Absolutism outside of Europe Suleiman the Magnificent 1520

Absolutism outside of Europe

Suleiman the Magnificent, 1520 - 1566 • Sultan of the Ottoman Empire • Conqueror of : Balkan Peninsula, N. Africa, Turkey & Arabian Peninsula • Golden Age • Constantinople became a center of education & learning • Kanuni: "The Lawgiver" Laws he developed -not covered under Islamic Shari'ah law • Poet: Wrote some of the best Islamic poetry • Builder: Bridges, mosques & palaces http: //www. turkishculture. org/architecture-403. htm

Akbar the Great • Direct descendent of Genghis Khan • Father was Babur - the first Mughal ruler of India • Conquered lands from Afghanistan to Bengal • Religiously tolerant • Known for the Mughal style of architecture, which combined elements of Islamic, Persian and Hindu design, and was a patron of the arts

Shah Jahan • • Ruled Indian subcontinent from 1628 to 1658 Golden Age of Indian Architecture: Founder of the city of Delhi Taj Mahal in Agra built as a tomb for his favorite wife Mumtaz Mahal (able to build due to influx of silver from Europe gained from colonies)

Tokugawa Shogunate 16001868 1600: defeated all his rival daimyos for the position of shogun. He united the country & centralized the government

Centralized feudalism All daimyo required to live in the capital in Tokyo every other year; while family always remained in the capital. Daimyo were required to ask permission before repairing their castles or marrying Only samurai could serve in the military or gov’t jobs Lower classes forbidden from wearing silk

Peace & Prosperity Increased crop yields led to increased population Towns grew around daimyo castles Trade between towns increased Merchants began to gain status in Japanese society Gained influence by loaning money to daimyo/samurai or marrying their daughter to samurai

Influence & Isolation Missionaries from Spain (Francis Xavier) began to convert the Japanese to Christianity Shogun feared a takeover by Spain and the Christians would be loyal to the Pope (not the Shogun) 1638: Foreigners were banned Japanese Christians were severely persecuted; killing thousands Dutch were allowed 1 -2 ships to trade/year Xenophobia = Fear of foreigners Tokugawa Shogunate = policy of isolation for 200 years!