AROUND THE AP WORLD DAY 76: DAR AL-ISLAM
1.2 Dar al-Islam: The House of Islam
Overview of Dar al-Islam
- The term "Dar al-Islam" refers to regions where Muslims can practice their faith as the ruling sect, particularly around 1200 CE.
- By this time, traditional caliphates were diminishing, leading to the rise of new Islamic states primarily led by Turks from Central Asia.
Key Islamic States in 1200 CE
- Significant empires included:
- Mamluks in Egypt
- Seljuks in the Middle East
- Ottomans rising in Anatolia
- Delhi Sultanate in India
Cultural and Intellectual Contributions
- Ibn Battuta's travels highlight the interconnectedness of these regions through Sufi schools and rest houses, emphasizing a personal relationship with Allah among Sufis.
Innovations and Intellectual Transfers
- Mathematics:
- Algebra and trigonometry have roots in Dar al-Islam; foundational concepts that influence modern mathematics.
- Literature:
- Aisha al-Ba'uniyyah is noted as a prolific female writer before the 20th century, recognized for her Sufi poetry.
- Rumi is highlighted as a contemporary best-selling poet in the U.S., showcasing ongoing literary impact from this period.
Medicine and Knowledge Preservation
- Medical advancements were significantly influenced by polymaths like Al-Razi and Ibn Sina (Avicenna), who contributed to understanding disease and anatomy.
- Dar al-Islam served as a custodian of ancient knowledge from Greek and Roman sources, preserving it within institutions like the House of Wisdom or libraries located in Timbuktu, Cairo, or Delhi.
Conclusion on Global Tapestry