Reactions to The Butter Battle Book

1. Reactions to The Butter Battle Book • 1. What historical and/or current events could this book relate to? • 2. How does this book specifically relate to the Middle East? • 3. Why do you think that the author left the end “open” for thought?

2. The Middle East

3. Three major ethnic groups of the Middle East • Arabs • Persians • Turks *The major religion is Islam, followed by Christianity and Judaism.

4. Western alphabet Western numbers Two cultural tools came from the Middle East…

5. Three religions originated in this region: • Judaism • Christianity • Islam

7. Countries with the Largest Muslim Population * Arabs make up only 20% of the total Muslim population of the world.

8. To whom does the term Arabic refer? * People who speak Arabic and share a common culture… By what factors are Arabs united? * Their language, customs, and (to some extent) their religion

9. Muslims practice Islam • The word Islam means “submission or surrender to the will of God.” • An Arab merchant named Muhammed taught that there was only one Allah, or God. • He said that he was God’s messenger. • His teachings are the foundation of Islam.

10. Don’t get confused! • All 3 Middle Eastern Religions (Judaism, Christianity, and Islam) are monotheistic (belief in one god) • Christians, however, believe in god as a trinity (father, son, holy spirit) and that Jesus was god’s son • Muslims believe that Muhammed was god’s messenger (not son) • All 3 share the same foundation through the lineage of Abraham

11. Abraham’s Genealogy HAGAR ABRAHAM SARAH Ishmael Isaac 12 Arabian Tribes Jacob Esau 12 Tribes of Israel

12. The hajj (the pilgrimage to the city of Mecca, the birthplace of Muhammed) Belief in one God Prayer 5 times daily The giving of alms Fasting during the holy month of Ramadan Five pillars of Islam…

13. The hajj (pilgrimage to Mecca) is an important aspect of Islam *Millions travel to Mecca each year!

14. What about these required prayers? The mandatory prayers performed 5 times a day:* dawn* noon* late afternoon * sunset * before going to bed Wash before praying. Face Mecca and use a prayer rug.

15. The call to prayer by themuezzin in the minaret. • Pray in the mosque on Friday. 2

16. Those who complete the pilgrimage can add the titlehajji to their name. 5

17. Three non-Arab Muslim groups include… • Turks • Persians • Kurds • Indonesians • Pakistanis • Nigerians

18. How do the Turks and Persians differ from the Arabs? • Although they share the Muslim religion, their customs and languages are different from those of the Arabs.

19. What foundations of faith do Christians and Jews have that are comparable to the five pillars? The Ten Commandments

20. Which Middle Eastern people are non-Muslim, and where do they live? • Christians—Cyprus and Lebanon • Jews—Israel

21. How are the roles of Middle Eastern women different from those of the United States and Western Europe? • In many Middle Eastern countries, women and men are expected to live apart more often. • Generally speaking, women have less power and opportunity in the Middle East. In some countries, laws limit their conduct and they must follow strict rules.

23. Bazaars • Bazaars are outdoor markets where many of the same items traded long ago are still traded today. • Textiles, fine carpets, and farm products are often traded.

24. OPEC, the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries • This organization was formed to help the oil-producing countries get a fairer price for their oil.

25. More oil facts: • The Middle East and North Africa produce 1/3 of the world’s oil annually. • Saudi Arabia produces the most oil annually (over 3 billion barrels)! • Oil-rich nations use oil money to produce schools, airports, highways, ports, hospitals, and factories.

26. Agriculture in Israel • To farm their harsh lands, the early settlers of Israel developed two special kinds of farms: * a moshav (cooperative farm) * a kibbutz (collective farm)

27. Middle Eastern Governments • Absolute rulers have complete power. Their authority cannot be challenged. • Most Middle Eastern rulers have traditional titles such as sultan or emir. • Many governments in the Middle East rely on Islamic law, or sharia, to govern them fully or partially.

28. A History of Conflict • The Israelis and the Palestinians have been fighting for years over a region considered to be both groups’ homeland. • Yitzhak Rabin, the prime minister of Israel, and Yasir Arafat, a Palestinian leader, shook hands after a peace agreement in 1995, but Rabin was assassinated before the agreement was put into action.

29. More recently, the Middle East has received a great deal of attention for an anti-government Afghan terrorist group. • There is a Muslim extremist group that has added a sixth pillar of Islam. This sixth pillar is the “jihad,” or “holy war.” It includes the belief that dying in the name of Allah sends one directly to heaven.

30. Arts and Recreation • Storytellers are highly regarded in this region. • Muslim artists are known for their calligraphy. • Camel racing is a popular traditional sport. • Sports and recreation in this area combine old and new pastimes.