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The Rise and Fall of the Three Islamic Gunpowder Empires: A Six-Part Course with Tiago Neiva

The Rise and Fall of the Three Islamic Gunpowder Empires: A Six-Part Course with Tiago Neiva


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Between the fourteenth and nineteenth centuries, three Islamic dynasties–the Ottomans, the Safavids, and the Mughals–established themselves in three particular areas of Asia. Bordering each other, their domains covered, at their peak, a continuous territory ranging from Morocco to South India. These included geographies and cultures such as the Balkans, Maghreb, the Middle East, Central Asia, and the Indian subcontinent. They became the origin of three future modern nations: Turkey, Iran, and India.
Known as the three Islamic Gunpowder Empires, due to the profuse (and very innovative) strategic use of firearms on the battlefield. Their political, economic, and military relevance placed them at the level of the most powerful Western nations. From the perspective of Islamic history, they became part of the second political and cultural flowering of the Islamic world, after the hegemony (and subsequent decay) of the Islamic Golden Age, in the medieval period.
Led by an expert on Islamic architecture and art history, Tiago Miranda Neiva, this course will examine the three Empires’ political, religious, economic, and social dimensions. We’ll trace them from their birth, through their heyday and decline, including discussing their legacy for the contemporary world. In parallel sessions, this course will explore their cultural, architectural, and artistic achievements. Designed to inform curiosity as well as future travels, participants will come away with an increased knowledge of the early modern Islamic history, as well as the origin of some of the most relevant Islamic nations in the world.

 
Lecture 1: Lights from Turkey - The Ottoman Empire (1299-1922)
In this first session, we will cover the Ottoman Dynasty, from its birth as a small principality in northwestern Anatolia, to the steps taken to become one of the greatest military and political world powers, covering a large territory in three distinct continents; ending with the long and agonizing process of stagnation, decay, and disintegration which will give rise to the modern state of Turkey.
Lecture 2: The Artistic and Cultural Legacy of Ottomans
In the second session, we will explore the major achievements of Ottoman architecture, highlighting the Topkapi Palace, the mosques of architect Sinan, and traditional Ottoman houses. We will also explore the decorative arts, such as Iznik ceramics and tiles, calligraphy, textiles, and the Ottoman painting school.
Lecture 3: Lights from Persia – The Safavid Empire (1501-1722)
In this third session, we will cover the Safavid dynasty, from its origin as a small Sufi movement in the Caucasus, to its rise to the most significant Persian dynasty, responsible for the introduction of Shīʿism as the official state religion. At its peak of power, Safavids unify most of the traditional Persian world and lead it to the future construction of the modern state of Iran.
Lecture 4: The Artistic and Cultural Legacy of Safavids
In the fourth session, we will explore the major achievements of Safavid architecture, highlighting the massive complex of the Maiden of Isfahan, the Shah Mosque, and the Safavid Garden Palaces. We will also explore the decorative arts, such as ceramics, calligraphy, textiles and carpets, and the Safavid painting school.
Lecture 5: Lights from India – The Mughal Empire (1526 -1858)
In this fifth session, we will cover the Mughal dynasty, from its origin as a small Central Asian state in Uzbekistan, to its rise to become the (Islamic) ruler of most of the Indian subcontinent. Until the British Raj established itself as the dominant power in the 19th century, the Mughal Empire encompassed today’s modern territories of India, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Bangladesh, and Myanmar.
Lecture 6: The Artistic and Cultural Legacy of the Mughals
In our last session of the series, we will explore the artistic achievements of Mughal architecture, highlighting the city of Fatehpur Sikri, the Red Fortress, and the Taj-Mahal. We will also explore the decorative arts such as ceramics, the arts of the book, textiles, and the Mughal painting school.

Tiago Miranda Neiva was born and raised in Lisbon. He studied architecture in Rome and worked later in distinct offices in Portugal and Spain. For several years he was Professor of Arts and Art History, having a Master's degree in Teaching of Visual Arts. He is currently working towards a PhD focused on the Art and Architecture of al-Andalus: the confluence between the Arab, Jewish and Christian medieval world. In recent years he has been working as a tour guide in his hometown, seeking to show and reveal its most intimate secrets through an authentic and passionate local vision.

How does it work?
This is a six-part series held weekly and hosted on Zoom. Please check the schedule for the specific dates and times for each lecture.
Is there a reading list in advance?
Though the course is open to participants with no background in Islamic history, there are suggested readings for further investigation. You will receive this soon after course registration.
How long are the lectures?
Each lecture is 90 minutes long with time for Q&A.
How much is the course?
The course is $210 for six lectures.
Is a recording available?
In general, our courses are not recorded. However, if you need to miss a lecture please let us know in advance and we can arrange for a recording for that session on an individual basis.

This conversation is suitable for all ages.

90 minutes, including a 30 minute Q&A.

Customer Reviews

Based on 25 reviews
88%
(22)
12%
(3)
0%
(0)
0%
(0)
0%
(0)
B
B.P. (Mission Viejo, US)
Super Interesting!

Loved all the lectures, especially the last two (from India, so pretty obvious), where he compared and contrasted all three empires. I learned so much - even though I have taught this history to students. Definitely recommend.

P
P.R. (Québec, CA)
Very illuminating!

Tiago’s course is rich an dense, you have to pay attention but it is very rewarding.

P
P.R. (Québec, CA)
Another very generous seminar

A new discovery with each episode. Very stimulating!

P
P.R. (Québec, CA)
A very generous course

Tiago is passionate it is contagious

P
P.R. (Québec, CA)
A great lecture once again!

A very generous lecture about the last great Persian empire!

Customer Reviews

Based on 25 reviews
88%
(22)
12%
(3)
0%
(0)
0%
(0)
0%
(0)
B
B.P. (Mission Viejo, US)
Super Interesting!

Loved all the lectures, especially the last two (from India, so pretty obvious), where he compared and contrasted all three empires. I learned so much - even though I have taught this history to students. Definitely recommend.

P
P.R. (Québec, CA)
Very illuminating!

Tiago’s course is rich an dense, you have to pay attention but it is very rewarding.

P
P.R. (Québec, CA)
Another very generous seminar

A new discovery with each episode. Very stimulating!

P
P.R. (Québec, CA)
A very generous course

Tiago is passionate it is contagious

P
P.R. (Québec, CA)
A great lecture once again!

A very generous lecture about the last great Persian empire!