The Crusades: Islamic Perspectives
During the Middle Ages, the medieval Islamic empire spread over much of the world. It was the most sophisticated culture of the time. Although the rulers of the empire were Muslims, those who were ruled did not have to follow Islam themselves, only agree to have Muslim overlords. The empire was tolerant, and embraced other cultures, other races, other languages. Baghdad, the centre of the empire was a sight to see. Islamic art and architecture, philosophy, literature, poetry was all flourishing. There was great interest in wisdom, and scholars from around the world, of all races, with a range of knowledge came to Baghdad and formed the first real community of international scholars. Europe at this time was not prospering. London, compared to Baghdad, was a maze of muddy streets in fear of constant threats of fire and plague due to poor planning and sanitation. Londoners did not have the many luxuries and pleasures one had when living in Baghdad. The Christians decided to wage war on this great Islamic empire. In this workshop, we will study Islamic responses to these acts of war.
Statue of Saladin, an important Islamic leader
Curriculum for Excellence subjects and skills:
SOC 3-01a / SOC 4-01a / SOC 4-04b / SOC 4-05c / SOC 3-06a / SOC 4-06a
RME 4-02a / RME 3-05a / RME 4-05a / RME 3-09b
National Curriculum subjects and skills:
History: Development of Church, state and society in Medieval Britain, 1066-1509: Christendom, the importance of religion and the Crusades. Understanding how different types of sources are used to make historical claims; how and why contrasting arguments and interpretations of the past have been constructed.
Geography: Developing contextual knowledge of the location of geographically significant places, understanding geographical similarities and differences and links between places. Building knowledge of globes and maps, analysing and drawing conclusions from geographical data.
RE: Learning about Islam and Christianity. Developing understanding of concepts and mastery of skills to make sense of religion and belief.