Standard for this lesson:

​SS7H2.c Analyze continuity and change in Southwest Asia (Middle East). Describe how land and religion plays a role in continuing conflicts in the Middle East (i.e. the Palestinian-Israeli conflict, the division between Sunni and Shia Muslims, and Kurdish nationalism). Historical Understandings

​In this lesson you will learn:

• ​How religion plays a role in the continuing conflicts in the Middle East

• ​Vocabulary: boundary, ethnic group, religious group, terrorism, territory, minority, majority

​Religious Group

​This group of people share the same religious beliefs.

​Ethnic Group

​This is a group of people who share the same traditions or customs.

​Boundary

• ​Seen or unseen division between 2 different territories.

• ​A boundary is often used as a barrier between countries that are not at peace with each other.

​

​Discuss: Can you think of any other reasons why a boundary might be used?

​Do you know of any locations where a boundary might be used?

​Terrorism

• ​Violent acts towards other groups of people

• Often fueled by religious or political reasons

• ​Often done by terrorist groups that do not agree with the current government, involvement from other nations, or to spread their own ideals

​Minority vs. Majority

• ​A minority includes a smaller group of people who often don't get equal treatment as the larger group of people. (Think :Minority / Minus)

• ​A majority includes a large group of people who often get better treatment than the smaller group of people. (Think: Majority / More)

​The 3 Main Religions in the Middle East

1. ​Judaism: The religion of Jews that is based on one God, laws called the Torah, and teachings called the Talmud. Their sacred book is the Torah.​

2. ​Islam: The religion of Muslims that teaches there is only one God, and that Muhammad is his prophet. Their sacred book is the Qu'arn.

3. ​ Christianity: The religion of Christians that is based on one God, a system of beliefs and practices based on the Bible, and the teachings of Jesus Christ. Their sacred book is the Bible.