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Middle East Part I Notes

Middle East Part I Notes. I. Introduction A. The term Middle East refers to the region which is between Europe and the Far East. The Middle East is only 'middle' in relation to Europe . Today, this

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Middle East Part I Notes

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  1. Middle East Part I Notes

  2. I. Introduction A. The term Middle East refers to the region which is between Europe and the Far East. The Middle East is only 'middle' in relation to Europe. Today, this region is also referred to as Southwest Asia. Due to religion, language and culture, North Africa is also included in this area. The Middle East consists of 19 countries and almost 350 million people. The major languages are Arabic, Turkish, Hebrew, Kurdish, Persian, Greek, and Armenian. The three major religions are Islam, Christianity, and Judaism. B. The Middle East stands at the crossroads to three continents: 1. Africa 2. Asia 3. Europe Besides the location, the region is the center of faith and conflict.

  3. C. The Middle East has served as a melting pot for the world. Due to the location, traders have passed through on land and over seas to transport goods. Along with traders, this area has been conquered by numerous groups of people. All of these groups gradually combined to formulate what is considered Middle East. D. The location and the vast amount of oil reserves, has given the Middle East a strategic importance today. II. Regions A. There are five geographical regions of the Middle East.

  4. B. There is several Islamic nations that are located in the former Soviet Union. They are Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, Azerbaijan, Armenia, Georgia, Tajikistan, and Kyrgyzstan.

  5. Shade the following regions accordingly: • Maghreb- Brown • Nile River Valley- Blue • Arabian Peninsula- Yellow • Fertile Crescent- Green • Iranian Plateau- Orange

  6. III. Geographical Features A. The key feature of the Middle East is water. There is an old saying from the region, "Where there is water, there is life". The population density increases around sources of water. In Cairo, there are almost 45,000 people per square mile. NYC has almost 66,000 and Pittsburgh has almost 7,000.

  7. B. The Middle East is dominated by two features; mountains and plateaus. When you combine these two features desertification is the result. 1. Desertification – The reduction of plant life due to external factors. C. Desertification is caused by several reasons. 1. Overgrazing livestock in areas that contain mostly scrub grass. 2. Poor soil that cannot sustain the overuse by the livestock. 3. The mountain affect forces the warm moist air to rise where it then cools. The moisture which is created then falls on one side of the mountain. 4. The heavy rainfall may then cause flooding. 5. The Nile River receives flood waters during the rainy seasons.

  8. D. Over 90% of the North African and Arabian Peninsulas are deserts that receive less then 10 inches of yearly rainfall. Settlers had to be inventive in order to improve the soil for agriculture. Today, modern technology is used to increase yearly agricultural output. 1. Drip irrigation – Delivering a measured amount of water to each plant. Modern Drip Irrigation System

  9. 2. Desalination plants – Converting water from the surroundings into fresh water. In nature, this basic process is responsible for the hydrologic cycle. The sun causes water to evaporate from surface sources such as lakes, oceans, and streams. The water vapor eventually comes in contact with cooler air, where it re-condenses to form dew or rain. This process can be imitated artificially, and more rapidly than in nature, using alternative sources of heating and cooling.

  10. E. The Middle East has had the benefit of resources. The amount and the type of resources vary greatly between the countries. Resources include salt, phosphate, copper and oil. Due to the differences in resources, there is great disparity between rich and poor nations.

  11. IV. Top Ten Geographical Features of the Middle East 10. The Middle East is home to the world’s earliest civilizations. 9. The area is predominately Islamic all the way from Morocco to Tajikistan. 8. It is the birthplace of three of the world’s largest religions. A. Christianity B. Islam C. Judaism 7. Although it was considered the “Arab World”, a large number of people there are not Arabs. 6. Population densities are widely dispersed in unconnected cluster of people. The people all live near a water source along the coasts. The river valleys and mountain areas are heavily populated.

  12. 5. Precipitation is unreliable so, it is plagued with droughts or flooding. 4. It is considered the “Crossroads of the World” at the intersection of Europe, Africa, and Asia. 3. Historically, it has been an area of bitter conflict stemming from boundary and territorial disputes. 2. The area also deals with international pressure due to the large amount of oil. 1. The petroleum reserves have brought wealth to the region. However, the uneven distribution of this resource has raised the standard of living for only a small number of residents.

  13. The rise of Islamic fundamentalism movements can be found all through the region. • Some of the countries are trying to solve the problem of water. Egypt has undertaken a massive dam project to regulate the Nile Rivers flow by building the Aswan High Dam. The dam collects water from the White and Blue Nile Rivers. The effects of the dam are decreasing due to the rapid increase of sediment.

  14. V. People A. The Middle East is home to many different people and traditions. The majority of the people are Arab. There are several different descriptions of what an Arab is? B. What is an Arab? 1. In the mid 1600’s, Arabs where people from the Arabian Peninsula. They were conquered by the many different peoples of the Middle East and North Africa. 2. Over time, the conquered peoples adapted the Arabic language and the religion of Islam. 3. Arab is used to describe anyone whose native language is Arabic. C. Islam is the religion for the majority of people that live in the Middle East. However, many non-Muslim people live within in the region as well.

  15. VI. Bedouins • A. Traditionally, the people of the Middle East were nomadic. The Bedouins tribes used overland caravans to direct traders through the deserts on camels and horses. They are famous for developing the Arabian horse that has great speed and durability. • B. There are two types of Bedouins. • Horizontal Nomads – Follow the “rains” on “plains”. They travel from wadi to wadi. • a. Wadi – A river bed which is dry except during the rainy season. • 2. Vertical Nomads – Go up and down the mountains. They travel up during the dry season and down during the rainy season.

  16. C. The Bedouins wore a traditional robe, which enabled them to keep their core temperature low in the desert. • Ginutra– Head scarf worn to reduce sand exposure. • Agal– Headband • Thobe– Robe • 4. Besnt – Outer cape that was generally black or brown. • 5. Sandals – They enabled the sand to fall in and out easily.

  17. D. The Bedouins traditionally lived in a tent that was black. The color was chosen to absorb heat. The tents would contain a pillow and a heater for the lower temperatures at night. Dried cow or goat dung was burned in the fires at night. They would bathe two times year.

  18. E. Due to the size of the group, the Bedouins had to establish marriage practices to ensure their continuation. 1. Endogamy – Marrying someone inside the group. a. If a group follows endogamy, it has to be large. The major problem is the health risks of marrying someone who is closely related to you. 2. Exogamy – Marrying someone outside of the group. b. Enforced by small groups. F. The Bedouins make up only 3% of the population in the Middle East. Most of them NO LONGER live in the traditional manner. Instead of horses and camels, today’s Bedouin owes Jeeps and pick up trucks. Many of the younger men have been able to find employment in the army, oil fields, or deliver goods from the desert to the city. Those who chose to live in the traditional manner, mainly herd sheep, goats, and camels. The changing lifestyle of these once nomadic herders and traders can be seen in the creation of “The Bedouin Hour” on radio Kuwait.

  19. VIII. Ancient Civilizations Name of Civilizations History and Accomplishments

  20. CODE OF LAWS 1. If any one ensnare another, putting a ban upon him, but he can not prove it, then he that ensnared him shall be put to death. 2. If any one bring an accusation against a man, and the accused go to the river and leap into the river, if he sink in the river his accuser shall take possession of his house. But if the river prove that the accused is not guilty, and he escape unhurt, then he who had brought the accusation shall be put to death, while he who leaped into the river shall take possession of the house that had belonged to his accuser. 3. If any one bring an accusation of any crime before the elders, and does not prove what he has charged, he shall, if it be a capital offense charged, be put to death. 4. If he satisfy the elders to impose a fine of grain or money, he shall receive the fine that the action produces.

  21. The system of inspectors improved and expanded the roads. Trade increased with the improvement of the roads and assisted in the establishment of a money system. The Persians also had a great army of 10,000 soldiers. Zoroastrianism: Zoroaster founded Zoroastrianism around 600BC. His ideas influenced many people including the ancient Greeks, Hebrews, and Christians. Beliefs: Farmers believed that many gods controlled the forces of nature. They relied on priests called magi to win the favor of the gods. According to legend, the magi learned that a child was born to destroy their idols and magic. That child was Zoroaster. He sought to understand why misery and suffering existed alongside God. Proclamations: "From good must come good; and from evil must come evil." He became convinced that were was a battle between good and evil on Earth. Ahura Mazda was the god of good. Ahriamn was the god of evil. Each person must choose whether to fight on the side of good or evil. Zoroaster traveled the land spreading the message. The Persians treated conquered peoples in a humane way due to the beliefs of Zoroastrianism.

  22. 1. What is the main concept of Zoroastrianism? Is this concept present in other religions? If yes, what religions? Be kind to others Christianity, Islam and Judaism 2. What modern day name is related to Zoroastrianism? Mazda Name of Civilization History and Accomplishments

  23. IX. Judaism A. Judaism is the main religion of Israel. It is based upon the Torah which is the Jewish Holy Book. It is also known as the Old Testament of the Bible. Judaism is a religion that has been the center of discrimination and prejudice during many time periods throughout history. B. History In 1800 BCE, drought and famine drove nomadic Hebrews from Canaan (Israel) to Egypt. They were enslaved in Egypt. Moses then helped the people escape to the Sinai Peninsula. Within the Torah scriptures, Moses hears the voice of God and enters into a covenant with God. Under the covenant, the Hebrews accepted God as the ruler of heaven and earth. In exchange, God made them the chosen people on earth. The Hebrews then migrated back to Canaan (Israel). In 1025 BCE, they formed the Kingdom of Israel between Egypt and Mesopotamia. However, with frequent invasions, the kingdom did not last long. Israel did flourish under two great leaders. 1. King David – Skilled general who unified Israel. 2. Solomon – David’s son who built palaces and temples. Some contain inner walls of gold. After the death of Solomon, foreign invaders took control Israel.

  24. Persians – Permitted the Hebrews to return to Israel and practice their religion freely. Solomon’s temple was rebuilt. The Greeks and the Romans – In 70 CE, the Jews revolted against the Romans and were forced to leave Palestine. C. Diaspora – Scattering of the Jews throughout the world.

  25. D. There are three types of Judaism. 1. Orthodox a. Everything is conducted in Hebrew. b. Attendance is expected every week. c. Men and women attend separate services. d. Women may not lead services. 2. Conservative a. Services are conducted partially in English b. Attendance is not mandatory c. Men and women may attend services together. 3. Reformed a. All services are conducted in English. There is some similarities between Judaism and Christianity.

  26. XII. Beliefs in Judaism A. Judaism is a monotheistic religion. The teachings of God are outlined in the Torah. The Torah contains the moral and religious laws of God. The Torah includes the 10 Commandments. The commandments urge people to respect and honor God. It also forbids stealing, lying, cheating, and murder. In general, the laws of the Torah outline standards of conduct for everyday life. People were reminded of their duties to God by the prophets. Rulers and commoners must all obey the laws of the Torah. It teaches that individuals are responsible for their actions. Judaism does show how the ideas of Zoroaster. They both believe that people have to choose between good and evil. 1. Judaism – People and rulers should all live moral lives. 2. 10 Commandments – Ethical and moral laws to live by. 3. Prophets – Religious teachers

  27. B. Abraham Abraham is considered to be the first patriarch of Judaism. He entered into a covenant with God. Covenant – An agreement -Under the covenant, Abraham and his descendants must only worship God. God would bless his descendants and allow them to multiply. - Abraham moved the people to Canaan. However, they were forced out due to a drought. They then relocated to Egypt and were forced into slavery. The Hebrews then became known as the Jews. Exodus - The return of the Hebrews to Canaan. XIII. Holidays A. Sabbath - Sundown Friday to sundown Saturday B. Rosh Hashanah 1. Jewish New Year 2. September or October Honey is an important symbol of the Rosh Hashanah. It represents wishes of a hope of a sweet New Year.

  28. C. Yom Kippur 1. Nine days after Rosh Hashanah 2. It is the holiest of all days 3. Day of Atonement - Fast for 24 hours Prayer Repentance D. Passover 1. March or April 2. It is the deliverance of the Jewish people from Egypt. 3. The Seder service on the first two evenings recounts the story of the Exodus.

  29. E. Hanukkah 1. November or December 2. Festival of Lights 3. It is the celebration of conquering the temple from the Syrians. 4. They only had enough oil for one day but lasted for eight. Menorah - Candelabra 1. Light one candle for each day 2. Receive gifts for each day. F. Bar/Bat Mitzvah. 1. Bar - boy becomes an adult 2. Bat - girl becomes an adult

  30. G. Holy Sites 1. Synagogues - Houses of prayer 2. Western Wall or the Wailing wall – It is one wall of a temple which was destroyed by the Romans which still stands today.

  31. XIV. Christianity A. Palestine also gave rise to another religion Christianity. The founder was Jesus, who was born during the time of the Roman rule in Bethlehem. He started to preach about God’s goodness and mercy. Jewish prophets had predicted that a messiah would deliver the Jews from foreign rule and restore the Kingdom of Israel. Many believed that Jesus was the messiah. Messiah – One who is anointed by God. B. Why did the Jewish and Roman leaders reject the idea that Jesus was the messiah? He opposed the traditional laws and did not accept that the Emperor was a god. C. In 33 CE, Jesus was arrested and sentenced to die by crucifixion. He was nailed to a wooden cross and left to die of exposure.

  32. D. There were similarities between Judaism and Christianity. Monotheism 10 Commandments E. There was also special emphasis on certain beliefs within both religions. 1. Love for God and compassion for all people. 2. Forgiving God who is the father of all people. 3. Merciful humble and unselfish people would be rewarded with eternal life. 4. Parables – Short stories with a simple moral lesson. F. The followers of Jesus believed that he was the son of God. His teachings are combined with the Old Testament to form the Bible, the Christian Holy book. The new religion spread throughout the Roman world. The missionaries benefited from the good roads and peaceful conditions of Roman rule. Also, the Roman generally tolerated diverse religious beliefs. They however, did look upon the Christians with suspicion because they refused to show respect the Roman gods. Because of this, they were often persecuted. In 313 CE, Roman Emperor Constantine converted to Christianity and ended the persecution.

  33. G. Why did Christianity appeal to many people? 1. Offered hope and salvation. 2. Each person could achieve salvation through moral choices. 3. All followers are equal. XV. The Origins of Islam A. Mohammad was born in 570 CE and lived in Mecca. He lived during a time of lawlessness and violence. The Arabs worshipped 360 different gods. Mohammad was a camel driver and later became a merchant. During this travels, he met Khadija who was also a merchant and later became his wife.

  34. B. Mohammad liked to retreat from the violence of the world by fasting and praying in Mt. Hira. In 610 CE, he heard a voice telling him to “Proclaim”. The voice was from the angel Gabriel. Gabriel took Mohammad to The Dome of the Rock in Jerusalem where he entered heaven. Mohammad’s conversations with Allah will become the Koran, the Islamic Holy Book. It is his duty as the last prophet to spread the word of Allah. His wife Khadija’s position as a merchant protects Mohammad as he is spreading the new faith. Dome of the Rock The Koran

  35. 1. Koran – Islamic Holy book 2. Muslims believe that the Koran contain the exact word of God as it was revealed to Mohammad. 3. The Koran is the authority on ALL subjects – Religion, politics, law, economics, and social life. 4. Koran was originally only written in Arabic. There are other versions today. C. Over the next 12 years, Mohammad proclaimed that there was only one God, Allah. He was stoned and jeered. However, he did gain 45 followers. D. Why do the Arabs reject the idea of one God? Merchants were afraid that the yearly pilgrimage would stop. E. The two leading towns during this time period were Mecca and Yathrib. They linked the southern tip of Arabia with the Mediterranean Sea. Mecca also benefited from the constant flow of pilgrimages to the Ka’ba.

  36. 1. Ka’ba Sacred shrine which housed the images of the many Arab gods. 2. Black Stone – Sacred meteorite sent from heaven.

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