Middle East: Significant States Flashcards
Abbasid Caliphate
The Abbasid Caliphate, which ruled from Baghdad in Iraq from 750 to 1258, was the third dynasty of the Islamic Empire. From 1200 to 1750, the Abbasid Caliphate experienced a period of great prosperity and cultural development. This period saw the introduction of many new scientific and cultural disciplines, including philosophy, mathematics, and medicine. The Abbasids also developed a strong trade network in the Indian Ocean, connecting the Middle East to India and China. They were also responsible for the spread of Islam throughout the region. The Abbasids also constructed some of the most impressive architectural wonders of their time, including the Great Mosque of Samarra and the Al-Mustansiriyyah Madrasah in Baghdad. However, the Abbasids were also beset by internal conflicts, which weakened its authority and ultimately led to its demise in 1258.
Mamluk Sultanate
The Mamluk Sultanate was a powerful ruling dynasty in the Middle East that held power from roughly 1200 to 1750. It was founded by a group of Mamluks, former slaves of Turkic origin who had been captured by the Ayyubid dynasty in the 12th century. Originally a military-political regime, it eventually grew into an empire that encompassed the entirety of Egypt and the Levant (modern-day Syria, Lebanon, Palestine, Jordan, and Israel). The Mamluks were renowned for their military might and their highly centralized government and bureaucracy. The Mamluks were able to maintain their power for centuries by balancing their military strength with alliances with other powers in the region. They also maintained a strict adherence to Islamic law and were able to keep the majority of their population content. The Mamluks were a major power in the region for centuries, and their legacy can be seen in the architecture, art, and culture of the Middle East. They were eventually overthrown by the Ottomans in 1517.
Seljuk Turks
The Seljuk Turks were a group of Oghuz Turkic people, originating from Central Asia, who established a powerful dynasty in the Middle East and Anatolia during the 11th to 14th centuries. The Seljuks ruled an empire that stretched from the Arabian Peninsula and the Levant in the west, to the Iranian Plateau and Central Asia in the east. At their height, the Seljuks controlled much of the Middle East, Anatolia and parts of Central Asia. The Seljuks were mostly known for their military prowess and their patronage of learning, culture and the arts. They were also responsible for the spread of Islam in the Middle East, and their patronage of Islamic scholars and religious teachers had a lasting effect on Islamic culture and learning in the region. The Seljuks also played a significant role in the Crusades, as they were often called upon by both Christian and Muslim forces to support their military campaigns. The Seljuks’ rule eventually declined in the mid-14th century, and the Ottoman Turks rose to power in the region. The Seljuk Turks’ legacy, however, can still be seen in the art, architecture, and culture of the Middle East and Anatolia today.
Ottoman Empire
The Ottoman Empire was one of the largest and most powerful empires of the Medieval and Early Modern period. It spanned from 1200-1750 and at its height controlled much of the Middle East and North Africa. During this period, the Ottoman Empire was a multi-ethnic and multi-religious polity that sought to maintain peace and stability in its territories. Its military was among the most powerful of the era and it’s navy, known as the Ottoman Navy, was the largest in the Mediterranean. Istanbul served as the capital of the empire and was a major cultural and commercial hub. The Ottomans were able to maintain their power through a combination of military and administrative reforms, as well as diplomatic and commercial ties with other empires and states. The Ottoman Empire is remembered for its contributions to the arts and sciences, and its legacy continues to be felt in the modern Middle East.
Safavid
The Safavid Empire was a major Iranian dynasty that ruled from 1501 to 1736. It was founded by Ismail I, a Turkic ruler from the Safavid branch of the Shi’a branch of Islam. During its rule, the Safavid Empire was one of the most powerful and influential empires in the world. It was the first great Muslim dynasty to rule from Persia and its capital, Isfahan, was a great center of culture, learning, and art. The Empire was noted for its patronage of the arts and sciences, and for its tolerance of religious minorities. It also maintained a strong military and political presence in the region. At its height, the Empire encompassed parts of modern-day Iran, Iraq, Azerbaijan, and Armenia, as well as parts of Central Asia, the Caucasus, and the Arabian Peninsula. The Empire faced several challenges during its reign, including frequent invasions by the Ottomans and their allies, as well as internal struggles between different factions. Despite these challenges, the Safavids managed to maintain their rule for more than two and a half centuries, making them one of the longest-lasting Muslim dynasties in history. During this period, the Empire saw advances in the arts and sciences, including the introduction of the printing press, the development of a postal system, and the introduction of paper money. It also saw the rise of a strong merchant class, as well as a vibrant literary and cultural life. The Empire declined in the 18th century, eventually being replaced by the Zand Dynasty.
