* 634 - 644 = time of Arab expansion (Islam remained a chiefly Arab religion) o After they went into North Africa many non Arab people converted * Many ppl saw Islam as a well organized life * Way of life did not conflict w/ Muslim teachings (culture remained diverse) o Also Muslims tolerated Jews and Christians (more diverse) Political Divisions in the Islamic Empire: * Umayyads = strong military leaders * Muslim territories became dissatisfied w/ Umayyad rule * Non Arabs = angry b/c …showed first 75 words of 329 total…

…showed last 75 words of 329 total…Turks: The Seljuk Turks * 1055 the Seljuk Turks conquer Baghdad * Seljuk leaders called themselves sultans (took over political power) * Abbasid caliphs became religious leaders * They defeat Byzantine forces, Byzantines call on Christians for help (prompting crusades) * Both empires weakened by crusades The Mongols * 1258 Asian Warier led by Hulagu (grandson of Genehis Khan), took Baghdad disposed of the Abbasid and ended Seljuk rule * stopped in Egypt by Islamic forces in 1260 The Ottoman Turks * Osman ruled from 1290 - 1326