September Arabic Culture and Islam. Videos: Islam: Empire of Faith [Tues 18 Sept] Caravans of Gold [Tues 25 Sept]

Transcription

1 September Arabic Culture and Islam Videos: Islam: Empire of Faith [Tues 18 Sept] Caravans of Gold [Tues 25 Sept] Guest: Michael Frishkopf (Music) [Thurs 27 Sept]

2 The Culture of Islam [Referring to Islam: empire of faith + readings] What is Arab about Islamic culture? Orality and veneration of language Role of clan/patrilineal influence Concern for the vulnerable Issues/values of desert life Belief in spirits, mysticism How is it reflected in emergence of Islam? Arabic and literacy Rules governing gender relations/patrilineal social structure law Qur an (language and imagery) sufism

3 The Culture of Islam What is Islamic about being Muslim? The role of the Mosque The role of the hajj (pilgrimage) Veneration of Mohamed Images of Allah Pillars (five) Conversion As we continue over the next few days to look at culture and consider how we should understand Islamic Culture as distinct from Arab (in particular as it developed in Africa), we need to ask two questions: 1. How did different peoples understand and articulate 'being Muslim? 2. How did those understandings and articulations change over time (and why)?

4 Mapping Islam: origins to 1700 PBS Video: Islam: Empire of Faith timeline [ Abyssinia, Arabian Peninsula (7 th -8 th C) north (Syria, Persia) (7 th -8 th C) west (Egypt, North Africa) (7 th -8 th C) Spain, West Africa (8 th -15 th C ) East Africa (9 th -15 th ) Asia (12 th -16 th ) Mediterranean (Byzantine Empire, Greece, Eastern Europe) (14 th -16 th C) India (10 th -16 th C) China (7 th -17 th C) Indonesia (13 th -16 th ) Which of these are NOT included in the timelilne? Why do you think they are not? Brief History of Spread of Islam [

5 Medieval Empires: Africa, Asia, Mediterranean th C.

6 Early Spread of Islam

7 Medieval Empires: Africa, Asia, East Europe th C.

8 Ottoman Empire 14 th c. through 17 Th c.

9 Africa: spread of Islam Spread of Islam in Africa (interactive click to enlarge) [ [Please note error: Spread in East Africa should read from 8 th century)

10 Mapping Islam: origins to 1700 How did Islam create a Muslim World? political jihad (holy war) the Caliphs the Almoravids the Ottomans [ Turks ] the Saffivids [Persians] the merchants the clerics

11 The Culture of Islam What divided that world? Sunni Shi a Islam Schools of Law (eg Hanafi in India, Shafii in East Africa, Maliki in North and West Africa) politics/emergence of empires (eg Ottomans) culture (see article and discussion for Thursday, 20 Sept also source of unity, therefore complex issue)

12 The Culture of Islam: Arabic and literacy Arabic was language of the Qu ran -- learned even in non-arabic speaking regions: as Islam spread, so too did use of Arabic Written in different ways in different regions some areas primarily oral (language of the book), written only by scholarly/religious elite some areas, alphabet adopted to transcribe local languages (eg Hausa) Other areas Arabic used in conjunction with local languages, written in Arabic script (eg Swahili East Africa; Hassaniya Mauritania, West Africa) (see Resources )

13 The Culture of Islam: Arabic and literacy Reluctance to depict people in art led to attention given to Arabic itself as art-form: decoration on pottery, paintings, rugs, cloth, buildings (see Caligraphy in Resources ) Created basis for trans-national culture and communication Arabic literacy usually included understanding numbers, calculations, book-keeping -- facilitated expansion of commercial networks, diaspora Arabic scholars

14 The Culture of Islam: law Shari`a ["The way (to the watering hole)"]: The body and content of Islamic law. Traditionally divided into: Religious duties and Obligations to other people Fiqh: The study, or science, of Islamic jurisprudence. Roots of law: The Qur'an, hadith and umma ( concensus of the community ); concept of ijtihad

15 The Culture of Islam: law Four main schools (tend to dominate in different parts of Muslim world): Hanifi Maliki Shafi'i Hanbali Shi ite law Ja fari (see Islamic Law and History of Islamic Schools of Law under Resources )

16 The Culture of Islam: Rules governing images, worship Move from depicting and worshiping many Gods to worshipping only one and not depicting him/her other than in calligraphy, as well as fear that recreating the image of a person invited undo attention (potentially worship ) generated distinctive art styles favouring flora, fauna atomism... is the notion that all things, living or not, are made up of combinations of exactly identical atoms. The composition of atoms into things it is argued, is a divine prerogative, but artists or artisans, who must not compete with God, are allowed to organize these atoms in any arbitrary way they wish. Thus the free and imaginative variations of Islamic ornament or unusual combinations of motifs were seen as reflections of a philosophical doctrine on the nature of reality. (from Islamic Textile Arts)

17 The Culture of Islam: Rules governing images, worship Work such as Moroccan Kilims (rugs) often contain imperfections: This is why the mistakes we see in kilims have significance: were the kilim-maker to become too proud of their own skill, to seek perfection in their work and place too much importance upon their own abilities and creations, this would place them in danger. To be an act of devotion their work needs to show humility, an acknowledgement that their skill is given them by God, their materials and leisure provided by God... any beauty which they create from their labours is a small light from Allah, a hint of the unlimited beauty created by Allah in the next world. (from Islamic Textile Arts)

18 The Culture of Islam: Art, Islam, Gender and Textiles Ottoman Empire: - economy largely based on textile production, trade - rulers subsidized and regulated. - Carpets, silks, cottons, and other luxury goods comprised trade, mainly with Europe, - basis of healthy economy during - Women played extremely important role in textile economy, - outlet in embroidery, spinning allowed for power, financial independence in world dominated by men.

19 The Culture of Islam: Art, Islam, Gender and Textiles - Embroidery particularly important - Most from Imperial Harem, other harems of high officials, - also from workshops, factories, - domestic women working independently in homes largest, produced most unique intricate works, widespread reputation for excellence - Ottoman women in city centers, confined to homes used embroidery mainly to pass the time, but could also support themselves by taking individual commissions

20 Ottoman Embroidery Textiles (Woven by Women) Right: Berber rug weaving, Morocco (see Readings Islamic Textile Art)

21 The Culture of Islam: Rules governing images, worship particular styles of portraiture and human representation continued to flourish especially under influence of western art forms in 17 th and 18 th centuries Note lack of perspective, human likeness More Representations can be found at (under Readings -- Additional Resources ): Topkapi webpage (Ottoman):

22 The Culture of Islam: Rules governing gender relations Impact on architecture -- separate quarters for men and women (see Public and Private Space and Timothy Insoll The Archaeology of Islam, Book, pdf file especially pp. 17,19-20; both under Readings Additional Resources) Harems (also see Public and Private Space) Impact on dress modesty for women (see Islamic Dress, Islamic Clothing under Readings Additional Resources ) Left Turkish Right Persian Far Modern

23 The Culture of Islam: role of the mosque Islam requires collective prayer on Fridays, usually in Mosque: traditionally, said Muslim community defined by distance call for prayer could be heard; prayer unites Muslims everywhere Mosque s differ over Muslim world (according to local building materials, wealth of community), architecturally they aim for similarity in terms of minarets, prayer spaces and often attached social services like libraries, hospitals, schools The Ka'aba mosque, in Mecca, is an important part of the Hajj, or pilgrimage to Mecca. The Sankore Mosque at Timbuktu in Mali is built in traditional Sahelian style out of dried mud. The Grand Mosque in Kuwait was inaugurated in 1986,

24 The Culture of Islam: role of the mosque Telemcen, Algeria ( ) Damascus, Syria Tahoua, Niger Istanbul, Turkey ( ) Hesseki Hurem, Istanbul 1540 (mosque, school, soup kitchen) 1550s added women s hospital, bathhouse Sulayman Mosque Istanbul 16 th C

25 The Culture of Islam: role of the hajj Hajj: literally 'to set out for a place'. In Islam, refers to annual pilgrimage Muslims make to Mecca to perform religious rites in accordance with the method prescribed by the Prophet Muhammad traditionally took months, often years pilgrimage spread ideas, cultures over very long distances (eg Mansa Musa of Mali) (See Short History of the Hajj under Readings Additional Resources )

26 Islam in Africa: History, Culture, Religion In terms of shaping Middle East and Africa: How important was becoming Muslim, how important was the presence of Islam, as compared to the political, commercial and cultural ways in which the spread of Islam drew these regions and their peoples together?

27 Islam in Africa: History, Culture, Religion first BBC audio text emphasized ways in which Africa and Middle East became connected through shared religion Islam emphasized unity through shared values additional articles spoke of conflict and tensions arising from how history and politics shaped spread of Islam and Islamic connections over time article on Islam and Culture argued that history and politics ensured diversity even as Islam provided shared world values conflict not necessary today will follow that reasoning emphasizing material ways in which Africa drawn into larger Muslim world

28 Spread of Islam: conversion Spread of Islam Into Africa: 7 th -19 th C. 8 th. [source:

29 Spread of Islam: conversion Muslim Africa (2003) [source:

30 Spread of Islam: [Reference: BBC Story of Africa - Islam] North Africa and the Horn: 7 th C. Islamic armies move into Egypt, then across north Africa, incorporating pre-existing Arab communities, traders Islam brought political conquest in its wake (dynasties complete with administration, taxation eg Umayyad) Drew Africa into conflicts and political battles of Middle Eastern world (stretched from Spain to Baghdad) Early caliphates followed by shift from Arab world (Mecca, Damascus, Baghdad) to Turkish world: rise of Ottoman empire absorbed North Africa by 16 th C. Remained part of Ottoman empire until 19 th C.

31 Spread of Islam: [Reference: BBC Story of Africa - Islam] North Africa and the Horn: Berbers belong to story of North and West Africa Many resisted Arab armies initially; later converted and became base of Islamic expansion (eg into Spain) Source of intellectual purity, reformism: Almoravids Moved into West Africa possibly conquered ancient African kingdom of Ghana Left religious and intellectual legacy but did not settle or conquer politically Although critical to spread of Islam, retained Berber language Saharans speak dialects combining Berber and Arabic; Arab influence reinforced in some areas by arrival hassan tribes from 16 th c.

32 Early Spread of Islam

33 Medieval Empires: Africa, Asia, East Europe th C.

34 Ottoman Empire 14 th c. through 17 Th c.

35 Spread of Islam: [Reference: BBC Story of Islam] West Africa: Takrur earliest West African kingdom to identify with Islam influence of Muslim administrators, traders 11 th century (recount story of drought and power of Allah) Political allies of Almoravids Neighbouring Ghana incorporated first by trade (gold, salt), later through Almoravid legacy: economic not political Successor empire of Mali was Muslim: Mansa Musa established connections with Egypt and Mecca; made the pilgrimage returned with scholars, architects Previously known for trade, now seen as part of Muslim world

36 Ibn Battuta s Mali (West Africa) Ibn Battuta, 14 th Century traveller ] [see link to Ibn Battuta s African and Middle East travels in Resources ] For Ibn Battuta s description of Mali, seereadings not required click Ibn Battuta: West

37 Ibn Battuta s Muslim Africa (14 th century) [Catalan Atlas (Spain): 14th Century. [for larger view: fr/enluminures/manuscrits/aman6/i8%5f0000m.htm]] Facsimile: Mansa Musa holding Golden orb

38 Spread of Islam: West Africa: Most famous was Niger trading centre of Timbuktu: established as nomadic camp 12thc, major trading centre by 14 th ; 15 th -16 th centuries became centre of Islamic and Arab scholarship Reflected in famous Sankore Mosque (15 th C), home to Sankore University ( university of Timbuktu) Several colleges, led by imams, specialized in knowledge Islam but also astronomy, law, medicine Students worked with experts in each area attracted scholars throughout Middle East-North Africa

39 Spread of Islam: Known as city of books; Manuscripts and libraries among most valued in world Old West African proverb: "Salt comes from the north, gold from the south, and silver from the country of the white men, but the word of God and the treasures of wisdom are only to be found in Timbuktu." [see Timbuktu s Ancient manuscripts : ,00.html] Also: Wonders of the African World- Road to Timbuktu : ndr6.htm]

40 Spread of Islam: [Reference: BBC Story of Africa West African Kingdoms Kanem ] Further west, parallel developments along trade route from southern Libya to Kanem and Bornu (Chad) Kanem confederation: one clan leader converted to Islam late 11 th c; state consolidated, became Muslim by 13 th C by 16 th c. merged with Bornu: established diplomatic relations with Ottomans, called Fourth Sultanate of the World by 17 th c. writer King made pilgrimage, instituted Islamic law, supported Islamic scholarship, established relations with N Africa adopted army structure (slave soldiers), harem, administration (slave treasurers) like Ottomans received arms from Egyptians, used Ottoman soldiers

41 Spread of Islam: [Reference: BBC Story of Islam] West Africa: Hausa City States: stories of origin reflect process of Islamization and early African relations with Middle East [see Story of Africa: West African Kingdoms Hausa ] - Lake Chad (Bornu) connection - Northern connection -Ethiopia - Baghdad (and the legend )

42 Spread of Islam: [Reference: BBC Story of Islam] West Africa: 18 th and 19 th centuries: waves of reformist Islam engaged societies across West Africa in jihad: these were not primarily about conversion, so much as purification Also political: consolidated wealth, developed economic infrastructure, resisted colonial influences (some like Northern Nigerian Caliphate of Sokoto, very successfully) Islamic gov t retained by colonial rulers Intellectual influences drawn from North Africa and Middle East; remained in forms of brotherhoods that continue to shape both politics and societies

43 Spread of Islam: [Reference: BBC Story of Islam] West Africa: dynamics between Islam and culture reflected many areas (music, material culture) The Durbar : example of creating tradition that looked African, drew on Arab/Bedouin values, tied itself directly to Islam (celebration of Islamic feasts), finally drawn back into society to express other African feasts [

44 West Africa [source:

45 East Africa [reference BBC Story of Africa: Islam] Islamic influences came from several directions, over long period time: Egypt, Somalia, Arabia, Persia Most important process: trade and intermarriage with locals by merchants Indian Ocean: monsoon winds controlled when ships could move across and around Ocean merchants forced to spend up to six months on East African coast Local chronicles speak of founding of city-states by Persians (Shiraz) tale of purchasing island of Kilwa with the cloth it took to surround the land, establishes link between commerce and Islam Archaeology (excavation Mosques Isle Shanga) shows growing Muslim community from 11 th c.

46 Spread of Islam: cutlure [ Swahili Coast ]

47 Spread of Islam: cutlure Emergence of Swahili (from Arabic sahil or coast) language of Bantu origin, grammar, large Arabic vocabulary, also Persian words [ Readings -- articles on Islam, Language and Arab culture ] Mixed Arab-Persian influence seen in architecture, literature (poetry utendi) [Readings articles on Swahili Poems and Islam, Language and Ethnicity under Readings ] Network provided basis for spread of Islam, especially during Colonial era

48 Spread of Islam: cutlure 1830s Sultan Sayid Said (Oman) established capital at Zanzibar Traders of mixed descent: Swahili and African (eg Tippu Tip ) Took language, culture, religion to settlements far in interior looked not only to Zanzibar but to traditions of Oman affected social structure, marriage, identity [see Readings --not required Marriage that was not to be for story reflecting how commerce, culture, Islam and history shaped this region of East Africa]

49 Tippu Tip (Muhammad bin Hamid c ) Established commercial empire in Equatorial Africa (1860s ) Born in Zanzibar: father- Swahili merchant; mother- Nyamwezi began ventures early 1860s south of Lake Tanganyika ended under colonial rule Spread of Islam: cutlure [See also BBC Story of Africa: Islam East Africa]

50 Spread of Islam: cutlure Children in traditional, Islamic Clothing Celebration of the Prophet s Birthday Swahili style [ Swahili Coast ]

51 Arab Culture and Islam: conclusion As Islam spread outside Arab heartland, adapted to different languages, customs, environments. shows in everything: architecture, scholarship, music, customs, dress, social identity, government structure Essential tenets of the faith, centrality of Arabic as the language of Islam (even adapting to new linguistic environments) remained influential everywhere Need to look at individual societies over time to understand exactly how (and when) essential aspects of culture and religion became integral to their new hosts Understanding processes in historical context initial rise of Islam, ways in which people converted as Islam spread aids us in understanding attraction of Islam and culture today