Short questions and answers Flashcards
What is Umma
Umma is the Arabic term for “nation” it refers to the whole Muslim world. It is the whole community of Muslims bound together by the ties of religion. It is signifigant because it is meant to surpass national, racial, class, or any other divisions and unite all muslims.
What is Mecca
Mecca is in a desert valley in western Saudi Arabia. It is the holiest of Muslim cities. Its importance stems from the fact that Muhammad, the founder of Islam, was born in Mecca, making Mecca the place where the Islamic religion was started.
Who were the Young Turks?
The Young Turks were a political reform movement. They wanted to transform Ottoman society, so they led a revolution against the Ottoman sultan Abdulhamid the second. This is significant because it led to the establishment of a constitutional government.
what is Rashidun?
Rashidun (which means rightly guided or perfect) are the first four caliphs who led the Muslim community after the death of Muhammad. These four were Abu Bakr, Umar, Uthman, and Ali. This is significant because the Rashidun Caliphate expanded Islam beyond Arabia, conquering all of Persia.
What is Medina
Medina is the holy city where the prophet Muhammad is buried. It is known as the place where Muhammad established the Muslim community (umma) after he had to flee from Mecca. It was previously known as Yathrib.
What was the Battle of Manzikert
It was a battle fought between the Byzantine Empire and the Seljuk Empire. This is significant because the defeat of the Byzantines in this battle, led to their empire becoming much smaller. It transformed Anatolia and weakened the Byzantine Empire.
