Sunday, February 14, 2010
Ottoman Empire and Shafavid Empire
First of all I would like to say that I was amazed by the beauty of the Middle East. The beauty of the Topkapi Palace blew my mind. The Ottoman empire from Constantinople and the Safavid empire from Persia have both differences and similarities .Both the Ottoman and the Safavid Empire have great architecture in its buildings. They both share the love for art, music, culture and delicious food. They share a wonderful religion and religious practices. The biggest and most important difference between these two groups is that the Ottomans belong to the Sunni group and the Safavids belong to the Shi’ite group. The Ottomans always worried because the Safavids have excellent fighting skills and they could take power anytime. A series of battles was fought between these groups. They fought over land, territories, authority and prestige. Even though the Sunni and the Shi’ites share a religion they are both very different. The Shi’ites believe that their ruler must be a descendant of Muhammad, but the Sunnis were more open minded and they do not believe that. Today the Sunnis and the Shi’ites have not united and worked together. These two groups can overcome a lot and make Islam better.
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I also think that both empires have wonderful art and architecture. People in America for some reason are not exposed to the beauty of Islamic art and architecture. I'm not sure why, but I'm sure it's for the same reason we are not exposed to/taught about Islam as a religion.
ReplyDeleteIt was interesting to see that you talked about the Shi'tes and the Sunnis. But to help you out with your statement, Sunni agree with the position taken by many of the Prophet's companions, that the new leader should be elected from among those capable of the job. This is what was done, and the Prophet Muhammad's close friend and advisor, known as Abu Bakr, became the first Caliph of the Islamic nation. On the other hand, some Muslims share the belief that leadership should have stayed within the Prophet's own family, among those specifically appointed by him. The Shi'tes Muslims believe that following the Prophet Muhammad's death, leadership should have passed directly to his cousin or son-in-law.
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