Islamic Civilization: The
Caliphates and Expansion
Unit 3
Agenda
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Bell Ringer:
Lecture: Islamic Civilization
Bias within Documents: The Seige of Jerusalem.
Map Interpretation: Twelfth Century vs. Today.
Discussion and Timeline: The Role of Jerusalem
within Islam, Christianity, and Judaism.
HW: Work on Focus Questions,
The rise of the Caliphate
 Abbasid Caliphs brought
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economic and social change
to Islam.
Capital City of Baghdad
constructed, allows Persian
influence.
Trading post for the world.
Prosperity leads to
corruption and immorality.
Seljuk Turks, originally hired
as mercenaries take control
over Abbasid Caliphate in
1055 AD.
The Seljuk Turks
 They did not establish
headquarters in
Baghdad, since it was
falling into ruin from
corruption and riots.
 Attempt to attack
Constantinople would
lead to the Crusades
against the Muslim
population.
 Tensions rise between
Christians and Muslims.
The Crusades and the Controversy
 Alexius I of Constantinople
claimed Muslim invaders
were desecrating shrines
and killing Christians.
 In reality, Muslims were
not doing that at all.
 Saladin’s army would
destroy Christian forces
concentrated in Jerusalem in
1187.
 Tolerated the Christian
presence and did not
allow a massacre of
Christian population.
 Distrust would result from
this between the two
religions.
Islamic Civilization
 There is no rigid division
between Church and State.
 Islamic Doctrine is consulted
to determine questions of
politics, economic behavior,
civil and criminal law, and
social ethics.
 Class system did exist;
however, rulers were not
hereditary, and merchants
were held in high regard.
Society in Islam
 With a large class system,
slavery was also utilized.
 Sub-Saharan African
population.
 Qur’an requires women to be
treated with respect.
 However, polygamy is
practiced. Women are
restricted to their homes
and prohibited from male
contacts outside of the
family.
Map Activity
 In two minutes, draw the seven continents on
a blank piece of paper. Only use your
memory. After drawing it out, place an X on
the most accurate portions (in your opinion)
Islamic Map 12th Century.
The World? AD 1500