| Date | May 2019 | Marks available | 15 | Reference code | 19M.3op1.HL.TZ0.2 |
| Level | Higher level only | Paper | Paper 3 (History of Africa and the Middle East) | Time zone | TZ0 |
| Command term | Discuss | Question number | 2 | Adapted from | N/A |
Question
Section 1: The ‘Abassid dynasty (750–1258)
“The Sassanian heritage had a significant cultural and political impact on the ‘Abassid dynasty.” Discuss.
Markscheme
Candidates are required to offer a considered and balanced review of the opinion that the Sassanian heritage had a significant cultural and political impact on the ‘Abbasid dynasty. Candidates may refer to the number of experienced Iranians in high positions in the ‘Abbasid civil administration who took some of their practices to the new caliphate. They can also consider the Sassanian influence in the revival of the institution of the vizier, and in the formation of a new Irano–Islamic class of secretaries. Candidates may also consider the Sassanian heritage especially noticeable in the perpetuation of arts and crafts such as silk, plate, and stucco, as well as in the architecture and decoration of palaces. Sciences, especially mathematical methods, were also influenced by Sassanian heritage.
Examiners report
Candidates were required to offer a considered and balanced review of the opinion that Sassanian heritage had a significant cultural and political impact on the ‘Abbasid dynasty.
