Muslim Empires:The Ottomans, Safavids & MughalsCh. 17, 1&2

The Ottoman Empire

Sultans –Arabic term for ruler Ottomans –warlike, nomadic Muslim Turks

who conquered the Byzantine Empire and the Balkans region of Europe› success due to military, which included › Janissaries -enslaved Christian boys who

converted to Islam › Gunpowder cannons

Mehmed II –Conquered Constantinople in 1453; took over parts of Persia, Egypt & Arabian peninsula

Suleyman “the Magnificent” – leader of Ottoman Empire’s Golden Age (1520 – 1566)

empire lasted until 1918

› Issued laws & improved courts to reduce corruption

› Architects built mosques & palaces

Ottoman Social Structure All Muslim males were

expected to serve in the military

Non-Muslims paid heavy taxes

Strict social hierarchy gave few citizens freedom

Sultan & Ruling class

Everyone else

Safavids –Muslim Empire of Persia from 1501-1722

Shah –Persian word meaning king› Created a Shia kingdom, although most

Muslims were Sunni Golden Age of art

› Carpets› Glazed ceramic tiles

Muslims Rule India Mughal Empire – Islamic empire

of northern India begun in 1526 Akbar the Great –began his rule

at 13; by age 57 controlled almost all of India› Controlling of finance & gov’t› Built wealth on textiles› Religious toleration for everyone

except Sikhs who tried to rebel› Sikhism –combined Hindu &

Islamic beliefs (monotheism w/reincarnation)

Shah Jahan –grandson of Akbar; ruled during Golden age of Mughal empire

Built tomb for dead wife –Taj Mahal› Heavy taxes to build monuments led to

hardship & famine Empire will end with colonization of

India by the British