EQ: What are the key characteristics of Southwest Asia s major ethnic groups? (AKS #44b)

EQ: What are the key characteristics of Southwest Asia s major ethnic groups? (AKS #44b)

Explain the differences between an ethnic group and a religious group. Explain the diversity of religions within the Arab, Persian, and Kurd ethnic groups.

On page 38 of your Interactive Notebook, write today s Essential Question and the title of the task, Talking Drawings. Don t forget to write the page #! On page 38, underneath the title, Talking Drawings, divide your paper into 2 sections by drawing a horizontal line across the page.

1. On page 38, underneath the title, Talking Drawings, divide your paper into 2 sections by drawing a horizontal line across the page. EQ: What are the key characteristics of SW Asia s major ethnic groups? (AKS #44b) TALKING DRAWINGS PART I 2. Label the top section, Part I.. PART II 3. Label the bottom section, Part II.. 38

1. In the top section, draw an illustration or image that comes to your mind when you hear the term Ethnic Groups of Southwest Asia. 2. Under your picture, write the words: When I hear the term Ethnic Groups of Southwest Asia, I think of 3. Complete that statement based on the picture you drew.

Ethnic Group: a group of people who share a common culture that has been a part of their community for generations. They have a lot in common Common Ancestry Language Religion Shared history Food Stories Beliefs Celebrations These things make up a common culture shared by those in a particular ethnic group.

Religious Group: group of people who share a belief system, in a god or gods, with a specific set of rules on how to live and literature. They have a lot in common God/People Beliefs Prayers Religious Law History/Mythology Personal Faith Religious Experiences Sacred Text Holidays People from different ethnic groups may share the same religion; though they may be from very different cultures.

There is no difference between a country and a cultural region. What evidence supports your response?

Ethnic groups exist peacefully with one another. What evidence supports your response?

Arabs, Persians, Kurds

*Southwest Asia is home to many different ethnic groups who share similar religions.*

The Arabs of Southwest Asia believe themselves to be descendants of Abraham in the Bible, through his son Ishmael. They make up the majority of those who live throughout the region known as the Middle East, though there are many differences among them.

Arabs make up most of the population of Southwest Asia. However, many Arabs also live in Northern Africa, Canada, Europe, and the US.

Most Arabs practice Islam Those who call themselves Muslims are further divided, as some call themselves Sunni Muslims, while others are Shia Muslims. Small numbers of Arabs practice other religions. Some Arabs are Christians.

Most Arabs, whether they are Muslim or Christian, speak the Arabic language.

*Written evidence in the form of cuneiform found in modern-day Iran tells us that Persia was the name of this area since its birth.*

Lived in Persia before the arrival of Islam in the 7 th century The Persian s ancestors migrated from Central Europe and Southern Russia(Asia) and formed the Persian Empire.

Persians are those who live in the modern country of Iran. The country of Persia became known as Iran in 1935.

Persians make up about half of Iran s current population. Most Persians in Iran today practice Shi a Islam, but some are Sunni and other religions. Persian women have faced many challenges as a result of strict cultural and religious practices.

They have their own language called Persian or Farsi. One of the oldest languages still spoken today!

Persian rugs are considered to be the most detailed hand-made works of art.

Architecture is one area where Persians have made great contributions.

More examples of the beautiful architecture

Persian gardens were designed to reflect paradise on earth. English word "Paradise" is thought to come from the Persian word Pardis which refers to these gardens.

*Many Kurds hope to have a nation of their own some day, a hope that has caused conflict with the countries in which Kurdish people live.*

Largest ethnic group in the world without a country of their own. Believed to be descendents of the Medes, an ancient Iranian people Kurds share many aspects of their culture with Iranians.

The Kurds expected to become an independent nation after World War I. However, they were denied a country of their own.

Found in the mountainous areas where Syria, Turkey, Iran, and Iraq come together, known as Kurdistan. Almost one-fifth of the population of Turkey is Kurdish. Governed themselves under Ottoman Empire, since then they have been treated harshly. Persecuted by Saddam Hussein

Most Kurds are Sunni Muslim Other religions practiced secretly. Religion affects and guides all daily life! Kurdish Muslims are usually less strict about certain Islamic practices. For example, there are fewer laws for how Kurdish women should dress than there are for Iranian and Arab women.

Speak Kurdish language. 2 Groups: 1. Kurmanji 2. Zaza Written form of language is between Latin and Arabic.

With the end of Hussein they have reason to hope again however, have a saying Kurds have no friends except the mountains.

Jews can be BOTH a religious and an ethnic group Israel is home for most Jews living in the Middle East Much of the Jewish migration happened during the 20 th century, after the formation of Israel in 1948

1. In the bottom section of page 38, draw an illustration or image that comes to your mind when you hear the term Ethnic Groups of Southwest Asia. 2. Under your picture, write the words: When I hear the term Ethnic Groups of Southwest Asia, I know 3. Complete that statement based on the picture you drew.