Spread Of Islam In The 16th Century

Question #1 Essay From the 11th to the 16th century we can see a shift in many countries due to the spread of the Islamic culture. Over the course of five centuries Islam became a prevalent practice in numerous regions and gained popularity due to its adaptability and diverse traditions. History proves to us that Islam moved across the Western Continent swiftly and with success for many, many years. I believe that the five centuries of Islamic Reign was efficacious due to the fact that Islam was not only a religion, but a way of life that consisted of edification, politics, and lifestyle traditions. Between 1000 CE and 1500 CE Islam had spread over a myriad of countries and gained followers in each of them. Each country with Islamic practice
had different conditions that abetted the Islamic Dynasties. Specifically, the Islamic Heartlands first conformed into an Islamic society by the amalgamation of political, religious and traditional norms. With the simplicity of religion, institution, and government unified under the same collective beliefs and practices, the emergence of the Islamic society was inevitable. In many parts of the Heartlands Islam was accepted with great success. Spain was among one of the earliest Islamic followers. Unambiguously, Spain was a big contributor to the spread of Islamic practices. Spain was inhabited by multiple major Islamic Dynasties between the 1000s and 1300s. The Umayyads reigned in under the Islamic culture until 1031 when the city of Toledo was lost to Christianity. When the Umayyads reigned they used their power to attract new supporters through a unified and peaceful country which was known for medicine, literature, science, and intellectual life. Northern Spain was reconquered by the Christians early in the 11th century, while the southern portion remained under Islamic Dynasties until the 13th century. The Almoravids and Almohads ruled until the late 13th century producing major philosophers and physicians in their time. Both rulers not only reached Spain, but also North Africa where reform movements took place to revive the Islamic reign. Ultimately, the Almoravids and Almohads revived much of the Moorish culture, which was made possible by the production and manufacturing of paper throughout Europe. Although their demise was met in the 13th century, the Islamic culture did not end there; it was carried into Egypt and the Eastern Mediterranean. The Fatimids were the next major Islamic Dynasty for North Africa, Egypt and Syria. Their rule was successful through radical movements. Politically, Islamic culture accepted assassinations, suicide missions, and other unorthodox methods to influence followers. Although their supremacy was short, under their rule the al-Azhar mosque was built and still stands today as a successful center of learning in Cairo. It represents the first Muslim run government in history for that region. Succeeding Fatimids, the Mamluks gained heir to their cause. They were successful in withstanding the Mongols and protected their Islamic culture. They are popular in Arab legend for their military fief system. The Mamluks remain the most prominent Islamic Dynasty and excelled in all areas of education. Even in present time the Mamluks leave their mark on architecture, mosaics, and metalwork in certain regions. Accordingly, Asia was also among the Islamic Heartlands and became known as the “most zealous” Muslims. The reign of the Saljuqs is best known for their founded mosques, roadways, and madrasa. During the Mongol Age, being Muslim was a death wish. Many wars and murders broke out across the land. It wasn’t until the 13th century that religious tolerance was practiced. Following into the 15th century Iran was peacefully united under rule of Shahrukh. As this concludes the Islamic Heartlands, Islam was effectively spread beyond these areas. India and Southeast Asia were also among Islamic civilization. The spread of Islam was made successful through merchants and traders. Many civilizations converted when business with Islamic nations became prominent. Without trade, travel, and wars Islam would have not flourished in reaching so many countries. Converting to Islam was prevalent throughout the Western Civilization due to its adaptability and diverse cultural norms.

Question #2 Essay The great Roman Empire is eminent in the historical world. Historical legends, prophecies and lessons were founded by the Romans. An infamous event in history was the division of the Roman Empire. The empire was allocated to the western and eastern territories. The division of the empire left the West and East to build a new empire of their own. Although once a united realm, the two territories began to differentiate in many ways. The two contrasted in political ways, religious ideals, and societal class. While they tend to differ, there is also few present similarities between the two. A once united Roman Empire, the East and West began to vary from one another in innumerable ways. The East, run under the reign of Constantine, grew in population. They were known for their wealth, vast cities, and being eclectic in religion and politics. The East emerged into an Orthodox Christian religion. It was then that Orthodox Christianity became the accepted faith of the Eastern Empire. The empire flourished in riches, luxurious cities, and continued to expand throughout its existence. The Byzantine Imperial power continued to grow well into the 10th century. They formed a military to successfully deal with enemies and threats to the empire. The East existed as a peaceful and successful empire until its defeat in the 15th century. Unlike the Western half of the empire, which had little success. Accordingly, the Western half immeasurably differed from the Eastern half, presently known as the Byzantine Empire.
The West was populated with barbarians and other civilizations that were unable to conform to the societal norms of the East. However, the West did conform to the Catholic Church and looked to the pope for leadership and guidance. The West was always in turmoil, under attack from enemies and civil war conflicts of their own. The West only lasted until the 5th century; that is until Charlemagne revived it and helped reclaim its title. The spread of Islam took its toll on the Western Empire. By the tenth century the west was seen as a multicultural city that embraced Arabs, Berbers, Jews and other converts. They lived and worked together teaching and striving in their golden age. Eventually the Muslims conquered the West and sought to take over the East. Due to the lack of leadership and conformity in the West it led to its ultimate failure as an
empire. The Eastern and Western Empires of Rome differed in many ways. They began as one united country, splitting into two desolate regions. Although some of their beliefs were similar, their way of life and class of people varied immensely. Both empires experienced a rise and fall; ultimately the Byzantine Empire was more powerful and successful in its reign. While the Western Empire experienced success at their own times, the majority of their reign was under disorder and invasion. The East however, grew powerful, expanded and succeeded in building a powerful kingdom. The differences between the two were the cause of their success and their demise.

Question #3 Essay In the Middle Ages the Investiture Controversy arose between Pope Gregory VII and Henry IV. This conflict between church and state was both religious and political. I believe that it was indeed a precedent for the modernized separation of church and state. This conflict can be misconstrued and perceived as solely a religious conflict but that is not the case here. This conflict involved both political and religious and helped shape many governments in modern day society. There are always two sides to every story, we see the same case here. The reason this conflict bears such significance in history is due to the way of life in the Middle Ages. Unlike in modern-day society, church played a role in the rules and regulations of a city and civilization. The appointed officials of the church were acting authority officials of the town. The country, while under the rule of the Emperor, was also under the regulation and instruction of the church. In the Middle Ages, bishops and priests were the same as present-day sheriffs and mayors. Each town or city were under the decree of their bishop and other appointed church officials. This is why the struggle initially begun. The political side of this polemic is the view of the Emperor, whom, just like any other sovereign sought political control of each city or state. In the Middle Ages the Emperor chose the bishops for each church, knowing that they had the most influence over each town. As we can see in today’s society, we have mayors, sheriffs, representatives, senators and other varieties of political parties responsible for each individual state. The church today however, has no authority over anyone or anything. The Investiture Controversy was political in the fact that the Emperor knew he needed political officials in each town and in order to certify that happened he chose who was appointed as the clergymen. Contrariwise, there is a very distinct religious sector of this controversy as well.
History has proven politics to often be corrupt, time and time again. Religion has no precincts for corruption. As the pope of a church, who holds his people to a moral standard, Gregory VII wanted to warrant that the correct religious officials be put into place. He took stand against the Emperor to exemplify his views on the matter. Ultimately, it worked out in his favor. As we see today, there is separation between church and state to prevent any conflict. Our country no longer has an amalgamated religion, we exercise free religious practice. No church official has any rule or authority over their city or town, because not everyone shares the same
faith. Without the Investiture Controversy I believe that the world would be a different place. Separation of church and state would cease to exist. Wars would continually break out across countries over religious freedom. In order for countries to stay united under one government, separation is needed. Religion is about moral standards and personal belief. Politics is about societal principles and suitable behavior. The two can coexist separately, but cannot be joined as one without causing unceasing conflict.