WHI-Chap14-Obj9
As soldiers, administrators, diplomats, and merchants traveled throughout the "dar al-Islam", they encountered new crops and agricultural techniques. And as a result, they introduced helpful crops into new regions. New food crops led to a richer and more varied diet and eventually resulted in a surplus of crops. Increased agricultural production contributed to the rapid growth of cities all throughout the Islamic realm. All of these cities had flourishing markets with many inhabitants who specialized in specific tasks. For example, the paper industry appeared. "Paper facilitated the keeping of administrative and commercial records, and made it possible for the dissemination of books and treatises in larger quantities than ever before" (page 360 of Traditions and Encounters). Banking also stimulated the commercial economy because they not only lent money to entrepreneurs but they also served as brokers for investments and exchanged different currencies. They also established the sakk which stimulated long-distance business transactions. There were also several Muslim achievements in mathematics and science, particularly in geometry, algebra, and astronomy. During this time, the sharia was also put together and it had a significant impact on Muslim society.
By Jackie Modesett
