• Unit 4: The Islamic World

    The Islamic world was exceptionally diverse and included empires you have already learned about, such as the Mughals in India and the Songhai Empire in West Africa. In addition, the Ottoman Empire and Safavid Empire controlled territory in West Asia, the Middle East, North Africa, and Southern Europe. Their forms of government were exceptionally advanced, and they promoted learning and technological advancement.

    Completing this unit should take you approximately 2 hours.

    • Upon successful completion of this unit, you will be able to:

      • explain why these Islamic empires were able to expand so rapidly and then maintain their power;
      • discuss the history of the Ottoman Empire and its relationship with Europe;
      • compare and contrast traits of different Islamic empires in government, science, and the military; and
      • summarize the history of the Safavid empire.

    • 4.1: A Connected Islamic World

      Islam was a common bond among different empires and states in Africa, Asia, the Middle East, and parts of Europe. The rapid expansion of Islam meant it needed to develop social patterns that could accommodate new populations quickly, which it proved to be very effective at accomplishing. Islamic empires spread ideas about learning, technology, and government as they expanded, transforming whole regions.

      • The Connected Islamic World Page

        Read this text, which describes factors that characterized and united the Muslim ummah after 1500. How did Islam affect the relationships in the Muslim communities in central Asia, Iran, and the Ottoman Empire regarding politics, religion, technology, and trade?

    • 4.2: The Ottoman Empire

      The Ottoman Empire rocketed to power during the 14th and 15th centuries, assuming control of most of the Arabian peninsula, ending the Byzantine Empire, and expanding into Southern Europe and North Africa. With so many diverse people living under its banner, the Ottoman Empire was adept at peacefully integrating them into the empire.

      • The Ottoman Empire Page

        Read this text on the significance of the Ottoman Empire (1299–1922), including the reign of Suleiman the Magnificent and the rise of the Sultanate of Women. What were some scientific and technological innovations of the Ottoman Empire?

      • The Ottoman, Safavid, and Mughal Empires Page

        Watch this video for more on the rise of the Ottoman, Safavid, and Mughal Empires.

    • 4.3: The Safavid Empire

      The Safavid Empire, located in modern-day Iran, controlled a large swathe of Central Asia. Despite being ruled by the Shah, whose power was absolute, the Safavid Empire had a sophisticated bureaucracy that guaranteed good governance and honesty from its officials. The capital city of Isfahan was one of the largest cities in the world and one of the most beautiful.

      • The Safavid Empire Page

        Read this text on the political and social structure of the Safavid Empire (1501–1736), one of the greatest Iranian empires after the Muslim conquest of Persia. Compare Twelver (Shia) Islam and Sunni Islam. The conflict between these two branches of Islam continues to this day.

      • More on the Safavid Empire Page

        Read this text on the history of the Safavid Empire. How does the Safavid Empire compare to the Ottoman Empire?

    • Unit 4 Assessment

      • Unit 4 Assessment Quiz
        Receive a grade

        Take this assessment to see how well you understood this unit.

        • This assessment does not count towards your grade. It is just for practice!
        • You will see the correct answers when you submit your answers. Use this to help you study for the final exam!
        • You can take this assessment as many times as you want, whenever you want.