Video Lesson

Lesson Objectives

At the end of this lesson, you will be able to:

• Describe the main features of the medieval period in Asia.
• Explain the rise and expansion of Islam throughout the world
• Explain Chinese dynasty and its characteristics
• Describe the ottoman expansion and its achievement.

Brainstorming Questions

• DO you know about ottoman Turkish expansion in the area ?
• What do you know about the dynastic cycle of China?

Key Terms

4.2.1 The Rise and Expansion of Islam

Origins of Islam:

• Islam began in the Arabian Peninsula with the teachings of Prophet Muhammad around 610 AD in Mecca.
• The term “Islam” means “submission to the will of Allah (God),” and followers are known as Muslims.

Early Opposition:

• The Quraysh Arabs opposed Muhammad and persecuted him and his followers.
• In 622 AD, Muhammad and his followers migrated from Mecca to Medina, an event known as the Hijra, marking the beginning of the Islamic calendar.

Impact of Islam:

• Following Muhammad’s death, Islam rapidly transformed the political, religious, and social structures of the Near East and Middle East.
• The Arab Caliphates of the Umayyad and Abbasid dynasties emerged, leading to the establishment of a vast Muslim empire from North Africa and Spain to Central Asia.

Military Contributions:

• The Seljuk and Ottoman Turks expanded Islam through military conquests in Palestine, Asia Minor, and Arabia, spreading the religion to new territories.

Figure 4.2 Kaaba, Mecca, Surrounded by pilgrims during the Hajj, Saudi Arabia, (source: Islamic Monitor)

4.2.2 The Expansion of the Ottoman Empire

• Rise of the Ottoman Turks:
• The Seljuk Turks began military occupation in the region around 1040 AD. By the end of the 13th century, they were succeeded by the Ottoman Turks, named after their chief, Osman (or Othman).
• Territorial Expansion:

• The Ottoman Empire was centered in what is now Turkey and became known as the Ottoman Turkish Empire.
• Key milestones in their expansion:
  • Captured Anatolia in 1336 (establishing their capital).
  • Conquered Adrianople in 1356 and Salonika in 1387.
  • Defeated the Serbs in 1389 and Bulgarians in 1393, gaining control over much of the Balkan Peninsula by the 15th century.
• Conquest of Constantinople:

• In 1453, the Ottomans conquered Constantinople, renaming it Istanbul and making it their capital.
• They expanded further, conquering Syria in 1516 and Egypt in 1517.
• Military Structure:

• The Ottomans formed elite troops known as janissaries, who were crucial in spreading Islam and securing wealth from trade routes between Europe and Asia.
• They restricted European merchants from accessing the Far East.
• Social Structure:

• Ottoman society was divided into four groups: Sultan, grand viziers (bureaucrats), janissaries (soldiers), and various occupational groups.
• The culture of the Ottoman Empire was deeply influenced by Islamic traditions.

4.2.3 Dynastic Cycle in China

• Chinese Civilization:
• China developed a rich civilization that significantly influenced East Asia, particularly Korea and Japan.
• Dynastic Cycle Concept:
• The Chinese embraced the idea of a “dynastic cycle”:
  • A new dynasty would rise, demonstrating strength, good governance, and public support.
  • Over time, as corruption and weakness set in, the dynasty would lose the “Mandate of Heaven,” leading to its downfall.
  • This cycle would repeat, often initiated by a rebellion that established a new dynasty.
• Historical Context:

• A succession of imperial dynasties governed China, from the Qin to the Qing dynasty.
• The Qing dynasty’s rule ended with a revolution in 1911/1912, marking a significant transition in Chinese history.