Middle East: Vocab Flashcards
Group of major monotheistic faiths that include Christianity, Judaism, and Islam. They are based on the teachings of the Hebrew patriarch Abraham and share the belief in one God.
Abrahamic Religions
Arabic phrase meaning “House of Islam: and is commonly used to refer to areas where Muslim rule and Islamic law are practiced
Dar al-Islam
A name given to the Muslim-ruled part of the Iberian Peninsula (modern-day Spain and Portugal) between 711 and 1492; a period of great cultural, religious, and intellectual tolerance, which saw the flourishing of Islamic, Jewish, and Christian cultures
al-Andalus
Intellectual center in Baghdad during the Abbasid Caliphate in the 9th and 10th centuries CE; a library and translation institute which collected, translated and studied Greek, Indian, and Persian scientific and philosophical texts. It was a major source of knowledge and learning in the Islamic world and contributed greatly to the development of science and philosophy
House of Wisdom
Branch of the Islamic faith, is the largest branch of the religion and comprises around 85% of the global Muslim population. Sunni Muslims adhere to the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad and the Qur’an, and believe in the five pillars of Islam; also believe in the caliphate, which is a form of Islamic government.
Sunni
Other main branch, other than Sunni. Shi’a Muslims believe that the leadership of the Muslim community should remain within the family of the Prophet Muhammad, particularly through his cousin and son-in-law, Ali ibn Abi Talib. Emphasized the spiritual and moral authority of their leaders, known as Imams, who are believed to be divinely appointed
Shi’a
Islamic mystic tradition that emphasizes the personal experience of God through spiritual practices, such as meditation and ritual. It is often referred to as Islamic mysticism and is focused on understanding and experiencing the divine.
Sufis
A place of worship for Muslims, typically featuring a domed roof, minarets, and a prayer hall for communal prayers.
Mosque
Islamic educational institution that provides instruction in Islamic studies, including Qur’anic studies, Islamic law, Islamic jurisprudence, Hadith, and Islamic theology. Madrasas are typically found in countries with predominantly Muslim populations and are often the primary source of religious education for children.
Madrasa
Leader of Muslim community who leads prayer services and provides spiritual guidance to the community. The Imam is typically chosen based on his knowledge of Islamic scriptures and teachings, as well as his ability to lead and guide the community.
Imam
Tax historically imposed on non-Muslims by Islamic states. It is typically paid in exchange for protection and freedom of worship.
Jizya
Set of Islamic laws derived from the Qur’an, Hadith, and centuries of Islamic scholarship. It is a comprehensive code of conduct that governs all aspects of life, including spiritual, social, political, and economic matters.
Sharia
medieval Turko-Persian empire based in Central Asia. It was founded by Genghis Khan’s grandson, Chagatai Khan, in 1219 CE and lasted until it was conquered by Timur in 1369 CE. It was the second largest contiguous empire of the medieval period, covering much of Central Asia, Afghanistan, and parts of modern-day Iran and Pakistan. The Ilkanate was known for its religious tolerance and its vibrant culture, as well as its military prowess.
Ilkhanate
Turco-Mongol conqueror who founded the Timuid Empire in Persia and Central Asia in the 14th century. He is remembered for his military campaigns and his ruthless tactics, which included the systematic massacre or tens of thousands of civilians.
Timur
Type of sail made from interwoven strips of canvas, generally used on small boats and ships. It is lightweight and easy to handle, and is well-suited for light air sailing.
Lateen Sails
Ancient astronomical instruments used to measure the positions of the sun, moon, stars, and planets in the sky. It was used by ancient astronomers to calculate the time, date, and location of astronomical events.
Astrolabe
A traditional Arabian sailing vessel with on or more lateen sails. It is a type of wooden boat used in the Indian Ocean and PErsian Gulf regions, especially for trading and transport; large ships, ranging in size from 20 to 150 feet. They are typically made of teak and have a distinctive lateen sail design
Dhow
Typically composed of refugees and other migrants who have relocated from countries such as Syria, Iraq, Afghanistan, and Iran.
Diasporic Communities
A system of human resource management used by the Ottoman Empire in which Christian boys were taken from their families, converted to Islam, and trained to serve in the military, administrative, or religious bureaucracy of the empire
Devshirme
An elite military unit of the Ottoman Empire, composed mainly of Christian slaves and sons of Christian parents. They were known for their loyalty and military prowess and served as the Sultan’s personal guard.
Janissaries
An economic system used by the Ottoman Empire in which private individuals and companies were contracted to collect the Empire’s taxes. Tax-farmers were responsible for paying the Empire a fixed sum, regardless of how much they collected form the taxpayers
Ottoman tax-farming
Turkish historical term which refers to a type of Ottoman land grant. These grants were given to officials, soldiers, and religious leaders in exchange for services rendered to the sultan. Timars were a form of feudalism, and were often accompanied by certain rights and privileges.
Timars
Nations of Oman, a group of people
Omanis
Originated in the Midde East and was used as a propellant in firearms and as a weapon
Gunpowder
Islamic title of high rank or authority, most often used to refer to a ruler or sovereign. It is derived from the Arabic word sultan, meaning “power, strength, authority, or sovereignty.”
Sultan
A title given to a monarch or ruler in many parts of the world, including parts of Asia, Africa, and Europe. It is usually used to signify a leader with absolute power, and is often used in conjunction with another title, such as King or Emperor.
Shah
An administrative official in a Muslim government, traditionally responsible for taxation and judicial matters. In some cases, the vizier may be the prime minister or the ruler’s chief advisor.
Vizier
