7th Grade UBD - Unit 3 - Middle East People of Southwest Asia Preview Location and Landforms- The region has several landforms. Its rivers are a vital resource. Surrounding seas serve as transportation routes. Climate and Resources-The region is dry except for
the fertile valleys of Turkey and the Middle East. Oil is a major resource. Water is scarce. Society and Culture- Three of the worlds religions- Judaism, Christianity, and Islam have their roots in Southwest Asia. Key Ideas- Location and Landforms Today,
as in ancient times, Southwest Asia is an important region. It is the crossroad of three continents- Europe, Africa, and Asia. The region has several landforms. Its rivers are a vital resource. Surrounding seas serve as transportation routes. What is Southwest Asia?
Unlike Africa, Southwest Asia is not a separate continent. It is the corner of the enormous continent Asia. There are a wide number of religions that are practiced in this region of the world. Southwest Asian
Crossroads Southwest In Asia links Europe, Africa, and Asia. ancient times, many people migrated there. Traders crossed the region spreading goods and ideas. Modern Southwest Asia is still a crossroads of
world trade. It controls vital sea and land routes. Key Term Strait- A narrow waterway that connects two larger Landforms Many
Americans think of Southwest Asia as one large desert. In fact, the region has a variety of landforms. Mountains affect movement and communication. Traders, invaders, and modern-road builders had to find a way around or through the mountains. Landforms
Mountains also influence Southwest Asias environment. The regions high peaks affect rainfall. The area has severe earthquakes that
sometimes kill thousands of people. Earthquakes Video- Earthquakes Landforms Some parts of the region has a climate suitable for growing crops.
While other areas are large deserts. Like mountains, deserts discourage the movement of people Questions 1. What three continents cross to give Southwest Asia its relative location? 2.
Why is Southwest Asia considered to be a crossroads of world trade? Answers 1. What three continents cross to give Southwest Asia its relative location? Southwest Asia links Europe, Africa, and Asia.
2. Why is Southwest Asia considered to be a crossroads of world trade? It controls vital sea and land routes. Key Ideas- Climate and Resources Oil
and water are unevenly distributed in the region. Much of the worlds supply of oil is from Southwest Asia. Even though many people are farmers, the region has to import food because of lack of enough fertile land and moisture.
Reach Into Your Background Water, like oil, is a valuable commodity. Which do you think is more valuable to the people of Southwest Asia? Why? (5 minutes)
Partner Activity Work with a neighbor and compare your answer with theirs. What things are the same and what things are different? (3 minutes)
Location The majority of the Persian Gulf Oil Fields are located in the Persian Gulf Basin. The top five future oil fields in the world all reside in the Middle East.
Oil Wealth Much of the worlds supply of oil is from Southwest Asia. This one region is thought to have most of the worlds supply of oil. Yet
only a few nations in Southwest Asia have large oil reserves. Global Consumption Although continents such as North America and Europe use the most oil currently, countries such as China and India are rapidly growing, thus increasing
their need for oil. Environmental Issues The burning of fossil fuels creates greenhouse gases. Water pollution through oil spills have can very adverse affects the
animals and plant life of the surrounding spill. Alternative to Persian Gulf Oil Although there are large reserves of oil in and around the Persian Gulf, new sources of energy are eventually going to be required to replace
these oil fields. Water Lack of moisture has made fresh water, especially from rivers, enormously important to the region. The Fertile Crescent, an
area of green land, is a key agricultural region Key Term The Fertile Crescent- Is located in the Middle East, a crescent-shaped area where agriculture and civilizations evolved first.
Bodies of Water The Persian Gulf is important to the worlds economy. The Suez Canal is a key link in world trade routes running between Europe and Asia.
Key Term Aquifers-An underground reservoir of water which can be extracted for use. The Key Resource Because of the arid climate,
water is a scarce and valuable resource in Southwest Asia. As population grows so does the demand for water. Today there are often tensions among nations that share water supplies.
Key Term Wadis-Are dry streambeds found throughout the desert region. Key Term DepletedIs when natural resources
become exhausted over Adapting the Land Modern scientists have invented methods to help people adapt to the arid climate. Two ways are desalination
and fertigation. Key Term FertigationIs feeding water and fertilizer directly to the roots of crops. Key Term DesalinationInvolves changing salty water into fresh water
that can be used for drinking and Desalination Video- Desalination Myths and Misconceptions Key Ideas- Society and Culture Three of the worlds religions- Judaism, Christianity, and Islam have their roots
in Southwest Asia. Islam is viewed by many Muslims not simply as a religion, but also as a cultural identity and heritage. Customs Arabs serve coffee or tea to
honor guests. Refusing it is a refusal of generosity. Men and Women The public display of intimacy between men and women is considered offensive.
This code also applies to husbands and wives . The maintenance of family honor is one of the highest values. Men and Women In Middle Eastern
cultures, promiscuous behavior can be more damaging to family honor. Most Middle Easterners still prefer an arranged marriage. Men and Women
Womens status vary depending on the country involved. In the Persian Gulf States, most women do not work. Those who do, work only in all-female environments such as schools for women. Key Term
Hijab- A head covering worn in public by some Islam Video- Islam History and Teachings Religion Arabs are people in
different countries who share a common culture and language. About 90 percent of the people in Southwest Asia are Muslim. They are divided into two main groups the Sunni
The Influence of Islam Religion is an important part of culture. Like Jews and Christians, Muslims believe in one God.
Monotheism is the belief that there is one God Allah is the Arabic word for God. The Quran The sacred book of Islam is the Quran. Besides teaching
about God, the Quran provides a guide to life. Like the Bible, the Quran forbids lying, stealing, and murder. It also prohibits gambling, eating pork, and drinking alcohol. Five Pillars of Islam
Islam unifies the people of Southwest Asia. Islamic law governs all aspects of life, including family life, business practices, banking and government. Key Term
AllahThe Arabic word for God. Key Term Mosque -A Muslim place of worship. The Five Pillars of Islam
1. Faith: Belief in one god and that Muhammad is his prophet. 2. Prayer: Five times a day facing Mecca. 3. Alms: Giving money to the poor is REQUIRED, not optional.
4. Fasting: During the month of Ramadan, Muslims cannot eat or drink anything during the daylight hours. 5. Pilgrimage: Once in their lives if they can afford it, Muslims make a pilgrimage to Mecca. Conclusion Islam is an important religion, which shares
many beliefs and practices with Christianity and Judaism. Muslims live in many different countries. Islam is especially widespread in Africa, Asia, and southeastern Europe (the Balkans). Questions 1.
What are the Five Pillars of Islam? 2. The two main sects or groups of Muslims are what? 3. What three religions have their roots in Southwest Asia? Answers 1.
What are the Five Pillars of Islam? Faith, Prayer, Alms, Fasting, and Pilgrimage are the Five Pillars of Islam. 2. The two main sects or groups of Muslims are what? The two main groups the Sunni and Shiite. 3.
What three religions have their roots in Southwest Asia? Judaism, Christianity, and Islam have their roots in Southwest Asia. Critical Thinking Do you think it is easy for three
religions to share a holy city? Why or why not? (10 minutes) Independent Activity What has been the muddiest point so far in this lesson? That is, what topic remains the least clear to you? (4 minutes)
Partner Activity Work with a neighbor and compare your muddiest point with theirs. Compare what things are the same and what things are different? (3 minutes)