Notes 

1.2 -  Understanding Postclassical Dar-al-Islam:

 

The Abbasid Caliphate (750- 1258 CE) was a distinguished Islamic civilization in the Postclassical era. It overthrew the Umayyad caliphate, with its capital centered in Baghdad. Afro-Eurasian commerce proliferated under this rule. While this empire facilitated great innovation and scholarship under a centralized government, internal fragmentation led to its split into various smaller kingdoms. As the Abbasid caliphate weakened, trade began to shift away from Baghdad, causing a drop in population and wealth. Over time, the decline in commerce led to the deterioration of Baghdad´s infrastructure. 

 

Under the Abbasid Caliphate, it was common practice for Arabs to purchase enslaved people known as Mamluks (ethnic Turkic and often served bureaucratic and military positions). The Egyptian Mamluks took over government control, establishing their own Mamluk Sultanate. Trade, especially the trade of sugar between Europe, allowed this civilization to economically prosper.

 

In Central Asia, the Sejluk Turks grew to prominence as they conquered parts of the Middle East. Over time, the Sejluk leader adopted the name of sultan which challenged the authority of the Abbasids as a caliphate. 

 

The Sejluk Turks themselves blocked access to religious sites (like Jersuleum) to many European Christians. In hopes to defend their right to access, many Christian fighters called Crusaders launched crusades in an attempt to regain access. 

 

The Central Asian Mongols went on to take over Sejluk Turk rule, ending the Abbsaid empire. On the other hand, the Mamluks prevented the Mongols from taking over their territory.

 

Innovation:

 

Islamic scholarship and officials facilitated the spread of knowledge across Dar-al-Islam. They often translated Greek texts and heavily studied arithmetic from India. 

 

Women:

 

The practice of head covering originated from the prior Byzantine Empire and Muslim women began to wear the hijab. Under Islam, women were given many rights, such as:

• The right to inheritance

• The right to remarry 

• The right to initiate divorce

• The right to own property

Although, women´s rights significantly diminished in larger cities. 

 

al-Andalus and Islamic Control:

 

The previous Umayyads had ruled modern day Spain, establishing Islamic rule there. Religious tolerance was a key trait of al-Andalus (Spain under Islamic control).

 

In the city of Cordoba, trade flourished and the world's largest library was established there. Scholars such as Ibn Rushd and philosophical ideas proliferated there. 

 

Other popular Islamic scholars include Nasir al-Din al-Tusi, who contributed to many fields ranging from mathematics to medicine. As well as A´ishah al-Ba´uniyyah, who was a popular female Muslim writer.