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Developments in Dar al-Islam

Teacher Resources

Driving Question: How did the expansion of Dar al-Islam shape political systems, cultural exchanges, and technological advancements?

Dar al-Islam, a term that translates to “World of Islam” or “Abode of Islam”, describes much more than a geographic region in which Islam held influence. Stretching from North Africa, through the Middle East, all the way out to the East Indies, Dar al-Islam encompasses a vast array of cultures, languages, and traditions, all intertwined by their shared belief in Islam.

Learning Objectives:

  1. Explain how systems of belief and their practices affected various societies in the period from c. 1200 to c. 1450.
  2. Explain the causes and effects of the rise of different Islamic states over time.
  3. Explain the effects of intellectual innovation in Dar al-Islam.
  4. Learn about strategies to help you respond to short-answer questions (SAQs) on the AP® World History exam.

Vocab Terms:

  • caliphate
  • Christianity
  • dynasty
  • Islam
  • Judaism
  • polytheistic
STEP 1

Opener: Developments in Dar al-Islam

STEP 2

The Emergence of Islam

Islam is one of the world’s largest religions. Almost a quarter of the world’s population identifies as Muslim. How did Islam grow to become one of the world’s biggest religions?

The Emergence of Islam External link

Islam is practiced by nearly 2 billion people—that’s 1 in 4 people on the planet. Muslims and historians alike think about the history of early Islam by studying the Qur’an and Hadith.

Key Ideas

As this video progresses, key ideas will be introduced to invoke discussion.
STEP 3

Dar-al-Islam 1200–1450

Empires come and go, but belief systems can last much longer. This is most certainly the case with Islam, one of the largest and oldest belief systems in the world.

STEP 4

Causes and Consequences of the Crusades

How did centuries-long wars between Christians and Muslims lead to productive cultural and scientific exchanges? It doesn’t seem like war would be great for intellectual exchange, but stranger things have happened!

Causes and Consequences of the Crusades External link

The Crusades were a centuries-long struggle between Christian and Muslim realms, as they struggled for control of the Holy Lands. Yet, these conflicts also brought new connection and ideas into the Mediterranean world.

Key Ideas

As this video progresses, key ideas will be introduced to invoke discussion.
STEP 5

Closer: Developments in Dar al-Islam

You will be an ACE at answering the SAQ portion of the AP® World History: Modern exam if you remember to Answer, Cite, and Explain!