how did the abbasid caliphate differ in style and substance from the umayyad calipate?
http://www.forumancientcoins.com/historia/islam_1.htm
I wish you were my teacher--sometimes my teacher explains stuff as if it's rocket science. Thanks fo r the help . i mean really thank you.
You're very welcome. And thanks for the compliment. :-)
To understand how the Abbasid Caliphate differed in style and substance from the Umayyad Caliphate, we need to explore some historical context and key factors. The Abbasid Caliphate, which succeeded the Umayyad Caliphate, marked a significant transition within the Islamic world.
1. Revolt against Umayyad Rule: The Abbasid Caliphate emerged as a result of a revolt against the Umayyad Caliphate. The Abbasids, led by Abu al-Abbas, successfully overthrew the Umayyads and established their own dynasty in 750 CE. This revolt had both political and theological motivations.
2. Geographic Relocation: The Umayyad Caliphate had its capital in Damascus, while the Abbasids established their capital in Baghdad. This relocation shifted political power and influenced their governing style.
3. Cultural and Ethnic Diversity: The Abbasid Caliphate embraced a more inclusive approach, incorporating non-Arab Muslims into their administration. They also adopted Persian bureaucratic practices, which influenced their administration, court rituals, and cultural aspects.
4. Shiite Influence: The Abbasids relied on the support of Shia forces during their uprising against the Umayyads. As a result, they adopted some Shiite doctrines and incorporated them into state ideology, leading to greater influence for Shiite scholars.
5. Administrative Reforms: The Abbasids introduced various administrative reforms, including a more complex bureaucracy and centralized governance. They focused on expanding and improving the caliphate's administration, taxation, justice, and military structure.
6. Intellectual and Scientific Achievements: The Abbasid era witnessed a flourishing of scholarship, learning, and translation of ancient Greek, Persian, and Indian texts. Islamic scholars made significant contributions to various sciences, philosophy, medicine, literature, and art, creating a Golden Age of Islamic civilization.
7. Trade and Urbanization: Under the Abbasid rule, trade routes thrived, facilitating cultural exchange, economic growth, and urban development. Cities like Baghdad, Samarra, and Cairo became centers of commerce, learning, and cultural exchange.
In summary, the Abbasid Caliphate differed from the Umayyad Caliphate in terms of their style and substance. The Abbasids had a more inclusive approach to governance, relocated the capital, adopted Persian bureaucratic practices, incorporated Shiite influences, implemented administrative reforms, supported intellectual and scientific advancements, and fostered trade and urbanization. These factors contributed to the distinctive features and character of the Abbasid Caliphate.