Islamic Civilization

Arabian Peninsula

Mecca•Medina

•Damascus•Baghdad

•Jerusalem

Byzantine Empire

Basics of IslamOrigins Beliefs Spread

Prophet: Muhammad

Holy Cities: MeccaMedina

Jerusalem

Deity: Allah (God)

Holy Book: Quran

Moral Code: 5 pillars

Other Holy People: same as Judaism

& Christianity

Where: Northern Africa, Southwest Asia, Southern Spain

When: 600-1200 A.D.

Factors that Enabled Islam to SpreadOver Great Distances Despite Harsh Environments

Islam becomes a

major religion in less than 100 years.

Trade Routes

Nomadic Lifestyle

Weak Neighbors

Trade Routes

Crossroads of Asian,

European, and African land

and sea trade.

Nomadic Lifestyle

Herders and traders

spread the word Weak Neighbors

Persian & Roman Empires had

collapsed and Byzantine

Empire was declining

A Short-Lived EmpireDue to the many internal, political conflicts of the Muslim Empire, its territory did not stay unified for

very long. However, Islamic culture remained a common bond amongst politically divided lands.

Language

Social Structure

• Name: Arabic• Why this language:

language of Quran• Benefits: easier communication and

trade between different cultures

• Levels: 1. Muslims 2. Converted Muslims 3. Jews and Christians 4. Non-Muslims

• Benefits: All areas under Islamic influence had same classes. Rights given to all “People of the Book.”

Jerusalem is conquered by the Muslims.

As “People of the Book”, Jews and

Christians are accepted, not forced

to convert.

Many Jews return to Jerusalem after

being exiled by the Byzantines and

others.

Damascus is conquered

by Muslims.

Historical Turning Points of the Islamic WorldA caliphate is territory ruled by a caliph.

TH

E SP

LIT

DAM

ASCU

S1st

CAL

IPH

ATE

JERU

SALE

M

Capital Trade & learning

successorSuccession–

would should be leader

Sunni & Shia

Caliphs spread Islam through

Northern Africa into Spain.

Mongols create the largest

empire in history.

Mongols destroyed Baghdad &

executed the caliph.

Brief Mongol rule. Eventually the Ottoman Turks control much Muslim land.

Historical Turning Points of the Islamic WorldBA

GH

DAD

2nd C

ALIP

HAT

EBA

TTLE

OF

TOU

RS2nd

CAL

IPH

ATE

END

S

Capital Population increases

Trade & learning

FrenchIslam to stop

spreading North

Cultural Achievements of Islamic Civilization Fill in the spaces with detailed information using pages 235, 236, & 246 in your textbook.

MosquePurpose: Prayer hall where Muslims free themselves from worldly concernsFeatures: Most have domes and minarets

Dome of the RockCity: JerusalemLocation in City: Temple Mount

Arabic Alphabet1. 28 letters, not pictures2. Written right to left3. Uniform writing in conquered areas

CalligraphyDefinition: Artistic handwritingPurpose: Preservation of The Koran

Architecture Writing

Intellectual Achievements of Islamic Civilization

Translations

Purpose for translating ancient texts to Arabic: was to preserve the Koran

Universities

Much emphasis on learning because it improved understanding of the Koran

MedicineUsed ancient knowledge and scientific understanding to find new solutions to old problems.

Astronomy & GeographyIncreased trade = more knowledge of land/waterNeed for precise prayer schedules & direction = astronomical advancements

Education Science

Arabic NumeralsAdopted from Indians, including the concept of zero, and later used by Europeans.

Math

AlgebraMuslim scholars discovered many of the basics of Algebra