The Arabian Peninsula The Cultural, Historical, and Political Geography of the Region Objectives: Students will… 1.…discuss the influence of Islam in Southwest Asia. 2.…describe the history of theocracy and colonialism in the region. 3.…explain the importance of oil for the regional economy. 4.…describe modern Arabic life. TEKS: 17C – Compare economic, political, or social opportunities in different cultures for women, ethnic and religious minorities, and other underrepresented populations.

Counties of the AP Kuwait Saudi Arabia Bahrain Qatar U. A. E. Oman Yemen

Town and Desert Trade centers: Some towns served as trade centers Caravans would stop here while moving along the desert. Other cities were stops along the Silk Road. Other towns are near oases.

Town and Desert Nomadic desert dwellers called Bedouins moved across the peninsula from oasis to oasis. They adapted to the harsh conditions of the desert and built a culture based around strong family ties. They fought against other families and clans for pasturelands for their livestock. Their fighting skills eventually helped to spread Islam.

Islam Brings a New Culture: The 5 Pillars of Islam Faith: All believers must testify the following statement: “There is no god but Allah, and Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah.” Allah translates to god.

Islam Brings a New Culture: The 5 Pillars of Islam Prayer: Five times a day, Muslims face toward the holy city of Mecca to pray. They may do this at a place of worship called a mosque or wherever they find themselves at the prayer times.

Islam Brings a New Culture: The 5 Pillars of Islam Charity: Muslims believe they have a responsibility to support the less fortunate by giving money for that purpose.

Islam Brings a New Culture: The 5 Pillars of Islam Fasting: During the Islamic holy month of Ramadan, Muslims do not eat or drink anything between sunrise and sunset. This action reminds them that there are things in life more important than eating. It is also a sign of self-control and humility.

Islam Brings a New Culture: The 5 Pillars of Islam Pilgrimage: All able Muslims are expected to make a pilgrimage to Mecca at least once during their lifetime. Also known as a hajj.

The Spread of Islam Armies of Bedouin fighters moved across the desert, conquered lands, and put Muslim leaders in control Arabic language and Islamic teachings and culture spread across Southwest Asia and North Africa. They also spread into Europe, and by the Middle Ages, a large area of the world was controlled by Muslim empires.

Governments Change Hands Theocracy VideoVideo A government where there is a national religion and no separation of religion from the state. Rulers rely on religious law and consult with religious scholars on running the country. Today, the legal systems of the subregion are largely based on Islamic law.

Governments Change Hands Colonial Powers Take Control Toward the end of the 1600s, the leaders of Muslim nations were weak. At the same time countries like Britain and France were growing in power and establishing empires throughout the world. Much of Southwest Asia fell under the control of those two nations, especially after World War I and the breakup of the Muslim-held Ottoman Empire.

Governments Change Hands Colonial Powers Take Control The region was valuable to colonial powers. The Suez Canal is a vital link between colonial holdings in the rest of Asia and European ports. Oil was discovered there after 1932.

Governments Change Hands Abdul al-Aziz Ibn SaudVideoVideo He was a daring leader. Consolidated power over large areas of the Arabian Peninsula in the name of the Saud family. By the 1920s, only small countries on the Persian Gulf and parts of Yemen remained free. In 1932, the whole area became known as Saudi Arabia and his descendants still rule today.

Oil Dominates the Economy The region grew in global importance as oil became more important to the economies of all nations. The nations make almost all of their export money and a large share of their GDP from oil. As oil prices rose, the countries were able to funnel funds into other parts of their economy such as water development projects. Video

Oil Dominates the Economy OPEC: Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries In 1960, a group of oil producing nations, including Saudi Arabia and Kuwait, established an organization to coordinate policies on selling petroleum products. The purpose is to help members control worldwide oil prices by adjusting 2 things: Oil prices Production quotas

Oil Dominates the Economy OPEC: Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries It is a powerful force in international trade. Other Southwest Asian members include Qatar, the UAE, Iraq, and Iran.

Modern Arabic Life The Beginnings Change came slow up until the 20 th century. It turned dramatic, and the region developed quickly with a focus on modernization. The use of western technology and machines undermined their way of life. Souks flourished pre-20 th century.

Modern Arabic Life The Change to Urban Life Cities have always been a part of life, but up until the 20 th century, they were not very urbanized. Millions of people abandoned their lifestyles and moved to the cities. In the 1960s there was 25% urbanization. 1990s – 58% urbanized 2015 – 70% urbanized.

Modern Arabic Life The Change to Urban Life The types of jobs in the cities changed also. Workers who could read and write and who had technical skills were in high demand. They scrambled to upgrade the educational systems on the peninsula. The needs could not be fully met and foreign workers were brought in. There are so many foreign workers in Qatar, that only 1 in 5 workers is a native.

Some Things Never Change Women They cover their heads, hair, and sometimes faces with a scarf or veil. This is based on the belief that covering those parts of the body is pleasing to god. In Saudi Arabia, they cannot: vote Drive cars Leave their homes unaccompanied

Some Things Never Change Duties: Prayer Performed a certain times: Dawn, noon, mid-afternoon, sunset, and before bed Faithful Muslims stop whatever they are doing to carry out this responsibility. In some countries, traffic is stopped during prayer time. If a person is not near a place of worship, he or she may unroll a small prayer rug to kneel and pray. On Fridays, the day for congregational prayer, Muslims assemble for prayers at a mosque.

Some Things Never Change Duties: Fasting Muslim DressMuslim Dress Muslims fast in the month of Ramadan. Adult Muslims do not eat or drink from before dawn until sunset. It is a way of reminding Muslims of the spiritual part of their lives. After sunset, they may eat a light meal such as lentil or bean soup, a few dates, yogurt, and milky tea. ‘Id al-Fitr A festival that marks the end of Ramadan. New clothes, gifts, elaborate dinners, and acts of charity are part of the celebration.