Project: The Fragmentation of the Abbasid Caliphate
Student Guide
Assignment Summary
For this assignment, you will extend your understanding of the political and cultural repercussions of the
fragmentation of the Abbasid caliphate by evaluating information found in your textbook, in your
comparative reader, and online.
Background Information
Understanding global interactions through conquest, commerce, and migration can lead to a deeper
understanding of the political, social, and cultural effects of states forming, expanding, and declining.
Conducting research to understand historical cause-and-effect relationships helps you practice an
important historical skill: causation.
You are encouraged to take notes as you read and to use evidence from the readings to answer the
questions.
Assignment Instructions
For this assignment, you are expected to submit responses to the questions located at the end of this
document.
Step 1: Prepare for the project.
a) Read through the guide before you begin so you know the expectations for this project.
b) If anything is not clear to you, ask your teacher for assistance.
Step 2: Review the effects of the fragmentation of the Abbasid caliphate.
a) Examine your notes from the readings for this topic.
i.
Chapter 9, “The Worlds of Islam,” pp. 356–401
ii.
Chapter 7, “Commerce and Culture,” pp. 285–95 (“Sea Roads: Exchange across the
Indian Ocean”)
iii. “The Islamization of the Silk Road” by Richard C. Foltz in chapter 7 of Worlds of History:
A Comparative Reader for Advanced Placement®
b) Conduct online research on the Seljuk Empire, the Mamluk sultanate of Egypt, and the Delhi
sultanate.
i.
Explore reputable sources.
ii.
Take notes, examining how the information adds to or extends your understanding of the
topic.
Step 3: Complete the assignment located at the end of this document.
a) Refer back to your notes if necessary.
b) Answer each question completely, using specific examples and evidence.
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Student Guide (continued)
Step 4: Use this checklist to evaluate your project.
If you can check each box below, you are ready to submit your project.
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Have you answered each question completely?
Did you provide examples and evidence to support your answers?
Did you check for grammar and spelling errors?
Step 5: Revise and submit your project.
a) If you were unable to check off all of the requirements on the checklist, go back and make
sure that your project is complete. Save your project before submitting it.
b) Submit your responses to the assignment through the Virtual Classroom.
c) Congratulations! You have completed your project.
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Student Guide (continued)
Assignment
Use complete sentences to answer the following questions. Be sure to cite specific examples and
evidence in your response.
1. Describe the decline of the political unity of the Abbasid caliphate, and describe the new political
entities that emerged.
The Abbasid authorities were challenged by the Shiites who established an independent kingdom in
Egypt. with the Fatimid dynasty (909–1171), descendants of Muhammad's daughter Fatima and Caliph
Ali.
2. Describe the role of the Turks in the spread of the hegemony of Islamic political systems.
Turks spread the hegemony of Islamic political systems by adopting Muslim titles instead of other
options available. This is seen in the eleventh and twelfth centuries when, “rulers began to claim the
Muslim title of sultan”. This adoption of Islamic political systems in the area greatly influenced the religion
that populated the region.
3. Identify how Islamic states promoted diversity and the continuity of technological advancements and
innovations.
Both diversity and technological advances are the result of a well-established and successful trade.
Islamic states exhibited effective trade routes, causing them to establish successful trade, especially
between Asia and the Middle East. This trade attracted people from many different regions and cultures,
because of which, there was a strong cultural exchange and people who promoted a strong diversity in
Islamic states.
4. Explain Sufism and how Sufis helped spread Islam.
Sufis made untiring, selfless and incessant struggle for the spread of Islam. They devoted their lives
and gave up their homes to champion the cause of Islam in a miraculous way.
5. Explain the motivating factors that led many people to convert to Islam during its spread into northern
India.
The spread of Islam through merchants, missionaries, and pilgrims was very different in nature.
These kinds of exchanges affected native populations slowly and led to more conversion to Islam. As
Islamic ideas traveled along various trade and pilgrimage routes, they mingled with local cultures and
transformed into new versions and interpretations of the religion.
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