Transcript Growth of Islamic Empire

Islamic Expansion
Examining Change and
Challenges in the first Caliphates
Umayyad Caliphate
680-750
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Death of Uthman,
Mu’awiya (Governor
of Syria) declares
himself the caliph—
during the rule of
Ali
Moves the capital to
Damascus to
consolidate power
Support base in
Syria and Egypt
Umayyads Consolidate rule (get
stronger) by…
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New cities of administration and
trade
Spreading Islamic teachings
High taxes to pay for bureaucracy
Higher taxes for non-Muslims
Some religious toleration—allowing
other religions to be practiced
Monumental architecture—large,
symbolic buildings show their
authority
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The Great Mosque of Damascus
The Dome of the Rock in
Jerusalem
Construction, including canals for
transport of goods and irrigation for
farming
Umayyads face opposition
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Muslims in Persia and Iraq mostly support Ali
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Opposition emerges among Shi’ite (Party of Ali)
Muslims who do not believe Umayyad rule is legit.
Ali’s successor, Hussain, is murdered at Karbala (in
present-day Iraq)
Karbala becomes an important site for Shi’ite
pilgrimage--to this day! A holy site.
Some opponents feel that the high taxes are
being spent on luxuries that benefit the rulers
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From Persia (Iran), there is resentment and
frustration with Umayyad rule.
Rebellion in Persia against Umayyad rule from about
740-750 CE
Abbasid Dynasty
750-1055
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Named for Abbas, uncle of Muhammad and leader
of Hashims (family of Ali)
Capital: Baghdad (Iraq)—at heart of the city is a
canal that links Tigris and Euphrates Rivers to
make transportation and trade
By the 9th century, Shi’ite families from Persia
dominate Abbasid rule
Abbasids Consolidate rule (get
stronger) by…
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Increasing and regulating trade
One set of laws for the Islamic
world: Muslim Shari’ah
A strong capital city: Baghdad
becomes a model for the world
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Center of trade (by water and
overland routes)
Center of learning: lively trade
in books, libraries and
universities established
Encouragement of the arts:
calligraphy, architecture
Scholarship and new
technologies
 Medicine, astronomy, poetry,
and new farming techniques
are introduced
Changes and Challenges to Abbasid
rule
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Islam is no longer only part of Arab
culture: the Abbasid Caliphate shows
diverse influences
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Strong influence from Persian culture, arts and
traditions of government
Later rulers struggle to maintain dar-al
Islam (the lands of Islam)
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New centers of power in North Africa (CairoFatimid dynasty), Spain (Cordoba—
descendants of Umayyad rule), and the
Mediterranean (Seljuk Turks dominate the
struggle with the Christian Byzantine Empire)
Fatimid Dynasty, 909-1171 CE
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Rule in North Africa
and expand Eastward
to Egypt
Founded by al-Mahdi
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Imam who proclaims
self Caliph
Claim descent through
Fatimah, Muhammad’s
daughter
Rule by Shi’a sect,
Ismailis
Fatimid Rule in North Africa
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Political and religious
diversity—rule by a
minority Shi’a group
North African
heartland of empire
that challenges
Abbasids
Imam as embodiment
of God’s guidance on
earth—enemy of
Abbasid political order
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Gather converts and
spread the teachings
Major features
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Missionary in nature
Theological and philosophical
developments
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Common set of beliefs and teachings for
Isma’ili/Shi’a Islam
Libraries, universities, mosques built in
Cairo and throughout Egypt
Expansion and Spread: large armies
repeatedly attempt to conquer new lands
for the caliphate
Why do they fail?
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They do succeed at first
Sunni majority does not support
their religious or political authority
Run into opposition from Abbasids
and others
Crusades and European arrivals in
Middle East
Umayyads in Cordoba, Spain
(Andalusia) 711-1031