Silk Road
The Silk Road served as the great trading route between Asia and the west. This ancient passage opened China to the known world and continues to hold a significant influence on the Chinese markets. The Silk Road derives its name from the beautiful silk artwork that dominated the goods traded on this route. In exchange, the route created an inflow of
western items into China. With these items came wealth and prosperity that aided Chinas growth. The route had unintended consequences as well. More than just wealth and prosperity, this route brought with it new ideas, cultures, and religions.
In the height of its prosperity, the Silk Road connected cities like Chang’an (capitol of the Chinese Empire) and Damascus. On its way it passed through plenty of Islamic based cities. As such, the Muslim culture greatly influenced China and vice versa. Frederick Starr wrote in his New York Times article, “for many centuries, Central Asia - not the Arab Middle East - was the intellectual and |
political center of the Muslim world”. This influence gave way to Islamic practicing Chinese tribes. These tribes came to spread Islam through China and influence Muslim culture and politics in the Middle East.
References:
Digital image. Silk Road Caravans. N.p., n.d. Web. 11 Dec. 2014.
Fehrman, Cherie. Digital image. Silk Road Treasures: Cherishing Vintage Asian Textiles. The Epoch Times, 13 July 2012. Web. 11 Dec. 2014.
Digital image. Silk Road Caravans. N.p., n.d. Web. 11 Dec. 2014.
Fehrman, Cherie. Digital image. Silk Road Treasures: Cherishing Vintage Asian Textiles. The Epoch Times, 13 July 2012. Web. 11 Dec. 2014.