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Umayyad
Umayyad , the first Islamic dynasty (661-750). Their reign witnessed the return to leadership roles of the pre-Islamic Arab elite, and the rejuvenation of tribal loyalties. The Banu Ummaya constituted the higher stratum of the pre-Islamic Meccan elite. Having entered into an agreement with Muhammad ...
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Hasan
Hasan , c.625-c.669; son of Ali and Fatima (daughter of Muhammad the Prophet). When Ali was killed in 661, Hasan became caliph, but he was not strong enough to withstand the threat of arms of the Umayyads and under pressure abdicated in favor of Muawiya . He retired to Medina and died, reputedl...
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Abbasid
Abbasid or Abbaside , Arab family descended from Abbas , the uncle of Muhammad. The Abbasids held the caliphate from 749 to 1258, but they were recognized neither in Spain nor (after 787) W of Egypt. Under the Umayyad caliphs the Abbasids lived quietly until they became involved in numerous d...
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Abd al-Malik
Abd al-Malik , c.646-705, 5th Umayyad caliph (685-705); son of Marwan I. At his accession, Islam was torn by dissension and threatened by the Byzantine Empire. With the help of his able general al-Hajjaj, Abd al-Malik overthrew the rival caliphs and united Islam. His battles with Byzantine forces ...
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caliphate
caliphate , the rulership of Islam; caliph , the spiritual head and temporal ruler of the Islamic state. In principle, Islam is theocratic: when Muhammad died, a caliph [Arab.,=successor] was chosen to rule in his place. The caliph had temporal and spiritual authority but was not permitted prop...
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Husein
Husein or Husayn , c.626-680, Muslim saint of the Shiites; second son of Ali and Fatima (daughter of Muhammad). With the assassination of his father in 661 and the acquiescence of his brother Hasan , the caliphate passed out of the Alid family, although many continued to support the claims ...
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Uthman
Uthman or Othman , c.574-656, 3d caliph (644-56), also known as Uthman ibn al-Affan; son-in-law of Muhammad . He belonged to the great Umayyad family and was selected as caliph after the murder of Umar . Muslim conquests were continued and extended to Bactria and Cyprus. To strengthen his co...
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Córdoba
Córdoba or Cordova both: kôr´dōvä , city (1990 pop. 307,275), capital of Córdoba prov., S Spain, in Andalusia, on the Guadalquivir River. Modern industries in the city include brewing, distilling, textile manufacturing, metallurgy, and tourism. Córdoba...
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Ali
Ali (Ali ibn Abu Talib), 598?-661, 4th caliph (656-61). The debate over his right to the caliphate caused a major split in Islam into Sunni and Shiite branches, and he is regarded by the Shiites as the first Imam, or leader: Shiite derives from the phrase shi-at Ali [Ar.=the party of Ali]. ...
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emirate of Bukhara
emirate of Bukhara former state, central Asia, in Turkistan , in the Amu Darya River basin. Part of ancient Sogdiana , it was ruled (AD 709-874) by the Umayyad Arabs and played an important role under the Samanid dynasties (875-1000). It was a trade, transport, and cultural center of the Islamic ...
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