1. Cultures in the Middle East

2. Guiding Question
Why should we learn about the Middle East?

3. GPS and E.Q.
GPS SS7G8: The student will describe the diverse cultures of the people who live in Southwest Asia (Middle East).  
a. Explain the differences between an ethnic group and a religious group.
E.Q.: How does an ethnic group differ from a religious group?  

4. Vocabulary Ethnic group: people united by common culture
Religious group: people united by common religious beliefs
Caliph: leader in the Sunni Islam religion
Imam: Leader in the Shi’a Islam religion
Monotheism: belief in one god
Literacy rate: number of people age 15 and up who can read and write
Standard of Living: how comfortably you live (based on life expectancy, infant mortality (death) rate, income, and poverty rate)

5. Differences Between Ethnic Groups and Religious Groups
Group of people with shared cultural beliefs (language, religion, shared history, types of foods, traditional stories and celebrations)
Examples: Arabs, Kurds, Persians, Cherokee
Religious Group
Group of people who shares a belief system in a god or gods, with a specific set of rituals and holy book (religion).
Can be from different ethnic groups.
Examples: Christians, Jews, Muslims

6. Important Fact!
Christianity, Islam, and Judaism all began in the Middle East.

7. Ethnic Groups in the Middle East

8. Ethnic Groups in the Middle East
Arabs are people who speak Arabic. عربي
They believe themselves to be descendants of Abraham in the Bible through his son, Ishmael.
They are the most numerous group in SW Asia.
Most are Sunni Muslim, some are Shi’a, and a few are Christians or other religions.

9. Ethnic Groups in the Middle East
Kurds are people who speak Kurdish.
They live or are from mountainous areas in Turkey, Iraq, and Iran.
They hope to have their own country one day.
Iraqis and Persians have conflicts with them.
They may be any religion, though most are Sunni Muslim.

10. Ethnic Groups in the Middle East
Persians are people who speak Persian (Farsi).
They live or are from Iran (used to be called Persia).
Their ancestors come from Central Europe and Southern Russia.
They may be any religion, but most are Shi’a Muslim.

11. CRCT Test Prep page 88
253. Which do Kurds share as part of their ethnic group?
A. the Kurdish language
B. they live in the same country
C. self-rule in the land of Kurdistan
D. the ability to move freely to other countries
A. The Kurdish language

12. CRCT Test Prep page 88
254. Which are the 3 main religious groups of Southwest Asia?
A. Hinduism, Islam, Judaism
B. Christianity, Islam, Judaism
C. Buddhism, Hinduism, Islam
D. Christianity, Islam, Shamanism

13. Diversity of Religions
In Southwest Asia

14. GPS and E.Q.
GPS: SS7G8b. Explain the diversity of religions within the Arabs, Persians, and Kurds.
E.Q.: Why do Arabs, Persians, and Kurds fight each other if they’re all from the Middle East??  

15. Religious Groups in the Middle East

16. Islam Began in Arabia in the early 7th century (600s)
(Video United Streaming "The Faith" 4 min. in length)
Began in Arabia in the early 7th century (600s)
Holy book: the Qur’an
monotheistic (one God) faith revealed to the prophets Abraham, Moses, and Jesus and finally, to Muhammad.
Muslims are believers in Islam

17. Arabs: Religions Most Arabs are Muslims.
Sunni Islam dominates in most areas.
Shi’a Islam is prevalent in southern Iraq and adjacent parts of Saudi Arabia, and parts as parts of Syria.

18. Kurds: Religions
The Kurds are a non-Arabic people who speak a language related to Persian.
Most follow the Sunni Muslim faith.
They live in Armenia, Iran, Iraq, Syria and Turkey.

19. Persians: Religions Most Persians in Iran are Shi’a Muslims.
There is also a sizeable number of Sunni Muslims.
There are also smaller communities of Zoroastrians, Christians, Jews, and Bahá'ís.

20. Conflicts The most powerful Iraqis (Arabs) are Sunni.
Most Iranians (Persians) are Shi’ites (Shi’a).
Most Kurds are Sunni, but are more closely related to Iranians (Persians)
Iraqi/Arab
Sunni
Iranian/Persian
Shi’a
Remember: Sunni and Shi’a are both forms of Islam!
Kurd/Persian
Sunni

21. Summary
Make a Venn diagram: ethnic group vs. religious group

22. Compare Religions of Arabs, Kurds, and Persians (see “Conflicts” slide #20)
Ethnic Group
Religion
Leader Title
Beliefs
Arabs
Kurds
Persians

23. CRCT Test Prep page 89
255. Which ethnic group is most numerous in Southwest Asia?
A. Jews
B. Kurds
C. Arabs
D. Persians

24. CRCT Test Prep page 89
256. What modern country is the home to those who call themselves Persian?
A. Iran
B. Iraq
C. Israel
D. Syria

25. CRCT Test Prep page 89 257. What is the religion of most Persians?
A. Judaism
B. Christianity
C. Shi’a Muslim
D. Sunni Muslim
C. Shi’a

26. CRCT Test Prep page 89
258. What is the religion of most of the Arabs in Southwest Asia?
A. Judaism
B. Christianity
C. Shi’a Muslim
D. Sunni Muslim
D. Sunni

27. CRCT Test Prep page 89 259. What is the religion of most of the Kurds?
A. Catholicism
B. Christianity
C. Shi’a Muslim
D. Sunni Muslim
D. Sunni

28. Prominent Religions
In Southwest Asia

29. GPS and E.Q.
GPS: SS7G8c. Compare and contrast the prominent religions of Southwest Asia (Middle East): Judaism, Islam, Christianity.
E.Q. How do the prominent religions of the Middle East compare? How are they different?

30. Similarities All believe in one God (monotheistic)
All trace ancestors back to Abraham
All began in the Middle East

31. Connection between 3 Religions
Protestant
Shi’a
Eastern Orthodox
Christianity
(Jesus)
Sunni
Islam
(Muhammad)
Roman Catholic
Sufi
Reform
Judaism
Conservative
(Abraham)
Orthodox
Connection between 3 Religions

32. Differences Judaism Founder: Abraham (about 2000 BC) Holy Book: Torah
Followers: Jews
# of Followers: about 15 million
Oldest of the 3 religions
Beliefs: laws of God and words of His prophets
3 types:
Orthodox
Conservative
Reform

33. Differences Christianity Founder: Jesus (about 30 AD) Holy Book: Bible
Followers: Christians
# of Followers: about 2.1 billion
Largest of 3 religions
Beliefs: teachings of Jesus
3 types:
Eastern Orthodox
Roman Catholic
Protestant

34. Differences Islam Founder: Muhammad (about 610 AD)
Holy Book: Koran or Qur’an
Followers: Muslims
# of Followers: about 1.3 billion; fastest growing of the 3 religions
Beliefs: teachings of Muhammad, the last Prophet
3 types:
Sunni
Shi’a
Sufi

35. CRCT Test Prep pages 90-93
Read the passages on Judaism, Christianity, and Islam:
Read the first paragraph.
Share with a partner 1 thing you knew, 1 thing you found out, or 1 thing you want to know more about.
Continue with the other passages until you have both read them all.
Stop after each paragraph to share with each other.
(See the following slides for important points to remember)

36. Judaism Monotheistic – belief in 1 God (Yahweh) Began with Abraham
born in Ur about 2000 BC
God promised that Abraham would begin a new nation if he and his descendents would worship God
Settled in Canaan – had 2 sons: Isaac and Ishmael; Hebrews/Jews are descendents of Isaac (his 12 grandsons began 12 Tribes of Israel)

37. Judaism 1300-1200 BC – Hebrews were forced into slavery in Egypt.
Moses led Hebrews out of slavery (Exodus – celebrated each year at Passover)
God gave Ten Commandments to Moses
Hebrews returned to Canaan and settled
Around 1000 BC Hebrews united under King Saul, then David, then Solomon

38. Judaism Kingdom was divided into North and South
Western
Wall
Kingdom was divided into North and South
Conquered by Babylon till 167 BC
Conquered by Rome
Temple in Jerusalem destroyed in 70 AD (except for one part of Western Wall – still standing today)
Jews scattered – “Diaspora” – to other countries
Tanakh – Holy Book
(contains Torah – first
5 books of Old Testament)

39. Christianity Monotheistic – belief in 1 God
Grew out of Judaism during Roman rule in Palestine (Canaan).
Began with Jesus – born in Bethlehem about 4 BC
Became preacher/teacher at age 30

40. Christianity
Jesus followed Jewish law/belief but spoke of more personal relationship with God
Focus on love of God and kindness toward others
Followers called disciples
Their writings form Gospels – 1st 4 books of New Testament
Jewish and Roman leaders saw Jesus as threat; Jesus was crucified

41. Christianity
After death, followers believed Jesus rose from the dead; called him “Messiah” or “Christos” – Savior and “Son of God”
Jesus’ teachings became basis for new religion – Christianity – Old Testament teachings + loving, forgiving God
Christians refused to worship Roman gods – many were put to death
313 AD - Christianity approved by Roman emperor Constantine

42. Islam Monotheistic – belief in 1 God (Allah)
Began in Mecca in 600s AD – trading center
Ka’aba (rectangular building) in center of town – Meccans believed it was originally built by Abraham and Ishmael to honor God – over time many idols were placed in Ka’aba

43. Islam
Began with Muhammad – born in Mecca in 570 AD. At age 40 heard voice of angel Gabriel – told him to tell people the word of God
Followers were called “Muslims” – “ones who submit” to God’s will
Escaped to Medina in 622 AD – move was called “Hegira” – 1st year of Islamic calendar.

44. Islam Returned to Mecca in 630 AD with army – Mecca surrendered.
Removed idols from Ka’aba and dedicated it to Allah.
After Muhammad’s death, followers collected angel Gabriel’s teachings into holy book: Qur’an (Koran).

45. Islam 1 God Muhammad was final prophet
Qur’an includes much of Old and New Testaments.
5 Pillars:
Shahada – There is no God but Allah and Muhammad is His Prophet
Salat – pray 5 times a day toward Mecca
Zakat – charity toward poor
Sawm – fast during Ramadan
Hajj – pilgrimage to Mecca

46. Islam Legal code based on Qur’an called shariah law
Because so much of Old and New Testaments are part of Qur’an, most Muslims view Jews and Christians as “People of the Book” – recorded special respect
Islam spread through Middle East
Leaders are called “Caliphs”

47. CRCT Test Prep page 91
260. What is the main belief that distinguished the Jewish faith from the others in the ancient world?
A. the belief in life after death
B. the organization of believers into a separate state
C. the worship of a single god rather than many gods
D. the offering of sacrifices during religious ceremonies
C. The worship of a single god…

48. CRCT Test Prep page 91 261. Which is the holy writing of Judaism?
A. Torah
B. Qur’an
C. Constitution
D. New Testament

49. CRCT Test Prep page 91
262. The “Exodus” in the history of the Jewish people was the time when
A. Jews were in captivity in Babylon.
B. the Romans forced the Jews out of Jerusalem
C. Abraham left Mesopotamia and moved to Canaan.
D. Jews were freed from slavery in Egypt and returned to the land of Canaan.
D. Jews were freed from slavery…

50. CRCT Test Prep page 92
263. Why did Jesus have trouble with both the Jewish leaders and the Roman authorities?
A. Jesus urged people to tear down the Temple in Jerusalem.
B. the new religion of Christianity was open to only a few people.
C. He encouraged the people to form an army and revolt against the government.
D. Jews accused him of crimes against their teachings; Romans saw him as a threat to the Roman Empire..
D. Jews accused him of crimes…

51. CRCT Test Prep page 92
264. What basic belief made Christianity different from Judaism?
A. Christians believed Jesus was the Messiah, or savior of men.
B. Only Judaism accepted and believed in the 10 Commandments.
C. Jews never had problems with the Roman authorities, while the Christians did.
D. Christians allowed the worship of many of the Roman gods, while Judaism did not.
A. Christians believed Jesus was the Messiah…

52. CRCT Test Prep page 92
265. Why was Christianity finally accepted by the Roman Emperor as a legal religion? A. Christian armies defeated the emperor in battle. B. There were few other religions left in the Roman Empire by 313 AD. C. Emperor Constantine recognized that many Romans had become Christians. D. Christians made the worship of Roman gods and goddesses part of their religion as well.

53. CRCT Test Prep pages 93-94
266. What is the relationship among Judaism, Christianity, and Islam?
A. The 3 religions all believe in different gods.
B. All 3 religions accept Jesus as the “Son of God”.
C. Unlike Judaism and Christianity, Islam won new converts only by war and force.
D. Islam includes much of the old and new testaments in its holy book, the Qur’an.
D. Islam includes much of the old and new testaments…

54. CRCT Test Prep pages 93-94
267. What did Muhammad believe the angel Gabriel was asking him to do?
A. Tell the word of God to the people.
B. Bring an end to all religions other than Islam.
C. Develop Mecca into a more powerful trading center.
D. Tear down the Ka’aba because idols had been stored there.

55. CRCT Test Prep pages 93-94
268. What is the importance of the Ka’aba to Muslims?
A. The Ka’aba was the original home of Muhammad.
B. They believe it was originally built by the prophet Abraham.
C. This building is where most important business deals were made in Mecca.
D. They believe it is the place where Gabriel gave Muhammad the word of God.

56. CRCT Test Prep pages 93-94
269. Why did Islam spread so quickly after Muhammad’s death?
A. Muslim armies conquered empires that had weakened over the years.
B. Muslims refused to trade with anyone who would not convert to Islam.
C. There were no religions in that part of the world to compete with Islam.
D. Jews and Christians were forced to convert to Islam or face prison or death.

57. CRCT Test Prep pages 93-94 270. What are the Five Pillars?
A. The first five books of the Qur’an.
B. The five columns that support the roof of the Ka’aba.
C. Five beliefs shared by Judaism, Christianity, and Islam.
D. Five basic obligations that Muslims are supposed to meet in their lives..
A. Five basic obligations that Muslims were supposed to meet in their lives.

58. CRCT Test Prep pages 93-94
271. Why do Muslims call Jews and Christians “People of the Book”?
A. People belonging to these religions could read.
B. Followers of all three religions were taken in census records.
C. Much of the Old and New Testaments in included in the Qur’an.
D. Jews and Christians were the first groups in Southwest Asia who had a written language.

59. Reason for the Division
Between Shi’a and Sunni Muslims

60. GPS and E.Q.
GPS: SS7G8d. Explain the reason for the division between Sunni and Shi'a Muslims.  
E.Q.: How are Sunni and Shi’a Muslims different?  

61. Why Islam has 2 Major Sects
The principal issue centers on the question of leadership after Muhammad ascended into heaven.

62. Sunni Islam – Elected Leader
The Prophet Muhammad died without choosing a successor to lead the Muslim community.
The “Four Rightly Guided Caliphs” led Islam, one after the other. They were friends with Muhammad.
The first caliph to be elected was Abu Bakr, Muhammad’s close friend, advisor, and father-in-law. When he died, a 2nd caliph was elected; when he died, a 3rd caliph was elected.
Sunnis elect a qualified person to be their caliph (leader).

63. 5 Pillars of Islam Sunnis *90% of Muslims are Sunni. *They believe the
Shi’ites
*Rulers must be
Muhammad’s descendants.
*10% of Muslims are Shi’ites.
*There are different Shi’a sects.
*They believe the soul can
migrate from 1 body to
another.
*The number 7 is sacred.
*Some Shi’ites recognize
12 imams
(successors); some
recognize 7.
*Some believe in a
hidden imam.
Some believe in a hidden imam
related to Muhammad
who didn’t die and
will reappear.
Sunnis
*90% of Muslims
are Sunni.
*They believe the
community can
elect the next leader.
*The leader can be any
devout Muslim with
proper qualifications.
*They say there is not
a current successor.
*They accept the first
3 caliphs as
Muhammad’s true
Successors.
5 Pillars of
Islam

64. Middle of Previous Venn Diagram
All Muslims should believe in the following things:
1. Allah is the creator of all things. Allah is all-powerful and knowledgeable
2. His angels record the good and bad deeds of every Muslim.
3. The prophet Mohammed is the messenger of God.
4. The Qur'an (the holy word of God revealed through Mohammed) and the Old and New Testaments.
5. The Day of Judgment. This is when it is decided if you will go to Heaven or Hell.
6. Predestination (the fate and future of each person that is decided by the Will of Allah)
All Muslims should practice the five Pillars of Islam. (religious duties)
Witness - stating your belief in God.
Worship/Prayer - Praying to God five times a day facing Mecca.
Charity - giving 2.5% of your wealth to the poor each year.
Fasting - not eating, drinking, or smoking from dawn until dusk for the ninth month of the Islamic calendar. (Ramadan)
Pilgrimage - Every person should visit the temple in Mecca (Saudi Arabia) at least once in their lifetime.

65. Shi’a Islam
The 4th caliph to be elected was Muhammad’s cousin (blood relative), Ali ibn Abi Talib,.
Shi'a believe Ali was the first true caliph after Muhammad, because he was related to him.
The Shi’a believe that Imams (leaders) should come from Muhammad’s family.

66. CRCT Test Prep pages 94-95
272. What issue led to the split between the Sunni and Shi’a in Islam? A. The Shi’a believed only Arabs could be Muslims. B. Arguments began over what should be included in the five Pillars. C. The Shi’a wanted to change the direction of prayer to Jerusalem rather than Mecca. D. They disagreed over who should lead the Muslim community after the death of Muhammad.

67. CRCT Test Prep pages 94-95
273. Why were the four leaders of the Muslims after Muhammad’s death called the “Four Rightly Guided Caliphs?? A. They had been friends of Muhammad.. B. They had studied leadership for many years and were well prepared to rule. C. They arranged for a split in the community between Sunni and Shi’a Muslims. D. These men all ruled together so there could be no question about their decisions. A. They had been friends of Muhammad.

68. CRCT Test Prep pages 94-95 Use graph on page 95.
274. What part of the population of Iran is Sunni? A. 9% B. 33% C. 64% D. 89%

69. CRCT Test Prep pages 94-95 Use graph on page 95.
275. Which would be the BEST alternative for showing these data in another way? A. Use one circle graph. B. Use 2 line graphs. C. Use 2 circle graphs D. Use a line graph with 2 lines of different colors B. Use 2 circle graphs

70. CRCT Test Prep pages 94-95 Use graph on page 95.
276. Which question could be answered using information from the graph? A. Which country has the most Shi’a Muslims? B. What part of the population of Iran is Hindu? C. What part of the population of Iraq is Christian? D. Which country has the highest proportion of its population as Shi’a Muslim?

71. Project
Choose a religious holiday from Judaism, Islam, or Christianity and make a poster.
Due date to be announced

72. The Middle East: Literacy VS. The Standard of Living

73. Guiding Question
Does knowing how to read well affect how long you live?

74. GPS and E.Q.
GPS: SS7G8e. Evaluate how the literacy rate affects the standard of living.
E.Q.: How does the literacy rate affect the standard of living?

75. Activity
G8e Compare literacy rates and standard of living in Turkey, Israel, Saudi Arabia, Iraq, Iran, and Afghanistan using a graphic organizer (DRC).
Standard of living = life expectancy, infant mortality (death) rate, income, poverty rate
Literacy rate = % of people age 15 and up who can read and write

76. DRC Literacy VS. Standard of Living
Use facts on following slides to complete chart
DRC Literacy VS. Standard of Living
STANDARD OF LIVING
COUNTRY
LIFE EXPECTANCY
INFANT MORTALITY RATE
INCOME
(GDP per capita)
POVERTY RATE
LITERACY RATE
Iraq
Iran
Turkey
Israel
Saudi Arabia
Afghanistan

77. Israel Infant mortality rate: total: 4.22 deaths/1,000 live births
מְדִינַת יִשְׂרָאֵל
Infant mortality rate: total: 4.22 deaths/1,000 live births
Life expectancy at birth: total population: years
Average Income: $28,300 (2008 est.)
Population below poverty line: 21.6%
note: Israel's poverty line is $7.30 per person per day (2005)
Literacy: total population: 97.1%
male: 98.5%
female: 95.9% (2004 est.)

78. Iran جمهوری اسلامی ایران
Infant mortality rate: total: deaths/1,000 live births
Life expectancy at birth: total population: years
Average Income: $12,800 (2008 est.)
Population below poverty line: 18% (2007 est.)
Literacy: total population: 77%
male: 83.5%
female: 70.4% (2002 est.)

79. Iraq
جمهورية العراق
Infant mortality rate: total: deaths/1,000 live births
Life expectancy at birth: total population: years
Average Income: $3,700 (2008 est.)
Population below poverty line: %
Literacy: total population: 74.1%
male: 84.1%
female: 64.2% (2000 est.)

80. Saudi Arabia
Infant mortality rate: total: deaths/1,000 live births
Life expectancy at birth: total population: 76.3 years
Average Income: $20,500 (2008 est.)
Population below poverty line:1.6% to 30% ($320/mo or less)
Literacy: total population: 78.8%
male: 84.7%
female: 70.8% (2003 est.)

81. Turkey Infant mortality rate: total: 25.78 deaths/1,000 live births
Türkiye Cumhuriyeti
Infant mortality rate: total: deaths/1,000 live births
Life expectancy at birth: total population: years
Average Income: $11,900 (2008 est.)
Population below poverty line: 20% (2002)
Literacy: total population: 87.4%
male: 95.3%
female: 79.6% (2004 est.)

82. جمهوری اسلامی افغانستان
Afghanistan
جمهوری اسلامی افغانستان
Infant mortality rate: total: deaths/1,000 live births
Life expectancy at birth: total population: years
GDP - per capita (PPP): $700 (2008 est.)
Population below poverty line: 53% (2003)
Literacy: total population: 28.1%
male: 43.1%
female: 12.6% (2000 est.)

83. United States
Infant mortality rate: total: 6.22 deaths/1,000 live births
Life expectancy at birth: total population: years
Income: $46,000 (2009 est.)
Population below poverty line: 12%
Literacy: total population: 99%
male: 99%
female: 99% (2006 est.)

85. Summary – Write your answer in complete sentences at the bottom of your chart.
Which country had the highest literacy rate? Which country had the highest standard of living? How do these compare? Does literacy affect the standard of living?