Syria & Iraq Timeline

Figure 1: General Islamic chronologies

Introduction

The timeline will be focusing on the expansion of Syria & Iraq in Islamic chronology. The similarity between Iraq and Syria is the Islamic conquest began with the first caliph, Abu Bakar As-Siddiq. During the first conquest, Syria and Iraq was conquered by Abu Bakar As-Siddiq in 633 right after Prophet Muhammad S.A.W conquest then. The expansion of Iraq began by defeating the Persian army subsequently conquered by Arab forces. Hence, implementation of culture, social, and economy in their conquered lands commenced until further conquest progressed. After Abu Bakar As-Siddiq passed away, Umar was chosen as the next caliph leading the Islamic nation continuing their quest. Iraq and Syria expansion moved simultaneously as parallel expansion were lead by the first caliph spreading Islam around the world. 

Timeline 

Figure 2: Expansion during Byzantine period

Diagrams above indicate the early settlement during Byzantine period that was ruled by the Roman empire. During the early settlement, Roman empire were seen as the dominant empire conquering the rest of the world whilst establishing a concentrating point of administration called Antioch also known as Athens of the East then. The capital city of Syria was a wealthy industrialization and major trade communicating with the rest of the world which eventually leads to expansion of culture and knowledge then. Hence, Byzantine architecture was introduced as part of their architecture language followed with expansion of Christianity and Islamic religion.

Figure 3: Antioch during Byzantine period

Figure 4: Expansion of Islam after Roman empire

Diagram above indicate expansion of Islam after the Roman empire whereby the conquest was started by Prophet Muhammad S.A.W followed with other caliphs. As stated above, Syria and Iraq was conquered by Caliph Abu Bakar expanding Syria and Iraq followed with other caliphs. Caliph Abu Bakar lead Islam against the Byzantine army in order to conquer Syria and Iraq. Later, Syria was conquered officially during 637 by the caliph Umar followed with a battle against the Romans in the battle of Yarmouk to enter Palestine. 

Architecture

Figure 5: Roman's architecture during Byzantine period

Figure above indicates the early Roman architecture implemented during early settlement in Syria. The amphitheater was built by the Romans as part of their entertainment program indirectly became their culture then. The amphitheater possessed characteristics of Classic Roman architecture such as application of columns, symmetrical, and massive structures. After the Romans eliminated, Christians influences are seen in Syria whereby churches were built during that period. 

Architecture characteristics:

• Symmetrical
• Application of pillars and columns 
• Hierarchy