History and Culture

The world’s first civilizations developed in the area known as the Fertile Crescent. This arc of productive land extends northward from the Persian Gulf and through the plains of the Tigris and Euphrates Rivers.

History and Culture By about 3000 B.C. a people called the Sumerians built the world’s first known cities in southern Mesopotamia. These cities depended on wheat and barley to make a living.

History and Culture Akkadians conquered the Sumerian cities in about 2350 B.C. and created the region’s first real empire. Over time cities declined and grew in the region. About 550 B.C. an empire developed in Persia, which is Iran today.

History and Culture The Persians were one of the largest, richest, and most powerful empires in world history. Later the Greeks and the Romans controlled much of this region.

History and Culture The prophet Muhammad established Islam. Muhammad was born in Mecca and had a religious experience that changed his life.

History and Culture Muhammad reported that a messenger of God, the angel Gabriel, told him to preach the word of God. (Allah) Muhammad spread his message to his followers called Muslims.

History and Culture A holy book called the Qur’an contains what Muslims believe to be Allah’s message to Muhammad. After Muhammad’s death Arab armies carried Islam through wars and along trade routes.

History and Culture Muslims all over the world now face Mecca, Islam’s holiest city when they pray. Islam is one of the world’s most widely practiced religions.

History and Culture Empires continued to rise and fall in this area until modern times. The rule of the Safavid dynasty which lasted more than 200 years is considered the golden age of Persian culture.

History and Culture The expanding British and Russian Empires took control of Iran and Afghanistan until they both became independent during the 1900’s. Iraq and Saudi Arabia both became independent in 1932.

History and Culture Islam is the unifying cultural feature of the region.

History and Culture Arabs: Largest ethnic group in the entire region. Arabic language is the dominant language. Islam is the major religion. Saudi Arabia and Iraq both major Arab countries.

History and Culture Persians: Iran and Afghanistan Farsi language Persians dominate Iran and hold most of the important positions in Iranian society.

History and Culture Pashtun: Largest ethnic group in Afghanistan Speak Pashtu language Several small tribes here. People’s loyalties are more in line with their family or clan than their ethnic group.

History and Culture Kurds: Muslim Located in Iran, Iraq, Syria, Turkey Desire self-rule Language related to Farsi.

Religion Islam has split into two main groups, the Sunni and Shi’ism. Their difference centers around who can be their religious leaders, called imams, in Muslim society.

Religion Sunni groups choose their imams, while the Shia allow only descendents of the prophet Muhammad’s family to become imams. Today 90 percent of Muslims are Sunnis and 10 percent are Shia.

Religion Sunnis are found everywhere Islam has spread, while Shia is concentrated in Iran, southern Iraq, Yemen, Syria, and Lebanon.

Religion Both groups are expected to make the religious pilgrimage to Meca. Throughout history there have been conflicts between the two groups.