Ethnic Groups of the Middle East Background Arab
Ethnic Groups of the Middle East
Background Ø Arab peoples make up almost the entire populations of Jordan, Syria, Egypt, Lebanon, and other states of Southwest Asia. Ø Arab culture has a long history and rich traditions. Ø Many other cultures also live in the region.
Background Ø Christianity and Judaism are major religions practiced in Southwest Asia. Ø Most people there are Muslims. Ø This means that they practice the religion of Islam. Ø Ninety percent of people in the region are Muslims.
Arab Ø Arabs comprise most of the population of Southwest Asia. Ø However, many Arabs also live in Northern Africa, Canada, Europe, and the United States. Ø Most Arabs practice Islam and speak Arabic. Ø Small numbers of Arabs practice other religions.
Arab Ø Islam consists mostly of two different groups. Ø The majority of Muslims practice Sunni Islam. Ø Most others practice Shi’a Islam. Ø Sunnis and Shi’a disagree about who is in charge of the Muslim world.
Jewish Israel is home for much of the Jewish population in the Southwest Asia. Ø Many of the people who live in Israel today were born there. Ø However, the ancestors of these people moved to Israel from many other countries, often from other Southwest Asian countries. Ø Much of this migration happened during the 20 th century, after the formation of Israel in the late 1940 s. Ø
Jewish people differ in their religious beliefs, though most practice some form of Judaism. Ø For example, some Jews believe that Jewish people who convert to another religion should not be considered Jewish any more. Ø The Law of Return in Israel says that a Jew from any other country can automatically have citizenship in Israel. Ø Sometimes Jews who no longer practice Judaism have been denied the Law of Return. Ø
Kurdish Ø Southwest Asia is also home to the Kurdish people. Ø The Kurds live in several countries throughout the region. Ø These include Turkey, Syria, Iraq, and Iran. Almost one-fifth of the population of Turkey is Kurdish. Ø Kurdish religion used to be made up of a mixture of several different religions.
Kurdish Ø Most Kurds today are Muslims. Ø Kurdish Muslims are usually less strict about certain Islamic practices. Ø There are fewer laws for how Kurdish women should dress than there are for Iranian and Arab women. Ø Kurds share many aspects of their culture with Iranians.
Persian The Persians are an ethnic group that lived in Iran before the arrival of Islam in the 7 th century. Ø Persians make up about half of Iran’s current population. Ø They have their own language called Persian or Farsi. Ø Most Persians in Iran today practice Shi’a Islam, but some are Sunni and other religions. Ø
Persian women have faced many challenges as a result of strict cultural and religious practices. Ø Through struggle, Persian women have increased their personal freedoms over the past forty years. Ø Persian art and architecture is also well known. Ø Many people consider Persian rugs to be among the finest in the world. Ø
Literacy and Development Education is free in many countries in the Southwest Asia. Ø Many students are required to attend school through high school. Ø Fighting often keeps students from showing up at school. Ø Many students also live so far from the schools that getting to school is difficult. Ø The literacy rates for people over fifteen years of age are: 77% in Syria; 79% in Iran; 95% in Israel; and 79% in Saudi Arabia. Ø
Literacy and Development Ø The literacy rates in Israel are higher than in other Southwest Asian countries. Ø In all of these countries, more men tend to be able to read and write than women. Ø This is especially true in Syria, Iran, and Saudi Arabia. Ø Overall in some countries women’s education is not valued as much as men’s education.
Literacy and Development Ø Women receive a different education than men in some areas. Ø Literacy has a large impact on a country’s development. Ø For example, an increase in the literacy rate often leads to an increase in individual rights. Ø Literacy rates also have an impact on a country’s economy.
Summary Ø Describe the different ethnic groups that make up the Middle East. Ø How does literacy and education affect the Middle East?
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