Lecture Notes: Cultural Consequences of Trade (1200-1450)

Introduction

• Focus on the cultural consequences of global interconnectivity from 1200 to 1450.
• More than goods and services were traded; cultural elements were also exchanged.

Cultural Exchanges on Trade Routes

Religion

• Spread and Syncretism:
  • Religions spread by merchants often:
    • United people and justified leadership.
    • Syncretized with local beliefs, creating new religions.

Examples of Religious Syncretism

• Zen Buddhism:

  • Spread of Buddhism into China met Taoism.
  • Created Zen Buddhism (Chan Buddhism).
  • Popular among common folk despite opposition from Confucian scholars.

• Neo-Confucianism:

  • Fusion of rational thought with Taoist and Buddhist beliefs.
  • Originated in China, spread to Korea and Japan.

• Islam and Language:

  • Muslim merchants spread Islam in East Africa.
  • Bantu-speaking Africans adopted Islam.
  • Led to creation of the Swahili language (mix of Bantu and Arabic).

Scientific and Technological Consequences

• Medical Advances in Cairo, Egypt:

  • Improved care and quality in hospitals.
  • Standardization of the medical profession (examinations and licensing).

• Shipbuilding and Navigation:

  • Invention of the Latine sail - allowed tacking into the wind, increased travel flexibility.
  • Stern post rudder - allowed precise turning.
  • Magnetic compass and astrolabe - improved navigation.

Urbanization and Arts

• Hangzhou, China:
  • Increased trade led to urbanization; became large, metropolitan city.
  • Population over a million; diverse community with a thriving Arab presence.
  • Flourishing of arts: poetry and literature by poets like Liu Yu and Qin Qiji.

Influence of Travelers

• Marco Polo:

  • Traveled from Venice to China, met Kublai Khan.
  • Served as Khan’s ambassador for 17 years.
  • Stories published and popularized in Europe; sparked interest in travel and trade.

• Ibn Battuta:

  • Muslim traveler, aimed to explore all parts of Dar al-Islam.
  • Traveled through Persia, East Africa, India, Mali, Spain, etc.
  • Detailed journals published, influenced the Muslim world similarly to Marco Polo's impact in Europe.

Conclusion

• Discussed cultural consequences of trade between 1200-1450.
• Encouragement to subscribe and engage with content.

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For further learning and study, consider the role of cultural exchanges in shaping societies and the implications of interconnected global trade routes.