern Spain, AlgeriaReconquista