The Importance of Geography and Trade in the Muslim Empire

Hot desert air whips your face. Sand lashes at you, scratching your uncovered face. An burning sun looms above your head. All you long for is shade and water. Over the sand dooms you spot a tower. Excited, you urge your camel onwards. A relived sigh escapes your lips. The magnificent city of Baghdad is spread below you.

The Islamic Empire grew and thrived despite the adverse climate and geography. The great achievements and cultural advancements were shaped by the landscape and trade. Trade from Mediterranean, Syria, and Yemen brought in a wealth of ideas and products. Caravans transported perfume, spice, incense, silk, gold, ivory, and many more luxuries. The growth of the Muslim Empire, the spread of Islam, and the achievements of the Golden Age were all impacted by trade and geography.

Not only did wars expand the Muslim Empire, but climate and wars affected development. Harsh climate negatively impacted empire. The desert land made sustainable farming impossible so groups of nomindiaadic people called Bedouin would travel from oasis to oasis with their livestock. This meant necessary food had to be gotten from imports. That negatively impacts the amount of people able to survive on foreign grain. There was not enough fertile land with adequate water supplies for many people to live on.  Transportation was limited to desert travel or sea voyages. Despite these setbacks, major trading centres such as Mecca and Baghdad formed. This was because of their ideal location, close to the Mediterranean, Central Asia, and India. A cross roads of trade routes formed, bringing in new people and ideas.

The spread of Islam was affected by both the trade and the geography of the region. Trade brought in more people who were exposed to the Islamic faith. Access to different areas such as the Mediterranean and India made it easier for conquering armies to convert surrounding neighbors. Visiting tradesmen gained new knowledge about Islam. Muslim armies traveling to foreign lands would convert the citizens into Muslims. In the begining of the 6th century, very few people accepted the Muslim faith. But by 661, it had spread through the entire Arabian Peninsula. In 1180, North Africa, Spain, Persia, and up to the border of India had been converted! Islam united these people under one faith, strengthening the empire.

 During the Golden Age (800-1100), the Muslim Empire's achievements exceeded that of Mideval Europe's. They had great leaps in math, science, literature, and the arts. Instead of disregarding the knowledge of other civilizations they learned to learn from the generations before them and the surrounding cultures. Their trade with Europe and the rest of Asia brought in new ideas and concepts they could build upon. For example, they studied the Indian concept of "0" and created algebra which is today used in chemistry, physics, and medicine. Often called "Arabic numerals" the numbers we use today are really of Indian origin. Poetry was as popular and esteemed as modern pop music. Sufis used it to teach their beliefs that one should live simply and pray to get close to God. Their ideals spread as far as Asia, India, and sub-Sahara Africa.

Trade and geography were major factors that affected the Golden Age, expansion, and development. It shaped the Muslim faith we know today.