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Developments in Dar al-Islam from c. 1200 to c. 1450
Created by Shaunak Ghosh
Explore how core Islamic beliefs shaped societies from West Africa to South Asia, how new Turkic-led states emerged after the Abbasids, and how ideas spread through merchants, warriors, and scholars. Finish by uncovering the era’s groundbreaking algebra and engineering advances.
Requirements
- Basic medieval world timeline awareness
- Familiarity with map of Afro-Eurasia
- Concept of empire and trade networks
What you'll learn
- Explain how foundational Islamic beliefs guided law and daily life.
- Describe how Islam blended with local cultures in Africa and Asia.
- Analyse political fragmentation of the Abbasids and rise of Turkic states.
- Compare military, commercial, and spiritual mechanisms of Islamic expansion.
- Identify key scientific and technological innovations fostered by Islamic states.
Learning path
6 modules • Each builds on the previous one
1
Islamic Core Beliefs & Practices
Introduce the Five Pillars, Qur’an authority, Sharia, and major religious practices that unified Muslim communities between 1200-1450.
2 videos13 min
2
Islam in Medieval Africa
Examine how Islam blended with local cultures in West and East Africa, influencing trade, education, and governance.
2 videos10 min
3
Islam in South & Southeast Asia
Analyze how Islam interacted with Hinduism, Buddhism, and local customs, shaping states like the Delhi Sultanate and Malacca.
1 video6 min
4
Abbasid Collapse & Turkic States
Trace the fragmentation of the Abbasid Caliphate and rise of Turkic-led polities like the Seljuks and Mamluks, noting continuity, innovation, and diversity.
2 videos9 min
5
Mechanisms of Islamic Expansion
Investigate how military campaigns, merchant networks, missionaries, and Sufi orders spread Islam across Afro-Eurasia.
1 video4 min
6
Intellectual Innovations & Transfers
Explore scientific, mathematical, and cultural achievements fostered by Islamic states and their transmission to Europe and Asia.
1 video5 min
Start Learning
Begin your learning journey
Modules6
Duration44 min
Science-backed learning
In-video quizzes and scaffolded content to maximize retention.
Key concepts
Five Pillars Of IslamSharia And MaqasidIslamic Influence On West African Trade And EducationMansa Musa’S Political Use Of PilgrimageIslamic Rule In The Delhi SultanateAbbasid Fragmentation And Rise Of Turkic PowersMamluk Military SystemMilitary, Commercial, And Missionary Spread Of IslamAlgebra, Automation, And Scientific Exchange In Dar Al-Islam