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In addition to my presentation, I would like to provide more details into the reasoning and significance behind the key points I chose to talk about after read Silverstein’s introduction.

1. Caliphs and caliphates
   1. Following Muhammad, the caliphs were the leaders that chose the direction, metaphorically and literally, of the followers of Muhammad. It is under the thumb of caliphs that Islamic history ran its course.
2. Arabic language
   1. Arabic language was the language in which the Qur’an was written.
3. Geography – location
   1. I believe it is important to know about the geography of an occurrence to understand the context much more. For example, knowing the geography of where Islamic history took place can help create a tie to the true significance of camels. Without the camel, it would’ve been impossible to travel across any desert.
4. Muhammad
   1. Drawing a parallel with Christianity for a moment – The way Christianity is linked to Jesus of Nazareth, Islam is linked directly to Muhammad. He was the “Prophet of Allah” and the way in which Allah revealed himself to society. He is arguably the most important figure in Islamic beliefs.
5. Qur’an
   1. The Qur’an serves as the prayer book for Islam. Showcasing its relevancy today, Islamic followers still study and pray from this religious scripture. Also, the Qur’an also has a tie directly to Muhammad. Thus, it would be negligent to not share the significance of the Qur’an to someone who wants to learn about the religion.
6. Mecca and the Hajj
   1. This is a tradition that could be traced all the way back to Muhammad. This is relevant because people in the world today still take Hajjes to Mecca from all over the world.
7. Faith and Mosques
   1. When Islam would travel and takeover a new geographic region or city, they would build a mosque in the city. This impressive structure would: 1. Signify that the Islam now control the location and 2. The prestige of the structure would attract new followers.
8. Turkish slave soldiers
   1. The question of ‘Who fought in these wars?’ needs to be answered. It is interesting because the Turkish slave soldiers eventually rose to have their own caliph.
9. Sunni & Shiite Islam
   1. We see the significance of just how important caliphates truly were along with how sub-groups within Islam were formed.
10. Dynasty Rule of Islam
    1. I feel as though this is an important point to bring up considering Islamic history can be followed and studied in the categories of dynasties.
11. Conflict with Judea-Christians
    1. This is arguably a relevant topic in today’s world still. However, this can have a direct correlation of Islamic expansion and contraction (Example: Crusades).
12. Camels
    1. Much how history will have talk of shipbuilding, airplanes, automobile technology, etc. the question of transportation needs to be answered.
13. Trade
    1. Trade was a significant topic because it was a vehicle in which cultural diffusion occurred and Islamic ideas, beliefs and customers were spread.
14. Jihad
    1. I chose this topic because it is a misunderstood topic that is relevant in today’s world.
15. Taxes
    1. This answers the questions as to who actually funded much of the feats Muhammad and his followers sought after.