The Middle East

The Middle East: 6 major themes

Proof of a European centered division of the East

10 countries

We will further discuss all themes as we move throughout this unit.

Theme 1: Oil

About 60% of the world’s oilHas helped develop countries like the UAE and

OmanUpsets many traditionalists who want things to stay

the sameSome with fundamentalist views will turn to

terrorism as a means of fighting change ex. Al QaedaGives dictators money for weapons and funds warAllows small countries to have oversized rolesSaudi Arabia is the world’s largest oil producer in

the Middle East and a key member of OPEC (influences oil prices and controlling supply.

Theme 2: Arid

Most of the Middle East is aridRub-Al-Khali in Saudi Arabia is the world’s

largest continuous sand desertMany countries trade oil profits for increased

water supplyThe Middle East has 10 of the 15 most water

poor countriesCause for conflict1% of ME water is fit for human consumption

Theme 3: Arab World

Most of the Middle East is ArabOthers are Persians, Turks, and HebrewsArchitecture—Arabic styleConflict between ethnic groups

Theme 4: World Religions

Birthplace of the 3 major monotheistic religions Christianity Judaism Islam

Theme 5: Islam

Most people in the Middle East are Muslim

Many countries live by Sharia Law—law based on the Islamic religion and the teachings of the Koran Saudi Arabia Iran

People of other religions are often mistreated.

Theme 5: Rise of Islam

Around the years 570 to 632 A.D., the prophet Muhammad established Islam

Muhammad was born in Mecca, on the western edge of the Arabian Peninsula

There he received a message from Gabriel, an angel that told him to preach the message of Allah

Theme 5: Rise of Islam

Muhammad established a Muslim community in Medina

After his death, Islam spread to the rest of the Arabian Peninsula

Armies then spread Islam as far west as Spain in less than a century

Over time, Islam spread to Central Asia, India, and Southeast Asia

Theme 5: Key Terms

Allah: the Arabic word for GodMuslims: people who practice IslamKoran: Islam’s holy book (Quran)Mecca: direction in which all Muslims must

prayJihad: Islamic holy warPillars: practices of Islam

Theme 5: Pillar 1

Faith: Declaration that there is no God but Allah, and Muhammad is His prophet

Pillar 2

Prayer: Five times a day, facing Mecca

Pillar 3

Alms: Muslims have a social responsibility to give money to the poor

Pillar 4

Fasting: Muslims fast during the month of Ramadan from dawn to dusk. The idea is to show that spiritual needs are greater than physical needs

Pillar 5

Pilgrimage: Travel to Mecca at least once in a lifetime if physically and financially able.

Theme 5: Sunni vs Shiite

Both are branches of the Islamic religionDivisions were created after the death of the

Prophet MohammadSunni Muslims believed the position should

be taken by one of the Prophets companions and it was! (majority)

Shiite Muslims believed that only a direct descendent of Mohammad should take the position of Prophet. They refuse to acknowledge elected Muslim leaders. (minority)

Theme 6: Conflict

History of conflictIsrael/Palestine

ReligionResourcesUndeveloped countries are vulnerable to

militias and dictators Ex. Saddam Hussein, Taliban, ISIS