The Islamic World: 1000 Years in 18 Minutes

This paragraph discusses the rise of Islamic civilization from the Arabian Peninsula's desert landscape. It begins with the historical backdrop of the 6th century, where the region was overshadowed by the Persian Sasanian and Byzantine Empires. The Arab inhabitants were predominantly polytheistic nomadic tribes. The narrative then shifts to the birth of Muhammad in 570 CE, who Muslims believe was chosen by God as the last prophet. His mission was to spread monotheism among the Arabs, and the revelations he received formed the Qur'an, the central text of Islam. After facing persecution, Muhammad migrated to Medina, establishing the Islamic calendar and unifying the Arab tribes under Islam. His death in 632 led to a crisis of succession, and the title of Caliph was established, with the first four, known as the 'Rashidun', expanding the Muslim state and engaging in military campaigns. The period was marked by prosperity but also internal tensions, particularly between the supporters of Ali, who would later be known as Shias, and those who did not recognize his appointment, the Sunnis. The Umayyads then came to power in 661, moving the capital to Damascus and establishing a hereditary dynasty, leading to further conquests and the establishment of a vast empire.

The Abbasid dynasty's rise to power in 750 is marked by the brutal end of the Umayyad family. This Sunni Arab family, tracing their lineage to Abbas, the uncle of Muhammad, ruled for over five hundred years. The Abbasids are known for ending the expansionist policies and focusing on internal development, moving the capital to Baghdad, which became a thriving center of culture and learning. The Abbasid period is celebrated as the Golden Age of Islamic civilization, with significant advancements in various fields and the translation of Greek and other texts into Arabic. Harun al-Rashid, a notable Abbasid Caliph, is remembered for his patronage of scholars and diplomatic efforts. However, from the mid-9th century, the Abbasids began to lose control over their empire, leading to the rise of local Muslim dynasties and a shift towards a multicultural Islamic identity. The Fatimids and Buyids are highlighted as significant Shia dynasties that shaped the religious and political landscape, with the Fatimids establishing a 'shadow-caliphate' in Egypt and North Africa.

The Seljuks, a Sunni Turkic family, rose to power in 1055, taking control of Baghdad and defending the Abbasids against the Shia-Fatimid threat. They symbolized the Abbasid Caliph's centrality and legitimacy in the Sunni-Muslim world. The Battle of Manzikert in 1071 marked the opening of Anatolia to Turkic tribes, leading to the transformation of the region into a Turkic-Muslim land, with the Sultanate of Rum emerging as a significant power. The Crusades, launched in 1095, aimed to liberate holy places from Muslim control, leading to European forces occupying Jerusalem and establishing states along the Mediterranean. Saladin, a Sunni Kurdish leader, is highlighted for his defeat of the Crusaders and the liberation of Jerusalem in 1187. The Mongol Empire's rise in the 13th century brought about a significant shift, with Genghis Khan's conquests leading to the end of the Khwarazmian Empire and the eventual destruction of Baghdad in 1258, signaling the end of the Abbasid Caliphate and the Islamic Golden Age.

The Mamluks, originally Turkic slave-soldiers, gained political power in Egypt and became the defenders of Islam after defeating both the Mongols at the Battle of Ain Jalut and the Crusaders. Baibars, a Mamluk sultan, is noted for his role in repelling the Mongols and reestablishing the Abbasid Caliphate in Cairo, albeit with a marginal role. The Mamluks ruled for 250 years until the rise of the Ottoman Empire, which began with Osman's leadership around 1300. The Ottomans expanded their territories, conquering Constantinople in 1453 and marking the end of the Byzantine rule. Under Selim the Grim, the empire grew significantly, and in 1517, he captured Cairo, executing the last Mamluk sultan and declaring himself Caliph. The Ottoman Empire, along with the Safavid and Mughal Empires, formed the 'Gunpowder Empires,' which were strong and stable during the early modern period. The Ottoman Empire survived for 600 years, falling in the 20th century after World War I.