DYNASTIES & LEADERS
Which dynasty built Baghdad?
The Abbasids
Who was the first Fatimid Imam-Caliph?
Imam al-Mahdi
Which city became famous for learning in the Abbasid period?
Baghdad
Who captured Jerusalem in 1099?
The Crusaders
Which language became the main administrative language under Abd al-Malik?
Arabic
Which dynasty ruled from Cairo?
The Fatimids
Who led the da‘wa in Yemen and Gujarat?
Sayyida Arwa
Which city in Spain became the centre of Umayyad culture?
Cordoba
Which Central Asian group later destroyed Baghdad in 1258?
The Mongols
What new form of Persian developed after Muslim influence?
New Persian - After Muslim rule expanded into Persia, the old Persian language (Pahlavi) slowly changed.
People started using Arabic letters, added many Arabic words, and mixed the two cultures’ ideas.
Which dynasty made Isfahan their capital?
The Saljuqs
Which da‘i spread the Ismaili message in Badakhshan and Khurasan?
Nasir Khusraw
Which city did the Fatimids build as their new capital?
Cairo
What major battle allowed the Saljuqs to enter Anatolia?
The Battle of Manzikert
Which famous love story appears in Arabic, Persian, and Turkish literature?
Layla and Majnun
Why do you think dynasties wanted big, beautiful capital cities?
To show their power, attract scholars, traders, and make their empire stronger.
Why did da‘is need to understand local languages and cultures?
To connect with people and teach effectively so communities could grow.
How do buildings like mosques show cultural blending?
They mix local styles (like Chinese, Persian, Andalusian) with Islamic features.
How do encounters between cultures sometimes help societies grow? give example
They bring new ideas, art, knowledge, and ways of thinking. Chinese Mosques, Cathedral Mosque of Cordoba
Why did Muslims translate books from Greek, Sanskrit, and Syriac?
They translated books because knowledge from any place or people was valuable.
Learning made their society smarter, stronger, and more creative.
How did new dynasties changing power affect the unity of Muslim lands?
It created diversity and creativity, but also caused political divisions and less central control.
How did the da‘wa help Ismaili communities survive even in hostile regions?
Through strong networks, learning, local leadership, and community support.
Why is it important to learn how cities like Cordoba, Cairo, and Baghdad became centres of culture?
Because they shaped science, art, religion, and connected people from many backgrounds & teach us about positive encounters
Why do you think encounters can sometimes lead to conflict AND creativity at the same time? Give examples
Because different groups may compete for power but also learn from each other. The crusaders, the Mongols & the Saljuqs
How did mixing different artistic traditions (Persian, Arab, Byzantine) help shape Islamic art? Give example
It created new styles, making Islamic art rich, unique, and diverse.
Persian colours & patterns
Arab calligraphy & shapes
Byzantine domes & mosaics