ISLAMIC/MUSLIM CULTURE

I.  Sunni – Shiite Split
Historical dispute over succession – Schism 656 A.D.
1.	Sunni – Abu Bakr 1st Caliph chosen on merit
2.	Shiite – Ali – supports legitimate bloodline
Doctrinal Differences
1. Positions on religion & beliefs
Religious Organization Differences
1. Role in Religion & Politics

II. Islamic Political Movements
Religious Message
Opposition to West

III. Growth of the Islamic Empire
Period of Conquests – 630’s – 650’s A.D.
1.	Islamic Unity
2.	Fearless Fighters
3.	Methods of Controlling Land & People

IV. Umayyad Dynasty – 661 – 747 A.D. – Damascus, Syria
Expansion – India to France
“People of the Book”
Problems

V. Abbasids 750 – 1258 A.D. – Baghdad, Iraq
Caliph Harun al Rashid – reaches zenith 786-809
Ruled like Persian Kings
Decline and division into independent states

VI. Islamic Culture
Foundations
1.	Family
2.	City – Mosques dominate, Bazaar (Marketplace)
3.	Country – Water scarce but, effective farming
Science 800-1300 A.D.
Arts
4.	Conquests
5.	Religion
Philosophy, Literature & History
6.	Try to reconcile Greek philosophy with Koran
7.	Koran, Rubaiyyat, The Arabian Nights
8.	Examine history scientifically

    Source: geocities.com/uhshistory2000