South-West Asia Extra Credit

Powerpoint
Table of Contents
Classic Time Period 1 slide
Post-Classical Time Period 500-750 8 slides
PERCI and Continuities/Changes
Post-Classical Time Period 750-1450 8 slides
PERCI and Continuities/Changes
Early Modern Time Period 1450-1750 8 slides
PERCI and Continuities/Changes
Industrial Age 1750-1914 8 slides
PERCI and Continuities/Changes
Modern Time Period 1914- Present 1 slides
Terms to Know 5 slides
Contuities/Changes over full history 2 slides


Classical Time Period 1000 B.C.E-500 C.E.
During the Classical Time
Period, South-West Asia was
a part of several civilizations
without having a major one of
their own
This area was a part of the
Chaldean Empire (600 B.C.E),
Persian Empire (500 B.C.E),
Alexanders Hellenistic Empire
(323 B.C.E.), and The Roman
Empire (117 and 486 A.D.) to
name a few
Post-Classical Time Period
500-750
This time period contained the origin of
Islam (means submission), one of the
major world religions
Most peoples of South-West Asia came
together as a unified group- were able to
expand several times over
Resulted in rich new culture from trade
and education
Before Islam, Clans dominated
politics:
Shaykhs-leaders of the tribes/clans
Clan conflicts was common over
small issues (no one got anywhere)
Caliph-leader of Islamic community
Much dispute over succession,
internal wars for leadership EVERY
time a new caliph is needed
Supporters of caliphs that do not
have to be related to Ali supported
the Sunni sect of Islam (backed
Umayyads) , Alis descendants
supported the Shia sect of Islam
Umayyads lost to Abbasid caliphate
in 750 (Also Sunni Muslims)
Bedouin economies based on camel/goat
herding (before Muhammad)
Some agriculture occurred in coastal
areas
Trade occurred as well (Mecca)
After Islam was introduced, Arab
conquest occurred resulting in the
collection of booty from defeated
empires.
Allowed for civilizations to continue as
they were for the payment of tribute for
Mawali (non-Arab converts) and Dhimmi
(people of the book such as Jews,
Christians, and Hindus). Or in other
words, its a tax for not being an Arab
Muslim.
Arabs used connections and conquered
lands to establish larger trading
networks
Slaves used during this time- unskilled
laborers and servants to caliphs and
high officials (mostly Africans)
Nomadic cultures with
polytheistic religions in Arabia
before Islam, clans/tribes
Many cultures center at
Mecca: Kaba- revered
religious shrines
Muhammad (570-632)
introduces Islam, gains
followers and enemies
Victorious against previous
polytheistic religions. Smash
previous idols at Kaba
Different forms of religions
Sunni- followers of Uthman/
Umayyads, Shia followers of
Ali
Before Islam, this area was centered
around family/kin based clans
Women had a larger role in
comparison to other times and
cultures
Worked to learn from and preserve
works of Greek, Roman, and other
civilizations
New architecture flourished- religious
art (not of people for religious
purposes)
Mosque- Islamic place of worship
Landlords, and merchants were high
in social class, peasants and slaves
were low (obviously)
Expanded from SW Asia into
central Asia, India, and
Europe (634-750)
Collected booty and tribute
from the conquered Malawi
(non Arab converts) and
Dhimmi (people of the book)
Spread Islam throughout
Asia, Africa, and Europe as
well as their homeland
Merchant status increased
as trade became much more
common with other cultures
Use of Slave labor in South-West Asia
Importance of the city of Mecca as a
religious and trade center
The question of succession after the
retirement or death of the previous caliph
and the conflicts that come with it

Polytheistic, animal faiths/cultures to
monotheism (Islam)
Camel nomads to conquerors who took
booty and tribute
Umayyad to Abbasid control
Damascus to Baghdad as a political
center
Post-Classical Time Period 750-1450
During this time in South-West Asia, many
changes were occurring
Several power shifts occurred starting with the
Abbasids and ending with the
Mongols/Tamerlane
Many new cultural advances were occurring
including biology, chemistry, and other sciences
as well as art and architecture
P-olitical
Abbasid leadership began to
disintegrate: Imperial
extravagance (caliph got greedy),
civil wars, and revolts all
contributed to this.
Dependant on Persian advisors
This led to invasions of forces
such as Buyids, Seljuk Turks,
Crusaders, Mogols, and eventually
Tamerlane

E-conomics
Agricultural advances were
made
booty began to run out,
people less motivated
Relied a lot on trade -> as a
result, new connections were
made, and peaceful
conversion occurred
Artisans more valued
R-eligion
Political turmoil opened the
way for the crusades (around
1100) -> Muslims won but
didnt benefit, Christians lost
but gained lasting benefits by
learning from the Muslims
Increase in new types of
Islamic belief: Sufis
(mysticism) and Ulama
(orthodox)
Used trade with Asia as a
means to peacefully convert
Asians

C-ulture
As Abbasids fell politically, they
flourished culturally and
intellectually
Increase in professional and
artisan classes and urban
prosperity
Persian replaced Arabic as court
language
Advances in Chemistry,
Astronomy, and Biology
Use of slaves increased
The status of women eroded
Spread teachings around Asia

I-nteraction with Other Cultures
As Abbasids began to fall, other cultures
began to try and take control of the
region
Buyids: invaded and captured Baghdad,
sultans controlled caliph (945)
Seljuk Turks: Military leaders ruled what
was left of Abbasid Empire (1055)
Crusaders: attempted to take the Holy
Land from the Abbasids (for nearly 2
centuries)
Mongols: Chinggis Khan invaded
Abbasids and continued expanding until
they were stopped by Mamluks in Egypt
(1220s)
Through trade, Muslims of the region
were able to convert people within South
and South-East Asia
Continuities
Trade remained important part of
economy
Intellectual and artistic creativity
continually was an important subject
that flourished
Slavery still continued
Changes
Changes in power: Abbasid, Buyids, Seljuk
Turks, Crusaders, Mogols, and Tamerlane
With the motivation from collecting booty
decreasing, the region focused more on culture
and religion (spreading religion)
Increase in mysticism and orthodox scholars
within Islam
Women status began to erode
Early Modern Time Period 1450-1750
This time in South-West Asia revolved
around the Sunni Ottomans and Shia
Safavids and their gunpowder empires
Both civilizations were doing relatively well
around the beginning of this time (1450)
until finally both reached decline near the
end (1750)
P-olitical
Mongols allowed for Ottomans to take control
The Ottomans had a sultan but the real
power went to the nobles/military aristocracy
who brought success through the use of
Janissaries
Sultans ruled through viziers
Corruption, poor communication, issues over
succession, and external issues led to
Ottoman decline
Safavids came to power on Eastern borders
of Muslim world
Disputes with Ottomans (Sunni-Shia split)
Shah= Safavid rulers
Safavid defeat at Chaldiran stopped spread of
empire (1514)
Weak successors who were manipulated led
to Safavid decline and after Nadir Khan
Afshar took the throne in 1722 a period of
conflict
Central power difficult to establish in both
E-conomics
Ottomans geared towards
warfare and expansion (new
contacts)
Ottomans had large
population of merchants (led
economy through trade of
such luxuries as rum and
spices
Safavids also prospered in
trade with increased growth
of handicrafts
Women had no economic
contribution during this time
Slaves (both)
R-eligion
Ottomans- Sunni---
Safavids- Shia
Red Heads- Shia under
Safavids
Both not tolerant of other
religions
Had a conflict due to Sunni
vs. Shia
Imams-successors of Ali
Mullahs- those educated in
Islamic theology and sacred
law

C-ulture
Viziers and Warrior class rises in
Ottoman empire
Built/restored mosques, religious schools,
mansions, rest houses, hospitals, and
private gardens
Turkish language became official
language of court and literature
Safavids also had significant warrior
aristocracy
Persian language used with Safavids
Both: Nobility grew as did exploitation of
peasants
Women had limited roles
Arts and crafts and important part
I-nteraction with Other Cultures
Ottomans started controlling the
Muslim world around the 13
th

Century
Ottomans took Constantinople in
1453
Safavid conquest of Persia
(1501-1510)
Ottoman defeat occurred in
1571 at Lepanto (ended naval
dominance)
Treaty of Carlowitz: Ottomans
cede territories in Europe
Safavids and Ottomans had
conflict over area
Much trade to other cultures
Continuities
Slaves actively used
Women status still deteriorated
Trade: important aspect, high
merchant classes
Sunni vs Shia split (Ottomans vs
Safavids, respectively)
Jihad and expansion
Fight over succession
Changes
Power Ottomans and
Safavids in South-West Asia
Increasing importance and
status of warrior aristocracy
Use of Janissaries

Industrial Age 1750-1914
South-West Asia during this time involves
developments in the Muslim world as it
responds to the challenges of Western
influence and power as well as changes
within economy
Political reforms were a large part of this
time period
P-olitical
Ottoman decline linked with weak rulers in a
system that is dependent on strong
leadership
Safavids fall in 1772
Western reforms- Mahmud II in the form of
Tanzimat reforms
Abdul Hamid attempted to use autocratic rule
Janissary troops destroyed in 1826
Egypt led by Mamluk families led by Murad
When Muhammad Ali emerged to lead Egypt,
he reformed the army along Western ideas
Alis descendants: Khedives
Eventually weak sultans and Khedives
Ottoman legal code reformed in 1870
E-conomics
Reforms of Ali caused
Egypt to be dependant on
cotton exports/ European
markets
Eqyptian peasants grew
export crops: cotton,
hemp, indigo
First Ottoman printing
press set up-1727
Postal system established-
1834
Ottoman treaty with British
in 1838- removed trade
restrictions
R-eligion
During this time, not
many religious advances
occurred, as the main
focus of this time was
survival from the invading
Europeans
A Jihad was launched
against a British controlled
Egypt (Mahdist Revolt) led
by Muhammad Ahmad
(believed to be the Mahdi,
promised deliverer)
C-ulture
Egyptians tried to stop slave
trade
Several reforms occurred in
line with Western precedents:
Tanzimat reforms (western
education, newspapers, etc.)
Reforms against womens
seclusion and poor treatment
failed
Abdul Hamid tried to establish
autocratic rule while still
continuing reforms, but the
coup of 1908 brought the
Young Turks who
reestablished the constitution
that Abdul set aside

I-nteraction with Other Cultures
Europeans supported the
Ottomans
Russian-Ottoman war, Ottoman
defeat (1768-1774)
Egypt Mamluks defeated by
Napoleon (17981801)
Muhammad Ali lead Egypt after
Napoleons leave, descendents:
Khedives
Suez Canal allowed for military
and trade links between European
colonies and Africa: this made
Egypt into a commercial center
Egypt involved themselves with
wars in the Sudan
Several Jihads were launched to
purify Islam

Continuities
Status of women remained
low (seclusion, veiling,
polygamy)
Jihad (religious wars)
Importance of trade to the
economy of the region

Changes
Slaves discouraged/abolished
Regions dependence on
exports coming from
European markets
Janissary corps ended
Power shift in region
(Mamluks, Khedives,
Napoleon, Britain)

Modern Time Period 1914- Present
From 1914 until today several aspects of the
world have changed and stayed the same
Continuities: Sunni-Shia split (Think Syria:
Government: Shia, Rebels: Sunni), trade a
major part of economy (mostly oil now though),
problems in succession (again think Syria)
Changes: New religious sects (some extremist
ones are widely disagreed with),
modernized/urbanized areas, and major
involvements of other countries without being
conquered (Americans in Iraq)
Continuities over full history
Islam as primary religion (although
several sects such as Sunni, Shia,
Sufism, Ulama, etc.)
Conflicts involving Sunni and Shia
split
No definite way to decide succession
-> results in conflicts
Jihad (holy war)
Changes over full history
Slavery supported -> slavery
abolished/discouraged
Status and role of Women high -> low: less
rights, seen as publically unequal
Power shifts: Umayyad, Abbasid, Seljuk
Turks, Ottomans, Safavids, etc.
Reluctant to spread religion (why spread
religion when you can collect tribute) ->
encouraged to spread religion
Culturally inclined (arts, technology, etc.) ->
religious based (more important than culture)
Terms to know
Universal Elements in Islam - 5 Pillars
1. Acceptance of Islam as faith
2. Prayer to the city of Mecca five times every day
3. Ramadan- Fasting from sunrise to sunset for a month
4. Payment of Zakat- a charity tax
5. Hajjpilgrimage to Mecca/Kaba
Bedouin-nomadic peoples of Middle East
Shaykhs- Leaders of tribes/clans
Muhammad- Prophet who started and spread the religion of Islam
Khadijah- Wife of Muhammad, used to be a widow to a wealthy
merchant
Quran- religious text of Islam
Mecca-important trade city, home of Kaba
Medina- known as city of the prophet Muhammad
Umma community of the faithful
Mawali: non-Arab converts


Terms to know
Dhimmi: people of the book such as Jews, Christians, and Hindus
Caliph: Leader of Islamic community
Sunni Islam- Followers of Uthman (backed Umayyads)
Shia Islam- Followers of Ali
Sufis: sect of Islam involving mysticism
Ulama: Orthodox Islam scholars
Umayyad: Clan that dominated the politics and economy of Mecca,
established dynasty of as rulers of Islam from 661 to 750
Abbasids: Dynasty that succeeded the Umayyads
Buyids: Invaded and captured Baghdad, ruled Abbasids under sultans
Seljuk Turks: Nomadic invaders from central Asia- Sunnis
Mongols: Ruthless, nomadic, Central Asian people: captured Baghdad
in 1258, killed last Abbasid Caliph
Ottomans: Turkic empire established in Asia minor to Middle East,
captured Constantinople and established an empire from the
Balkans that included most of the Arab world


Terms to know
Safavids: Muslim empire who came to power East from the Ottomans,
Shia Muslims, much conflict with Ottomans
Mamluks: Controlled Egypt during Napoleons invasion in 1798
Khedives: descendants of Muhammad Ali who ruled Egypt
Mehmed II: Conquered Constantinople in 1453
Sail al-Din: founder of Safavids
Nadir Khan Afshar: created a period of unending conflict for the
Safavids after taking the throne in 1722
Selim III: failed Ottoman related reforms
Mahmud II (not same as above): was more successful than Selim in
reforms: Tanzimat Reforms
Abdul Hamid: Tried to issue reforms while keeping autocratic rule
Murad: controlled the Mamluks
Muhammad Ali: Emerged in Egypt after Napoleon left, controlled Egypt

Terms to know
Ahmad Orabi: led a revolt in 1882 which resulted in the British
restoration of the khedives
Muhammad Ahmad: led a group against Britain controlled Egypt,
believed to be Mahdi
Khalifa Abdallahi: After the death of Muhammad Ahmad, he was a
successor and built a state in the region
Janissaries: Military infantry that is made of mostly of conquered
people
Red Heads: Shia followers under Safavids (known for red headgear
obviously)
Sultans: political/military leaders (Ottomans)
Viziers: Aristocrats that sultans ruled through, manipulation of powerful
groups within the empire
Chaldiran: The location where the Ottomans defeated the Safavids
which resulted in stopping the spread of the Safavids and Shia
Islam
Terms to know
Imams: successors of Ali
Mullahs- those educated in Islamic theology and sacred law
Tanzimat Reforms (1839-1876): Western based reforms
The Ottomans Society for Union and Progress: a group headed by the
Young Turks to reestablish the Ottoman constitution
Young Turks: a secret society established in 1865 by a group of
Ottoman Turkish intellectuals that were dissatisfied with the
Tanzimat reforms in the Ottoman Empire
Suez Canal: an important waterway that connects the Mediterranean
and the Red Sea
Khartoum: Capital of Sudan
Mahdi: promised deliverer