-
632
Muhammad dies
-
661
Ali is murdered; Mu'awiya becomes caliph. Beginning of Umayyad Caliphate.
-
711
Muslims cross the Saint of Gibraltar into Spain and push north into France
-
732
Defeated at the battle of Tours. Advances into Western Europe halted. Muslims rule parts of Spain for centuries.
-
750
Abu al-Abbas establishes the Abbassid dynasty. Over the next several centuries Muslim merchant ships travel around the Abbassid empire and beyond.
-
850
Abbassid control over Arab empire fragmented. In Spain, Egypt, and elsewhere, independent dynasties ruled separate Muslim states.
-
900
The Seljuk Turks migrate into the Middle East from Central Asia. Adopted Islam and built a large empire across the Fertile Crescent.
-
1055
a Seljuk sultan controlled Baghdad, but left the Abbassid caliph as a figurehead.
-
1095
Reports of Seljuk interference with Christian pilgrims traveling to Jerusalem led Pope Urban II to call for the first crusade.
-
1099
European Crusaders take Jerusalem from the Muslims. Eventually Muslims defeat the Crusaders and regain control of the holy land.
-
1120
Islam continues to spread throughout Asia. Malaysian traders interact with Muslims who teach them about Islam.
-
1258
Mongols capture Baghdad; city is sacked and caliph is killed. End of Abbasid caliphate.
-
1300
Ottomans capture Bursa and Iznik and move into Europe.
-
1453
Ottomans conquer the Byzantine seat of Constantinople and change its name to Istanbul.
-
1492
Castile and Aragon capture Granada. All Muslims (and Jews) expelled from Spain.
-
1520
Suleiman becomes ruler of the Ottoman empire. During his reign, the empire grows and enjoys a golden age.