Islamic Empires
Now that we have learned a little more about Islam we will use the second part of Chapter 10 and some other activities to learn about the Ottoman Empire- one of the most successful Islamic Empires.
At their peak the Ottoman’s were led by a man known as Suleiman the “Magnificent”. Their Empire went from the Middle East into Northern Africa, and all the way to Western Europe.
At their peak the Ottoman’s were led by a man known as Suleiman the “Magnificent”. Their Empire went from the Middle East into Northern Africa, and all the way to Western Europe.
Instructions;
1. Read page 330 in section 5 to learn more about Suleiman and answer question 4 in the section review.
2. In the Chapter review on pg 335 answer question 1 (Belief systems) question 2 (empires) and then question two under “Connections to Today”. Make sure you clearly explain why you think a nation should encourage diversity- or how diversity could weaken a country. Don’t forget the two advantages & disadvantages of diversity in America.
Social Structure Activity
Many cultures (including schools) have social structures. These social structures can tell you a lot about what the culture values- what they find to be important.
The Ottoman class structure was determined in part by religion and in part by government.
The ones at the top were “Men of the Sword”- those who protected the Sultan (like our Secret Service) and the leaders of the military Next were the “Men of the Pen” scientists, lawyers, judges and poets Then came “Men of Negotiation” merchants, tax collectors and artisans who carried out trade and production “Men of the Husbandry” -the farmers and herders were at the bottom. What does this tell you about who they think is important? Think about it… then ask yourself who is important in our community? |
The Social Order Activity
Within the attached Picture / PDF document below;
The Flow Chart on the left shows the order of the Ottoman Empire as explained above.
The Flow Chart in the Middle is blank because I want you to pick some other “culture” (band, a sports team, a school, a family, etc) to break down. You need to look at this “culture” and decide where the priorities are, then make a flow chart from it.
The Flow Chart on the Right is also blank, in this one I want you to break down the social structure of the United States. Think about where what jobs we consider important and fill them in on the flow chart.
The Flow Chart on the left shows the order of the Ottoman Empire as explained above.
The Flow Chart in the Middle is blank because I want you to pick some other “culture” (band, a sports team, a school, a family, etc) to break down. You need to look at this “culture” and decide where the priorities are, then make a flow chart from it.
The Flow Chart on the Right is also blank, in this one I want you to break down the social structure of the United States. Think about where what jobs we consider important and fill them in on the flow chart.
You should create your flowchart using the inspiration program on our computers. If you are not working on a computer… make one by hand.
Ottoman Empire Part Two-
equal opportunity employment
Most people would assume that the leader of an Empire like the Ottoman Empire would reward his friends with the best.
President Andrew Jackson started doing this in the United States creating what we call the "Spoils System."
The journal question is... if you give the jobs to your friends are you really picking the most qualified people for the job?
President Andrew Jackson started doing this in the United States creating what we call the "Spoils System."
The journal question is... if you give the jobs to your friends are you really picking the most qualified people for the job?
The quote below is from Busbecq, an Ottoman observer-
"In all that great assembly no single man owed his dignity to anything but his personal merits and bravery; no one is distinguished from the rest by his birth… every man having his place assigned to him by virtue of the function which he performs.
The Sultan… pays no attention to wealth… takes no account of any influence or popularity which a candidate may possess: he only considers merit and scrutinizes the character, natural ability and disposition of each.”
Journal Questions- Would you rather work for Jackson or Suleiman? What if you were one of their friends? Would you be mad if you did not get a job from him?
Journal Questions- How is this a characteristic of a good leader? Do you think you could live by such standards?
****Just an afternote, Suleiman was not "perfect," in fact he had some of his own sons killed because he thought they were trying to take his power.
"In all that great assembly no single man owed his dignity to anything but his personal merits and bravery; no one is distinguished from the rest by his birth… every man having his place assigned to him by virtue of the function which he performs.
The Sultan… pays no attention to wealth… takes no account of any influence or popularity which a candidate may possess: he only considers merit and scrutinizes the character, natural ability and disposition of each.”
Journal Questions- Would you rather work for Jackson or Suleiman? What if you were one of their friends? Would you be mad if you did not get a job from him?
Journal Questions- How is this a characteristic of a good leader? Do you think you could live by such standards?
****Just an afternote, Suleiman was not "perfect," in fact he had some of his own sons killed because he thought they were trying to take his power.