• Syllabus

1: The ‘Abbasid dynasty (750–1258)

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Sub sections and their related questions

The fall of the Umayyads and the ‘Abbasid Revolution; reasons for ‘Abbasid defeat of the Umayyads, including the role of ‘Abbasid military power; the consequences of the revolution; the shift of power from Syria to Iraq

• 17M.3op1.HL.TZ0.1: With reference to the period up to 900, discuss the consequences of the ‘Abbasid Revolution.
• 17N.3op1.HL.TZ0.01:

  Evaluate the view that the ‘Abbasid Revolution was mainly a religious revolution.

• 19M.3op1.HL.TZ0.1: To what extent did military power play a role in the ‘Abassid rise to power?
• 19N.3op1.HL.TZ0.1: Discuss the reasons for the fall of the Umayyads.
• 21M.3op1.HL.TZ0.1: Evaluate the consequences of the shift of power from Syria to Iraq.

Political, social and economic aspects of the first century of ‘Abbasid rule

• 18M.3op1.HL.TZ0.1: “While there was significant political development during the first century of ‘Abbasid rule,...
• 18N.3op1.HL.TZ0.1: “The success of ‘Abbasid rule up to 850 was mainly due to political factors.” Discuss.
• 20N.3op1.HL.TZ0.1: “Economic development was the most significant aspect of the first century of ‘Abbasid rule.” To...

Religious aspects of ‘Abbasid rule, the role of the Ulama

• 20N.3op1.HL.TZ0.2: Examine the role of religion in the maintenance of ‘Abbasid rule.

The impact of other civilizations on the ‘Abbasids; the Sassanian heritage

• 17N.3op1.HL.TZ0.02: To what extent did the ‘Abbasid dynasty draw upon the Sassanian heritage in the organization of...
• 19M.3op1.HL.TZ0.2: “The Sassanian heritage had a significant cultural and political impact on the ‘Abassid dynasty.”...
• 21N.3op1.HL.TZ0.1: Evaluate the impact of the Sassanians on the ‘Abbasid dynasty.

Case studies: al-Mansur; Harun al-Rashid; al-Ma’mun

• 18M.3op1.HL.TZ0.2: “Al-Ma’mun was an effective ruler.” To what extent do you agree with this statement?
• 19N.3op1.HL.TZ0.2: Evaluate the importance of Harun al-Rashid to the development of science and philosophy during...
• 21N.3op1.HL.TZ0.2: To what extent can Harun al-Rashid be considered a successful ruler?
• 22M.3op1.HL.TZ0.1: Evaluate the impact of Harun al-Rashid on the ‘Abbasid Empire.

Science, culture, philosophy and invention during the Golden Age of Islam

None

Decline of the empire; breakdown of ‘Abbasid authority; rifts and divisions; Mongol invasion

• 17M.3op1.HL.TZ0.2: To what extent did rifts and divisions within the ‘Abbasid Empire contribute to its decline?
• 18N.3op1.HL.TZ0.2:

  To what extent was the collapse of the ‘Abbasid dynasty caused by the Mongol invasion?

• 21M.3op1.HL.TZ0.2: “The size of the ‘Abbasid Empire was the main reason for its decline.” To what extent do you...
• 22M.3op1.HL.TZ0.2: To what extent did religious divisions cause the decline of the ‘Abbasid Empire?