Download The Muslim Empires

Chapter 15
Modern World History
The Muslim Empires
Muslim conquerors captured vast amounts of
territory in Europe/Asia; religion important in
Ottoman, Safavid, and Mogul Empires with trade
and art flourishing under Muslim regime.
Selijuk Empire declining in early 14th century=Osman
(Ottoman) Turks ↑=Ottoman Dynasty:
14th century Ottoman Turks enter the Balkans and
create trained elite guard called janissaries to act as
soldiers to serve the sultan (handled conquered
lands). Use of firearms VERY effective.
Senior officials received land grants in exchange for
collecting taxes and supplying armies from the lands.
Over 300 years empire expands to include W. Asia,
N. Africa and portions of Europe.
Under the rule of Mehmet II, Byzantine fall of
Constantinople-1453: 80,000 vs 7,000 troops, 2month siege defeats Byzantines---renames capital
Istanbul
Sultan Selim I declared himself new caliph-defender
of faith/successor to Muhammad while empire
expands along African coast (Mesopotamia, Egypt,
Arabia—original heartland of Islam).
Selim gains control of holy cities of Islam:
Jerusalem, Mecca, Madinah
Impact was light as local rulers/administrators
(pashas) collected taxes and maintained law/order but
answer to sultan’s court in Istanbul.
Suleyman I (1520) increased attacks in Europe
conquering Hungary, Austria...
First half of 1600s Ottoman Empire a “sleeping
giant”…mid 1680’s Ottomans march through
Hungarian plain but eventually pushed out of central
Europe.
Ottoman Rule also called the “gunpowder empire”
Sultan: supreme authority politically and militarily;
hereditary title; lives in harem (sacred place) with
wives; conducts gov’t business through grand vizier;
Topkapi Palace=private residence & administrative
offices
Ottoman were Sunni Muslims—guiding the flock and
maintaining Islamic law…
Ulema are religious advisors administering legal and
educational duties; tolerant of non-Muslims=some
converted, some didn’t.
Society divided into 4 occupational groups:
a) pastoral people-nomadic herders
b) merchants-most privileged section (after ruling elite)
exempt from gov’t regulations/taxes and able to amass large fortunes
c) artisans-divided by craft
d) peasants-farmers on land leased by state (sultan
owned ALL land)
Due to traditional Turkish values---Women able to
own/inherit property; not forced into marriage, able
to seek divorce; senior advisors
Death of Suleyman the Magnificent left no suitable
replacement-sultans less involved in gov’t left
ministers more powerful=lost territory, corruption,
palace intrigue, wars depleted treasury, taxes ↑,
interchange of European influence (coffee/tobacco)
Sultans appreciated art and rewarded its creators
handsomely-pottery, rugs, silk, jewelry, arms, armor,
architecture.
Mosques-last half of 16th century, greatest architect
was Sinan with 81 mosques
Ruler
Mehmet
Contributions
Effect on Empire
captured Constantinople dominance
over Balkans
and Anatolian
Peninsula
Selim I
captured Mesopotamia gave empire
Egypt, Arabia, N. Africa control of holy
cities
Suleyman led attacks on Europe
Europeans
defeat Ottomans
Section 2
Early 16th century: defeating the Timur Lenk
(Ottoman) empire a new dynasty ‘Safavids’ came to
power in Persia and Central Asia—SHIITE Muslims
1501-Shah Ismail (claiming to be the spiritual leader
of Islam & direct successor of the prophet
Muhammad)) seized Iran/Iraq; massacring Sunni
Muslims when he conquered Baghdad/1508
Tabriz became the capital of Safavid Dynasty,
Ottomans fight back in 1580s, regain Tabriz regioncapital of Safavids moved southward: Isfahan.
Empire collapses in 1722
Shah Abbas (1588-1629) Safavid glory: trade and
manufacturing thrived, trained administrators,
intellectual freedom, powerful army, successful
campaigns to regain lost territory…eventually not
able to maintain power forced to sign peace treaty
Early 18th century-Afghan ruler Shah Hussein
invades Persia, marks the end of the Safavid rule,
sinks into political and social anarchy (no
laws=disorder!!)
Trade with Europe difficult--not good
access....Ottomans to the west, Moguls to the east...
Culturally very impactful...palaces, arts, metalwork,
tile, silk weaving, carpet weaving (persian carpets
STILL very beautiful/expensive)
Riza-i-Abbasi--most famous artist...
Section 3
1500-Indian continent divided: Hindu &
Muslim…MOGULS (from northern Indus
River valley) unite the region using advanced
weapons, artillery. Babur is the founder and
ruler until 1530.
Akbar (Babur’s grandson) ascends to throne
at age of 14. Brings Mogul rule to most of
India (map p.474) creating greatest Indian
empire: stability and prosperity with taxes
being fair and just.
Akbar: born a Muslim, humane treatment of
subjects, practiced religious tolerance,
interested in other religions, marries Hindu
princess. Under his rule, trade and
manufacturing flourish—dies in 1605.
Jahangir rules from 1605-1628, initially very
strong but begins to weaken…
Shah Jahan rules from 1628-1658-expands
boundaries, military campaigns VERY
expensive (treasury nearly empty); increases
taxes; builds Taj Mahal…finally imprisoned
by son/successor Aurangzeb
Aurangzeb—very controversial ruler…killed
his brother to take throne…high
principles/devout Muslim: forbade suttee,
illegal taxes, gambling, & drinking. Did NOT
practice religious tolerance/Hindus forced to
convert to Islam..rebellion breaks out and in
1739 Delhi is left in ashes.
British in India…hastens decline of
Moguls…with successful trading posts-then
must resist French competitors…Sir Robert
Clive British Military genius keeps France at
the border while solidifying British control
throughout interiors of India
Mogul Culture: blend of Muslim and Hindu;
women occupy complex social positions; Art
and architecture is a blend of Persian/Indian
(“Akbar style”)….Taj Mahal=most beautiful
building in India.