Saudi Arabia: Land of Contrasts and Contradictionshttp://www.saudinf.com/main/a.htmCreated by: Janie Maldonado and Sherrie GreeneAustin Independent School DistrictMay 2006

Saudi Arabia: Land of Contrasts

Religious Apartheid in Saudi Arabia Saudi Arabia, a relatively new country (1932, has a vast wealth of contrasts and contradictions. A typical contrast is evident here. A modern jet flies over a dirt landing strip next to an ancient historical site. The highway sign indicates the seriousness of religious apartheid. Only Moslems are allowed into Mecca. Other visitors are directed elsewhere.

Saudi Arabia is the center of Islam and the Middle East. It is the birthplace of Muhammad, the Prophet of Islam. Islam is the official religion of Saudi Arabia. The country is located approximately 30-18 North and 35-55 East. The relative location of Saudi Arabia is flanked by the very important waterways of the Red Sea on the western border and the Persian Gulf on the eastern border. There are no permanent lakes or rivers in the entire country. Because there is no fresh water, the country must depend on desalination of sea water. Saudi Arabia also borders Egypt, Yemen, Oman, Kuwait, Iraq, and Jordan.

Mecca is the birthplace of Islam. Medina is where Muhammad died and the focus of the hajj. Riyadh is the capital. Although situated between the two of the cradles of early civilization, Saudi Arabia is a vast desert mostly utilized by nomadic Bedouins.

Saudi Arabia is 1/3 the size of the United States.

Muhammad(The Prophet)Mecca, where Muhammad was born (570) was a trading crossroads, where he started his public preaching in 613.From Mecca with 200 followers, he journeyed to Medina (Yathrib) from July September 622.In 632, Muhammad leads the first pilgrimage (hajj)to Mecca .Muhammad dies in June, 632 in Medina after he declared that he had now fulfilled his mission on Earth.Muhammad is buried in Medina.With Muhammads death all of Arabia is united under the banner of Islam

The Five Pillars of Islam Faith Prayer Fasting Alms HajjIn a desert cave in Saudi Arabia, Allah (Islamic name for God) revealed the Five Pillars of Islam to Muhammad. The pillars explain the duties each Moslem must follow in life.

The HajjThe hajj begins with a procession called the tawaf, which takes the pilgrim around the Kaaba seven times. Thanks to Saudi Arabias oil wealth, one part of Alms-giving is used to support or fund other Moslems to come to Medina for the hajj.The Kaaba is a cube-shaped structure draped in a black cloth that bears a band of sacred verses embroidered in gold and silver thread. Moslems believe that Allah sent the Black Stone from heaven. It is the fortunate pilgrim who manages to break free from the press of the crowd and kiss the Black Stone.

The HajjCirca early 1900s Modern pilgrimage

Unification of Saudi ArabiaMuhammad ibn al- Saud forms a politico-religious pact with Muhammad ibn Abd al-Wahhab in 1744.Saud is the founder of first Saudi dynasty in Arabia ( reigned from 1746 1765).Saud and Wahhab formed a pact to establish a country based on the purification of Islamic practices from current popular religion and an emphasis on strict monotheism

Wahhabis(Muwahhidun)18th century reformist/revivalist movementDetermines the reliance on Quran (holy book of Islam) and hadith (interpretations of the Prophet)Rejects medieval interpretations of Islam and justiceEmphasized education and knowledge as weapons in dealing with nonbelieversViolent opposition to the cult of saints, idolatry, and shrine and tomb visitationsWahhabis are the crucial allies in the Saud conquest of lands that became Saudi ArabiaWahhabis enforce the excommunication of anyone who doesnt follow their creed exactly

Wahhabism http://www.eretzyisroel.org/demo.jpg

The premise of this new, narrow ideology was to reject traditional scholars, scholarship, and practices under the guise of "reviving the true tenets of Islam" and protecting the concept of monotheism."

www.eretzyisroel.org/~jkatz/wahhabism.html

Modern Saudi ArabiaThe fortunes of the Saud family rose and fell several times as Saudi rulers contended with Egypt, the Ottoman Empire, and other Arabian families over control of the peninsula.1902- Abdul Aziz Ibn Saud captured Riyadh from the rival Al-Rashid family1926 after conquering other family rivals Abdul became the King of Hijaz (Saudi Arabia)

Modern Saudi Arabia cont.1927 Abdul took the title of King of NajdTreaty of Jedda, May 20, 1927 United Kingdom recognized the independence realm of Addul Azizs Kingdom of Hijaz and Najd)The Saudi family has maintained its role of political and military leadership in the modern-day kingdom of Saudi Arabia, with the descendants of Ibn Abd al-Wahhab continuing to serve as religious advisers.

Coat of Arms http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saudi_Arabia

Flag of Saudi ArabiaThere is no god but Allah Muhammad is His Prophethttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saudi_Arabia

Saudi Arabian AnthemARABIC LYRICSSarei Lil Majd Walalya Majjedi Le Khaleg Assama Warfai El Khaffag Akhdar Yahmil Annoor al mosattar Raddedy Allah Wakbar Yamawteni Mawtenii Gad Isht Fakhr Al Moslemeen Aash Al Maleek Lelalam Walwatan(Adopted 1950)

ENGLISH TRANSLATIONHasten to glory and supremacy! Glorify the Creator of the heavens And raise the green, fluttering flag, Carrying the emblem of Light! Repeat - God is greatest! O my country, My country, may you always live, The glory of all Muslims! Long live the King, For the flag and the country!

The discovery of oil in March 1938 transformed the country economically, and has given the kingdom great legitimacy over the yearshttp://ww.hrc.utexas.edu/exhibitions/online/ddd/indeedes/images/475/339.jpg

www.westforum.sc.edu/VirtualMuseum/images/LuckySevenDrop_jpg.jpg.After six dry holes and after running out of almost all their money and hope, the Socal people were ready to give up their concession in eastern Arabia. But in late February 1958 4,500 feet down, Dammam No 7 struck and within a month was producing over 5,00 barrels a day. American oilmen were in Saudi Arabia to stay.Oil from Lucky Seven oil well

"..February 14, 2005, marks the 60th anniversary of the historic meeting between Saudi Arabia's King Abdul Aziz and then U.S. President Franklin D. Roosevelt aboard the cruiser USS Quincy at Great Bitter Lake in Egypt. These two visionary leaders forged an enduring relationship that has weathered many challenges from the Cold War to the terrorism we face today.." Saudi Arabia is included in worlds decision making and problem solving.

King Abudullah bin AbdulazizVisiting conjoined twins at hospitalGreeting U.S. Ambassador Oberwetter and wife in Dhahran.Note the traditional attire covering the western style suit.

President Bush and Kingwww.whitehouse.gov/.../ 20020425-4-2-515h.html

President George W. Bush welcomes Crown Prince Abdullah of Saudi Arabia to the Bush family ranch in Crawford, Texas, Thursday, April 25, 2005. "The Crown Prince is going to be in America for several more days, and officials from both our governments will be continuing our discussions with the hope that our efforts can help return us to the path of peace -- a lasting peace," said the President in a press conference after the visit.

Women of Saudi Arabia

Men in Saudi ArabiaForeign citizens are imported as workers. Voting Day

Women are allowed to vote only in some elections.

These men are performing an ancient ritual of the Flower Dance. Notice only men are present. As peaceful as this dance may seem, they all hold swords.http://images.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://www.galenfrysinger.com/Photos/saudi132.jpg&imgrefurl=http://www.galenfrysinger.com/flower_men_of_saudi_arabia.htm&h=504&w=331&sz=111&tbnid=lc6hca1ru_0hKM:&tbnh=128&tbnw=84&hl=en&start=7&prev=/images%3Fq%3Dmen%2Bin%2BSaudi%2BArabia%26svnum%3D10%26hl%3Den%26lr%3D%26sa%3DG

Flower Dance

Women participating in the Hajj.Men at prayer.

Bedouins www.whitehouse.gov/.../ 20020425-4-2-515h.htmlThe lifestyle of the Bedouins has been in existence since ancient times in Arabia and has changed little. Bedouins are nomadic tribes who live in the Arabian desert.

HousingA stark contrast is ever present in housing life-styles. A serious problem in Saudi Arabia is that often times money earmarked for infrastructure, such as modern sewage, is pilfered or fleeced by dishonest politicians or city officials.

The name of Riyadh means "the gardens". In the central desert of Nedj, there was an oasis with traditional houses made of earth. A huge trend of modernization has led to the destruction or dereliction of the old earth made houses until recently. A preservation policy has begun to save the last witness of of the past

A modern Saudi Arabian suburban neighborhood. Notice the protective outer fence.

ShoppingA modern shopping mallA woman shopping in traditional black clothing Busy city life outside a market place

Shopping cont.Jeddah Shopping Center MallFrom the market above, 104 illegal immigrants were deported back to Pakistan. The Wahhabis enforce a secret police who monitor illegal activities in all aspects of Islamic daily life.

http://www.saudi-us-relations.org/maps/images/saudi-mecca-madina-jeddah-riyadh-map-600.jpg

Four major cities of Saudi Arabia.

Transportation

Saudi Arabian EconomyBudget: Income .............. $32.3 Billion Expenditure ... $34 Billion Main Crops: Wheat, barley, tomatoes, melons, dates, citrus; mutton, chickens, eggs, milk . Natural Resources: Petroleum, natural gas, iron ore, gold, copper . Major Industries: Crude oil production, petroleum refining, basic petrochemicals, cement, two small steel-rolling mills, construction, fertilizer, plastics

Economy cont.A map of the pipeline: the lifeblood of Saudi Arabia.The economy is almost totally dependent upon foreign labor. The number of expatriate workers is large with the bulk coming from Egypt, Pakistan, India, Indonesia, and the Philippines. The economy is almost totally dependent upon foreign labor. The number of expatriate workers is large with the bulk coming from Egypt, Pakistan, India, Indonesia, and the Philippines.

http://www.pbs.org/wnet/wideangle/shows/saudi/images/map1.gif

Tourism limitations

Saudi Arabia is trying to diversify its economy.Saudi Arabia's economy is vulnerable to fluctuating commodity prices because of its heavy reliance on oil exports. But its grip on international oil markets has weakened considerably because of rival production from the former Soviet Union, Africa and Latin America.After the oil boon, Bedouins were encouraged to abandon the nomadic lifestyle in exchange for farming, or employment in city life. Most Bedouins have not been successful in this effort.

Contact with the rest of world continues to make Saudi Arabia a land of contrasts:

Saudi Arabia has not escaped the ravages of graffiti.United States presence is shown in a remote area. At a popular meeting place, replete with neon. graffiti and electrical signs, traditional attire is evident.

Saudi Arabia is a country trying to belong to the 21st century with strong traditional morals from Islam and Arabias humble beginnings. Wahhabism continues to be a strong force and the moral backbone of Saudi Arabia.This in itself is a cause for many contrasts and contradictions.

Photograph & Powerpoint CreditsSlide 1: http://web.umr.edu/~rogersda/military_service/A 7%20over%20Saudi%20Arabia.jpg http://www.freedomhouse.org/religion/country/Saudi%20Arabia/Mecca%20sign.j

Slide 2: Zioneocon.blogspot.com/map-middle-east.gif

Slide 3: http://www.saudi -us-relations.org/maps/images/saudi-arabia-map-factbook-600.jpgSlide 4: About.com/library/blank/usa3.jpgSlide 5: http://edf3.gallaudet.edu/diversity/moslems/pillars2.jpg Slide 6: http://www.csmonitor.com/specials/hajjmap/hajj1.gif Slide 7: http://www.csmonitor.com/specials/hajjmap/hajj1.gif Slide 8: http://www.unexplainedstuff.com/images/geuu_02_img0461.jpg http://i.a.cnn.net/cnn/SPECIALS/2005/hajj/images/top.mecca.jpg Slide 9: http://arabiancareers.com/saudi.htmlSlide 10: http://arabiancareers.com/saudi.html

Photograph & Powerpoint CreditsSlide 16: http://david.national-anthems.net/sa'.htmSlide 19: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saudi_Arabia Slide 20: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Image:Abdullah_of_Saudi_Arabia.jpg www.conjoinedtwins.med.sa/ gallery/polish/page... Slide 21: news.bbc.co.uk/media/ images/38375000/jpg/_383...Slide 22: http://watch.windsofchange.net/pics/saudi_shopping_s.jpg http://www.ameinfo.com/images/news/0/13650-saudi-woman.jpg http://www.artcrimes.com/istanbul/saudi_arabia_dsk_istanbul.jpg http://i-cias.com/e.o/ill/arabs03.jpg Slide 23: http://images.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://news.bbc.co.uk/media/images/ http://www.cbc.ca/gfx/pix/saudi_elections_cp_7102616.jpg http://images.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://www.galenfrysinger.com/Slide 25: http://images.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://news.bbc.co.uk/media/images/ http://images.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://news.bbc.co.uk/media/images news.bbc.co.uk/.../newsid_4405100/4405164.stm http://images.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://news.bbc.co.uk/media/images/40735000/jpg

Photograph & Powerpoint CreditsSlide 27: http://www.exploresaudiarabia.com/factfile/images/soldier_cooking.gif http://saudiembassy.net/Publications/MagWinter98/images/p16.jpg http://www.mattmtravels.com/Saudi%20Arabia021.jpg Slide 28: http://images.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://geoimages.berkeley.edu/GeoImageSlide 29: http://images.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://geoimages.berkeley.edu/GeoImagesSlide 30: http://images.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://geoimages.berkeley.edu/GeoImages http://www.galenfrysinger.com/Photos/saudi90.jpg http://images.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://kerneltrap.org/jeremy/pictures/2003-Slide 31: www.despardes.com/pakistan/ images/kababish-li... www.demetrios-sa.com/ contact.phpSlide 33: www.mosnews.com/ files/1128/picture.jpg http://www.arab-world-information.com/saudi_arabia_files/image012.jpg http://images.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://www.toursaudiarabia.com/pictures/ http://images.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://geoimages.berkeley.edu/GeoImages

Photograph & Powerpoint CreditsSlide 34: www.banterist.com/ archivefiles/images/1232ad.jpg Slide 36: http://www.saudiembassy.net/Slide 37: news.bbc.co.uk/media/ images/38375000/jpg/_383...Slide 38: http://homepage.mac.com/cfj/.Pictures/mecca-cola.jpg http://www.flagline.com/images/magnets/saudi-arabia.jpg Slide 39: http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/frontline/shows/terrorism/art/p_saudip.jpg http://www.artcrimes.com/istanbul/saudi_arabia_dsk_istanbul.jpg

Project coordinated by Janie Maldonado and Sherrie GreeneAustin Independent School DistrictMay, 2006

Saudi Arabia, a land of contrasts, continues to defy stereotypes.

Islam is the only sanctioned religion in Saudi Arabia. Only Moslems may visit Mecca(Makkah). This road sign indicates who can and cannot visit certain cities.

Saudi Arabia is the largest of the Middle Eastern countries.

Riyadh was the first major conquest of Muhammad ibn al- Saud the man whoUnited Saudi Arabia in the early 1900s.Saudi Arabia is the same size as all of Western Europe. It lies at the crossroads of three continents: Europe, Asia, and Africa. The terrain is varied but on the whole is fairly barren and harsh, with salt flats, gravel plains, and sand dunesThe Saudi Kingdom continues to dedicate considerable financial and human resources to enable even more pilgrims to perform the hajj in comfort and safety.All of the rulers of Saudi Arabia are relatives of the Muhammad ibn al- Saud.Saudi Arabia is the most strict of the Moslem countries in the world.Issues have arisen recently over advertising that uses the Saudi Arabian flag.Items such as t-shirts, baseball caps, etc. have often had the holy words included.The controversy continues as to whether to remove the Arabic quote or to leave it onthe advertising items.American oil companies were involved in searching for oil in Saudi Arabia.Notice the King is wearing a suit underneath the robe.When women are allowed to vote, separate times of the day or separate dayswill be scheduled for voting for women and for men.Poverty can be found in Saudi Arabia. With money luxurious homes such as thiscompound can be found. Workers from foreign companies working in Saudi Arabiahave everything they need available in the compound. There is often no need to leavethe compound.Notice the protective outer fence.More than 100 Pakistanis were deported from Jeddah on Friday for overstaying in Saudi Arabia. Officials said that most of the 104 deportees had gone on Umra visas but had overstayed and started doing work there, adding that there also were people whose work permits had expired. Illegal immigrants were issued emergency visas and sent back on a special flight. Most of the deportees are reported to be aged between 30 and 40 years. More than 100 Pakistanis were deported from Jeddah on Friday for overstaying in Saudi Arabia. Officials said that most of the 104 deportees had gone on Umra visas but had overstayed and started doing work there, adding that there also were people whose work permits had expired. Illegal immigrants were issued emergency visas and sent back on a special flight. Most of the deportees are reported to be aged between 30 and 40 years. More than 100 Pakistanis were deported from Jeddah on Friday for overstaying in Saudi Arabia. Officials said that most of the 104 deportees had gone on Umra visas but had overstayed and started doing work there, adding that there also were people whose work permits had expired. Illegal immigrants were issued emergency visas and sent back on a special flight. Most of the deportees are reported to be aged between 30 and 40 years.

The economy is almost totally dependent upon foreign labor. The number of expatriate workers is large with the bulk coming from Egypt, Pakistan, India, Indonesia, and the Phillippines.Saudi Arabia's economy is vulnerable to fluctuating commodity prices because of its heavy reliance on oil exports. But its grip on international oil markets has weakened considerably because of rival production from the former Soviet Union, Africa and Latin America.