UMAYYAD

The Umayyad dynasty was founded in 661 CE at the end of the first Muslim Civil War and set the stage for the Arab Golden Age. Muawiya ibn Abi Sufyan, governor of Syria, began his rule focused on expansion and consolidation [i]. The Syrian Army became vital to the government and created a more unified empire. Muawiya expanded Umayyad-owned lands over 5.02 million square miles [ii]. The dynasty frequently faced backlash from Muslims in the community. Many disliked the Umayyads’ hereditary succession’s contradiction to traditional election processes. Between 749 and 750 CE, a rival empire known as the Abbasids ultimately overtook the region [iii].

Due to its imperialistic nature, the Umayyad dynasty had few allies but a substantial list of enemies, including the Byzantines. Muawyiah frequently ordered unprovoked attacks on Byzantine land and hoped to someday conquer the city of Constantinople [iv]. He led the first failed Arab siege, and was forced to refrain from future attacks. Backlash from within the empire and discontentment with Muawyiah’s rule fundamentally led to the Umayyads' downfall. Leaders were said to have ruled as kings rather than leaders of a religious community [v]. In 750 CE the Abbasid Empire overthrew the Ummayads with promise to govern with the decree of Islam.

The Umayyads were pioneers of their time, especially in the Arab world. Through this empire, the region adopted Arabic as the “administrative language”. In other words, Arabic was used in writing official documents and orders. The empire also introduced its own currency in order to further validate its legitimacy as its own society. These two advancements in the Arab world prompted further developments that affect the MENA region today. During the Umayyad period, advances were made in science, mathematics, and linguistics. Some of the words we use today such as Algebra, alkaline, and alcohol originated from scholars under the Umayyad Dynasty [vi].

Due to Muawyiah’s connection to Syria, the central point of the Umayyad empire was moved from Mecca and Medina to Damascus following his instatement as caliph [vii]. Muawyiah began modeling his ruling system after the very successful Byzantine Empire. This included a more centralized governing practice with governors assigned to rule over each province. Additionally, Muawyiah established a series of groups to carry out governmental works relating to financial affairs. One main critique of the Umayyad Empire’s people was the selection process for the next ruler, which was given to a relative of the caliph rather than chosen by the Umayyad people.

The Umayyad reign began following the assassination of Ali [viii], Muhammed’s son in-law and cousin, in 661 CE. The empire aspired to spread Islam widely. Due to their vast expansion efforts [ix], the Umayyads governed a broad range of cultures and religions, making the empire extremely ethnically and culturally diverse. The majority of the caliphate’s population was made up of Christians, and therefore policies were made to address the various religious accommodations. Those who were Muslim within the community had to pay the zakat, the Muslim-only tax, whereas Christians and Jews were required to pay the jizya, a tax placed on all non-Muslims.

The most notable accomplishments to come from the Umayyads include the architectural creations known as the Dome of the Rock in Jerusalem, the Great Mosque in Damascus, and the Great Mosque in Cordoba. The Dome of the Rock was one of the first Islamic buildings ever to be built, and still remains a prominent touristic and religious point today. The Umayyad Empire constituted a formative period for Islamic art and architecture [x]. Buildings were typically constructed in areas that held religious significance. The detail and creativity of the Umayyad structures also attested to the wealth and prosperity of its rulers and patrons.

Due to the cohesive nature and official use of the Arabic language, merchants and traders were able to cross borders with ease and carry out business dealings throughout the empire. This made the economy flourish. The Umayyads traded salt [xi], ginger, and turmeric through the spice route and imposed high taxes to ensure large profits. Following 697 CE, the ruler at the time, ‘Abd al-Malik, refined Arab currency. Coins changed from displaying imagery, to exhibiting religious writings [xii]. This consistency allowed trade to become easier and more uniform, as there was now a standardized currency for merchants to use when buying and selling.