Transcript Muslim Cities - White Plains Public Schools

Analyze the roles played by cities and
urban areas in Muslim society during
the post-classical age.
Muslim cities, both metropolises and pastoral communities, execute a
significant role in the Post-Classical Muslim society which include the diffusion
of the Islamic faith throughout the eastern world, trade amongst both Muslim
and Non-Muslim cities, as well as certain technological advancements in society
Does this thesis address the task
Doc #1Source: Ibn Jubayr, Spanish Muslim traveler and geographer,
1184 CE
“The city was highly honored when Allah gave refuge to the Messiah and his
Mother (Muslims believe Jesus and Mary sought refugee in Damascus) on an
‘elevated spot, secure and abundant in water’ (Sura 23:52)” this identifies his
Islamic pride in the city of Damascus ( former capital of the Ummayad
Caliphate) as a well-traveled individual he would illustrate the beauty of ,
yet, another Muslim city
Can be grouped economically, or in terms of faith
Doc #2Source: Al-Hijari, Andalusian (Spanish Muslim of Arab origin) historian,
from his writings, 1188 CE
Another Muslim POV providing an overview of the conquest of Spain ( 711)
and the establishment of an Islamic Caliphate and the beauty and
advancement which Islam brought “Cordoba after the Arab conquest of the
Iberian Peninsula became the ultimate goal of the land, headquarters of the
army, mother of all towns, seat of the virtuous and pious, and abode of the
people of intellect and learning. Under the Umayyads, it served as the
throne of the caliphate, heart of the entire region, cupola of Islam”
This can be grouped by the conquest of the beauty of Islam or even the
technology brought
Doc #3 Source: Nasier – e – Khusraw, Persian Muslim traveler and Ismaili spy,
his report on to his superiors on Cairo, mid-11 century CE
This spy is providing an overview of Saladin’s great technological advances
primarily for a reconaissance mission during the Crusades and perhaps
identifying and/or exposing weaknesses on the way to Jerusalem ( the Holy
Land). In it he may be exposing areas to attack “I heard in Cairo that there
are eight thousand buildings belonging to the sultan that are leased out and
where the rent is collected monthly. In the midst of Cairo are gardens
watered by wells. Waterwheels have been constructed to irrigate the
gardens. There are trees planted and pleasure parks built even on the roofs.”
This can be grouped culturally or politically
Document 4: Scientific study of
historical geography
Identifies the historical and religious importance of three major sites for
Muslims including Mecca, medina and Jerusalem (where the prophet
ascended into Heaven at the Dome of the Rock). It identifies some of the
political fragmentation of caliphs (Sunni/Shiite or Ummuyad and Abbasid). It
also identifies the importance of the Hajj (pilgrimage) as one of the 5 pillars.
The purpose is to emphasize the holy site sof Islam and their historical
legitimacy as well as the importance of journeying there.
Document #5 Source: Marco Polo, Italian merchant, from his travel journal, The
Travels of Marco Polo, published in 1299, about the city of Tabriz, c. 1275 CE
This is the perspective of a Roman Catholic Merchant from Venice whose
goal it was to establish trading ties across the overland and maritime trade
routes dominated by both Mongol and Muslim merchants. Here he looks at
the diversity of individuals and identifies the bulk are Muslims ( followers of
Muhammad)
This will probably be grouped by economic and/or trade/ commerce
Document #6 Arab scholar Al-Tabiri on
Baghdad (the house of Wisdom)
This document illustrates the urban planning and Walled city of the “new”
capital of the Abbasid Caliphate in Baghdad along the banks of the Tigris
with the goal to fortify and protect the city. The purpose of this scholar is to
illustrate the sound planning, bureaucratic administration and adopting and
adapting of the Abbasid in terms of integrating Sunni and Shiite, Arab and
Non-Arab into their capital. This was considered the beginning of Islam’s
first Golden Age incorporating advances in bureaucractic administration,
advances in trade, mathematics, science and preservation of Greco-Roman
texts
Document #7 Late 10th century conversation between 2
Muslim Scholars ( a poet and a geographer)
Both men are illustrating the greatness of various Muslim cities and the
highlight of what they offer. Craftmanship in Basra, Eloquence in Mecca,
Justice in Isfahan are just some of the virtues and political, economic and
cultural significance of these cities throughout Dar Al Islam. The purpose is
the glorification and advancement of theses cities throughout the Muslim
world (Dar Al Islam).
Document #8 Overland and Maritime
trade routes
Can be grouped economic
Or by trade routes. Note
the location of Hajj as well
as location between TansSahara, Indian Ocean,
Mediterranean and Silk
Routes: Technologies
include
caravanaseri,lateen sail,
magnetic compass, Dhow,
etc.
Doc #9 Muslim Holy Cities
This document illustrates the religious significance for pilgrims and divisions
between Sunni and Shiite divisions ( the Shia holy sites indicate martyrs who
have died for their faith and their burial sites) and represent not just the
importance of the Hajj but that other pilgrimage and holy sites were
significant indicating the purpose of overland and maritime travel for
Muslims ( not just merchants but pilgrims as well).
Thesis
From 600-1450 Muslim cities served as political capitals where sound urban
planning developed for both fortification and centers of commerce. The
location along overland and maritime trade routes made urban commercial
centers the destinations for scholars, pilgrims and merchants. The religious
significance of these holy sites and shrines allowed religious scholars to
advance on the wisdom of the prophet and grew closer to Allah in mosques
which also housed significant centers of learning.