Islamic CivilizationChapter 9.3

Age of Prosperity

Umayyad/Abbasid dynasty = Islamic “Golden Age”

Bazaar: covered market in Islamic cities

Social Structure

Muslims and non-Muslims not considered equal

Non-Muslims, like slaves, still treated well

Slaves could become free and gain rights

Women had male guardians

Muslim men allowed four wivesRequired to pay dowry (gift of money) to each

wife’s family

Islamic teachings and Arab culture clash

Women secluded from other men

Women required to cover skin

Philosophy, Science, and Technology

Muslims in the Arab Empire far more advanced than Europe:

Translated ancient Greek writings; published books on paper

First to use algebra First to use zero in mathematics

Studied space and starsKnew Earth is round

Developed astrolabe—tool used by sailors to determine location

Established medicine as a scientific fieldKnowledge of many diseases; contagions

Islamic Architecture

Mosque: Islamic place of worship

Minaret: tower of a mosque from which Muslims are called to prayer

Muezzin: crier who calls Muslims to prayer from the minaret