The Crusades… they were fighting for Jerusalem

Bell Ringer

What do we call the series of Holy Wars

between Muslims and Christians that took place

in the Middle Ages?

Explain 2 accomplishments of the Muslim Golden

Age

Muslim Empires

Mughals, Ottomans and Safavids

Islamic WorldAs the Muslim influence continued to spread, areas of India came under the control of strong Muslim Empires. The Ottoman, Safavid and Mughal empires promoted Muslim culture, trading and learning

Looking at this map, what do you think could be a problem?

Mughal EmpireEstablished by Babur, but reached great success under Akbar the Great, his grandson. They controlled most of present day India

Akbar the GreatAkbar was a Muslim but was tolerant of other people’s religions. He even ended the tax charged on non-Muslims

Improved the government by hiring officials instead of relying on hereditary appointments

Encouraged international trade and land reform

Akbar and learningAkbar the Great promoted learning, and held long discussions with experts to learn.

He was illiterate and never learned to read or write, but had trusted advisors to do both for him.

By removing restrictions on other religions, he ushered in a time of learning and cultural development

Akbar’s popularityAkbar the Great was well liked by his people because he allowed the people to practice any religion of their choice.

By allowing the people to practice the religion of their choice he promoted cultural diversity, a unique environment that remains through much of India today.

Taj Mahal (Muhal)Akbar’s grandson, Shat Jahan, built the most famous Indian Palace, the Taj Mahal, for his dead wife. The Building became her tomb and a symbol of Mughal Architecture

Mughal DeclineAkbar’s successors eventually began persecuting Hindus and other religions again. Persecution ranged from heavy taxes to death.

Ottoman Empire 1450-1650

Ottoman EmpireConquered the Byzantine Empire in 1453. Renamed the capital city Istanbul and converted the Hagia Sophia into a Muslim Mosque

Ottoman expansionIn less than 200 years the Ottoman empire took control of North Africa, Eastern Europe and Asia Minor.

Ottoman Golden Age

The Ottomans experienced a Golden Age under Suleiman the Magnificent (1520-1566)

Suleiman conquered more lands than other emperors because he modernized the army.

Suleiman had sole power over the entire government, but hired qualified Viziers to run some offices

If Suleiman was the sole ruler with absolute power,

was this a Centralized Government or non-

centralized?

Golden Age Society

Society in the Ottoman empire had 4 tiers:1) Men of the Pen- scientists, lawyers, judges2) Men of the Sword- Guards and military3) Men of Negotiations- Merchants and artisans4) Men of Husbandry- farmers and animal caretakers

Husbandry- taking care of crops and

animals

JanissariesThe Ottoman empire forced non-Muslims to pay heavy taxes. Non-Muslim families were also required to give their young sons to the government to train in the military.

These men converted to Islam and were then put into military service

The most elite became Janissaries, an elite military group

Ottoman DeclineAs the Europeans emerged from their Dark Middle ages and began trading and learning, the Ottoman empire was overtaken by the Europeans. While the Ottomans had focused on agriculture, the Europeans were focused on gaining power and money (trade routes)

Soon the Ottoman empire will become a fighting ground for many ethnic groups and religions

Safavid Empire

SafavidsSandwiched between Mughal India and the Ottoman Empire, the Safavids dealt with near constant invasions (in the Tigris and Euphrates river valley)

The Safavids are Shiite Muslims, while the Ottomans were Sunni Muslims

Sunni Both Shiite

Caliph should be chosen by the community

Majority of Muslims: 90%

Monotheistic: Allah

Quran

Five Pillars

Caliph should be a descendant of Muhammad

Martyrs for their cause

Safavid Golden AgeShah Abbas the Great (1588-1629)-Centralized Government and created a powerful military

-reduced taxes on farmers and herders

-promoted the silk trade by supporting Christianity

-Wandered the streets in disguise to find problems and punish the corrupt

Golden AgeThe Safavids produced fine silk by befriending Christian traders who had stolen Silk worms from China. By promoting and protecting the Christians the Safavid empire grew rich.

Safavid Legacy Today, Iran is located in the old Safavid Empire, and remains Shiite. Many warring groups remain in old areas of the Safavid, causing conflict between the two sects of Islam