Islamic History: 1200-1800

3 units

An introduction to Islamic polities and societies from the Mongol conquests to the thirteenth century to the collapse and weakening of the colossal gunpowder empires of the Ottomans, Safavids and Mughals in the early eighteenth century. Broadly speaking, this course covers the Middle Period (1000-1800) of Islamic history, sandwiched between the Early and High Caliphal Periods (600-100) on the one hand and the Modern Period (1800-Present) on the other hand. Familiarity with the Early and High Caliphal periods is not assumed. The course will not be a survey of this period but a series of windows that will allow you to develop both an in-depth understanding of some key features of Islamic societies and a clear appreciation of the challenges (as well as the rewards!) that await historians of the Middle Period. Particular attention is given to the Mamluk and Ottoman Middle East, Safavid Iran and Mughal India.