“What is the Muslim World?” An Introduction to Middle Eastern Studies

Introduction Due to the current historical circumstances, modern Americans are more familiar with the “Muslim world” than they are other regions However, in many cases, this “knowledge” is actually a collection of stereotypes and misinformation The goal of today’s lecture is to begin to break down some of those stereotypes and build a strong foundation for approaching this civilization

Issue #1: “The Middle East and the Islamic World are the same thing”

“The Muslim Countries”

“The Muslim Countries?”

Middle East = A Place Southwest Asia –Persia (Iran); Mesopotamia (Iraq); Syria (Syria); Arabia (Saudi Arabia, et al); Palestine (Israel, Jordan, Lebanon) –Anatolia (Turkey)* North Africa –Egypt (Egypt) –Maghrib (Morocco, Algeria) What about Pakistan? –No: Is part of South Asia (Indian Subcontinent) What about Afghanistan? –No: Is part of Central Asia (with the other “stans”)

Issue #2: “The words “Muslim”, “Arab”, and “Middle Eastern” can be used interchangeably”

Venn Diagram: Arab, Muslim, Middle Eastern Arab Mid East Muslim

Middle Eastern Terminology Arab –Descendants of the the peoples from the Arabian peninsula –Typically speak Arabic –Self-identify as “Arab” Middle Eastern –People who live in the countries identified as the “Middle East” Muslim –Individuals who practice the Islamic faith

10 Things to Know about Islam Read: religion/58-ten-things-to-know-about-islam religion/58-ten-things-to-know-about-islam Discussion Questions: –What is the “POV” of the author who wrote this essay? (agenda?) –What aspects of this essay might you take issue with? –What aspects of this essay are helpful information to remember?

Coach Lerch’s Final Thoughts The “Muslim World” is not the “Middle East” and the “Middle East” is not the “Muslim World” The terms “Muslim”, “Arab” and “Middle Eastern” must be used properly Islam is practiced in a diverse number of ways based on the social, economic, and political circumstances in a given area