Examine the role of the Silk Road in encouraging the transmission of religious ideas and art.

The question requires that candidates consider the interrelationship between the Silk Road and the transmission of religious ideas and art. Candidates may refer to the spread of Islam, which began with the rise of the ‘Abbasids and became the dominant force along the western half of the Silk Road: Islamic society fostered trade and there was an Islamic presence in most Chinese ports. Candidates may also examine the impact of Christian missionaries, such as the Dominicans in Persia, India and western central Asia and the Franciscans in eastern central Asia, Mongolia and China. Examples of the transmission of art could include the adoption of Persian styles and Indian ikat by Tang weavers, the popularity of Middle Eastern styles in metalwork, the Chinese influence on Iraqi miniaturists, and the introduction of cobalt blue into Chinese porcelain manufacture. Candidates’ opinions or conclusions will be presented clearly and supported by appropriate evidence.