IRAN Mallory Saurer SAPAR Social Studies

Where is Iran?

Iran’s Geography Location: Middle East, bordering the Gulf of Oman, the Persian Gulf, and the Caspian Sea, between Iraq and Pakistan Location: Middle East, bordering the Gulf of Oman, the Persian Gulf, and the Caspian Sea, between Iraq and Pakistan Area - comparative: slightly larger than Alaska Area - comparative: slightly larger than Alaska Climate: mostly arid or semiarid, subtropical along Caspian coast Climate: mostly arid or semiarid, subtropical along Caspian coast Terrain: rugged, mountainous rim; high, central basin with deserts, mountains; small, discontinuous plains along both coasts Terrain: rugged, mountainous rim; high, central basin with deserts, mountains; small, discontinuous plains along both coasts

Government Theocratic Republic: A system of government in which the leader of the government is thought to have divine guidance. Theocratic Republic: A system of government in which the leader of the government is thought to have divine guidance.

Religion Religion: 98% of Iranians are Muslim Religion: 98% of Iranians are Muslim Islam: A monotheistic religion that originated with the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad having the same roots as Christianity and Judaism; its scripture is the Qur’an; its followers are Muslim. Islam: A monotheistic religion that originated with the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad having the same roots as Christianity and Judaism; its scripture is the Qur’an; its followers are Muslim.

Religion Continued… The majority of Iranians are shiia Muslims. Iran’s legal system is based on traditional Islamic law, or sharia, which “guides all aspects of Muslim life including daily routines, familial and religious obligations, and financial dealings.” According to sharia law, women wear a hijab, or head scarf; generally all but their faces and are covered. Some women disagree with having to wear the hijab so they only wear it in public, while other women consider it apart of tradition.

The Iranian Revolution Before the Iranian Revolution: Before the Iranian Revolution: Shahs ruled the country Shahs ruled the country Shahs wanted to westernize Iran Shahs wanted to westernize Iran Women had more access to education and the workforce Women had more access to education and the workforce Women had legal rights within marriage Women had legal rights within marriage

The Iranian Revolution After the Iranian Revolution: After the Iranian Revolution: Iran become a theocracy Iran become a theocracy Shi’a Islamic clerics take power Shi’a Islamic clerics take power Women are seen as symbols of moral corruption Women are seen as symbols of moral corruption Conservative Islamic leaders believed women should go back to their “rightful, God-ordained place as wives and mothers protected at home. God created women as emotional, compassionate creatures, fit to bear and raise children and provide comfort for men, who, as rational, active people, were fit to work outside of the home.” Conservative Islamic leaders believed women should go back to their “rightful, God-ordained place as wives and mothers protected at home. God created women as emotional, compassionate creatures, fit to bear and raise children and provide comfort for men, who, as rational, active people, were fit to work outside of the home.” Men need to be protected from women’s tempting sexuality Men need to be protected from women’s tempting sexuality Sexes are segregated Sexes are segregated Although women challenge their position in society there are often consequences for going against Islamic law. Although women challenge their position in society there are often consequences for going against Islamic law.

Iranian Revolution Today in class you will be reading about the Iranian Revolution. As you read, write down facts about how the Iranian Revolution affected women. You will then write a first-person reflection on how the events of the Iranian Revolution affected your position as a woman in Iranian culture.

Iranian Women Today Tomorrow in class you will be examining the position of Iranian women in the present. You will be assigned to a particular aspect of society such as education or employment. You will work in groups of two or three to create a mini- presentation about the current status of women in Iran.