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Saudi Arabia: Land of Contrasts and Contradictions

http://www.saudinf.com/main/a.htmCreated by: Janie Maldonado and Sherrie Greene

Austin Independent School DistrictMay 2006

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Saudi Arabia: Land of Contrasts

Religious Apartheid in Saudi ArabiaSaudi Arabia, a relatively new country (1932, has

a vast wealth of contrasts and contradictions. A typical contrast is evident here. A modern jet flies over a dirt landing strip next to an ancient historical site. The highway sign indicates the seriousness of religious apartheid. Only Moslems are allowed into Mecca. Other visitors are directed elsewhere.

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Saudi Arabia is the center of Islam and the Middle East. It is the birthplace of Muhammad, the Prophet of Islam. Islam is the official religion of Saudi Arabia. The country is located approximately 30°-18° North and 35°-55° East. The relative location of Saudi Arabia is flanked by the very important waterways of the Red Sea on the western border and the Persian Gulf on the eastern border. There are no permanent lakes or rivers in the entire country. Because there is no fresh water, the country must depend on desalination of sea water. Saudi Arabia also borders Egypt, Yemen, Oman, Kuwait, Iraq, and Jordan.

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Mecca is the birthplace of Islam. Medina is where Muhammad died and the focus of the hajj. Riyadh is the capital. Although situated between the two of the cradles of early civilization, Saudi Arabia is a vast desert mostly utilized by nomadic Bedouins.

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Saudi Arabia is 1/3 the size of the United States.

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Muhammad(The Prophet)

Mecca, where Muhammad was born (570) was a trading crossroads, where he started his public preaching in 613.

From Mecca with 200 followers, he journeyed to Medina (Yathrib) from July – September 622.

In 632, Muhammad leads the first pilgrimage (hajj)to Mecca .

Muhammad dies in June, 632 in Medina after he declared that he had now fulfilled his mission on Earth.

Muhammad is buried in Medina. With Muhammad’s death all of Arabia is united under the banner of Islam

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The Five Pillars of Islam

Faith Prayer Fasting Alms HajjIn a desert cave in Saudi Arabia, Allah (Islamic name for God) revealed the Five Pillars of Islam to Muhammad. The pillars explain the duties each Moslem must follow in life.

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The Hajj

The hajj begins with a procession called the tawaf, which takes the pilgrim around the Ka’aba seven times. Thanks to Saudi Arabia’s oil wealth, one part of Alms-giving is used to support or fund other Moslems to come to Medina for the hajj.The Ka’aba is a cube-shaped structure draped in a black cloth that bears a band of sacred verses embroidered in gold and silver thread. Moslems believe that Allah sent the Black Stone from heaven. It is the fortunate pilgrim who manages to break free from the press of the crowd and kiss the Black Stone.

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The Hajj

Circa early 1900s

Modern pilgrimage

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Unification of Saudi Arabia

Muhammad ibn al- Saud forms a politico-religious pact with Muhammad ibn Abd al-Wahhab in 1744.

Saud is the founder of first Saudi dynasty in Arabia

( reigned from 1746 – 1765). Saud and Wahhab formed a pact to

establish a country based on the purification of Islamic practices from current popular religion and an emphasis on strict monotheism

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Wahhabis(Muwahhidun)

18th century reformist/revivalist movement Determines the reliance on Qur’an (holy book of

Islam) and hadith (interpretations of the Prophet)

Rejects medieval interpretations of Islam and justice Emphasized education and knowledge as weapons in

dealing with nonbelievers Violent opposition to the cult of saints, idolatry, and

shrine and tomb visitations Wahhabis are the crucial allies in the Saud conquest

of lands that became Saudi Arabia Wahhabis enforce the excommunication of anyone

who doesn’t follow their creed exactly

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Wahhabism

http://www.eretzyisroel.org/demo.jpg

“The premise of this new, narrow ideology was to reject traditional scholars, scholarship, and practices under the guise of "reviving the true tenets of Islam" and protecting the concept of monotheism."

www.eretzyisroel.org/~jkatz/wahhabism.html

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Modern Saudi Arabia The fortunes of the Saud family rose and

fell several times as Saudi rulers contended with Egypt, the Ottoman Empire, and other Arabian families over

control of the peninsula. 1902- Abdul Aziz Ibn Saud captured

Riyadh from the rival Al-Rashid family 1926 – after conquering other family

rivals Abdul became the King of Hijaz

(Saudi Arabia)

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Modern Saudi Arabia cont.

1927 Abdul took the title of King of Najd Treaty of Jedda, May 20, 1927 – United

Kingdom recognized the independence realm of Addul Aziz’s Kingdom of Hijaz and Najd)

The Saudi family has maintained its role of political and military leadership in the modern-day kingdom of Saudi Arabia, with the descendants of Ibn Abd al- Wahhab continuing to serve as religious advisers.

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Coat of Arms

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saudi_Arabia

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Flag of Saudi Arabia

“There is no god but Allah Muhammad is His Prophet”http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saudi_Arabia

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Saudi Arabian AnthemARABIC LYRICSSarei Lil Majd WalalyaMajjedi Le Khaleg AssamaWarfai El Khaffag Akhdar Yahmil Annoor al mosattarRaddedy Allah WakbarYamawteni Mawtenii GadIsht Fakhr Al MoslemeenAash Al Maleek Lelalam Walwatan(Adopted 1950)

ENGLISH TRANSLATIONHasten to glory and supremacy!Glorify the Creator of the heavensAnd raise the green, fluttering flag,Carrying the emblem of Light!Repeat - God is greatest!O my country,My country, may you always live,The glory of all Muslims!Long live the King,For the flag and the country!

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The discovery of oil in March 1938 transformed the country economically, and

has given the kingdom great legitimacy over the years

http://ww.hrc.utexas.edu/exhibitions/online/ddd/indeedes/images/475/339.jpg

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www.westforum.sc.edu/VirtualMuseum/images/LuckySevenDrop_jpg.jpg.

“After six dry holes and after running out of almost all their money and hope, the Socal people were ready to give up their concession in eastern Arabia. But in late February 1958 4,500 feet down, Dammam No 7 struck and within a month was producing over 5,00 barrels a day. American oilmen were in Saudi Arabia to stay”.

Oil from Lucky Seven oil well

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"..February 14, 2005, marks the 60th anniversary of the historic meeting between Saudi Arabia's King Abdul Aziz and then U.S. President Franklin D. Roosevelt aboard the cruiser USS Quincy at Great Bitter Lake in Egypt. These two visionary leaders forged an enduring relationship that has weathered many challenges from the Cold War to the terrorism we face today.."  Saudi Arabia is included in world’s decision making and problem solving.

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King Abudullah bin Abdulaziz

Visiting conjoined twins at hospital

Greeting U.S. Ambassador Oberwetter and wife in Dhahran.Note the traditional attire covering the western style suit.

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President Bush and King

www.whitehouse.gov/.../ 20020425-4-2-515h.html

President George W. Bush welcomes Crown Prince Abdullah of Saudi Arabia to the Bush family ranch in Crawford, Texas, Thursday, April 25, 2005. "The Crown Prince is going to be in America for several more days, and officials from both our governments will be continuing our discussions with the hope that our efforts can help return us to the path of peace -- a lasting peace," said the President in a press conference after the visit.

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Women of Saudi Arabia

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Men in Saudi Arabia

Foreign citizens are imported as workers.

Voting Day

Women are allowed to vote only in some elections.

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These men are performing an ancient ritual of the Flower Dance. Notice only men are present. As peaceful as this dance may seem, they all hold swords.http://images.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://www.galenfrysinger.com/Photos/saudi132.jpg&imgrefurl=http://www.galenfrysinger.com/flower_men_of_saudi_arabia.htm&h=504&w=331&sz=111&tbnid=lc6hca1ru_0hKM:&tbnh=128&tbnw=84&hl=en&start=7&prev=/images%3Fq%3Dmen%2Bin%2BSaudi%2BArabia%26svnum%3D10%26hl%3Den%26lr%3D%26sa%3DG

Flower Dance

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Women participating in the Hajj.

Men at prayer.

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Bedouins

www.whitehouse.gov/.../ 20020425-4-2-515h.html

The lifestyle of the Bedouins has been in existence since ancient times in Arabia and has changed little. Bedouins are nomadic tribes who live in the Arabian desert.

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Housing

A stark contrast is ever present in housing life-styles. A serious problem in Saudi Arabia is that often times money earmarked for infrastructure, such as modern sewage, is pilfered or fleeced by dishonest politicians or city officials.

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The name of Riyadh means "the gardens". In the central desert of Nedj, there was an oasis with traditional houses made of earth. A huge trend of modernization has led to the destruction or dereliction of the old earth made houses until recently. A preservation policy has begun to save the last witness of of the past

30A modern Saudi Arabian suburban neighborhood. Notice the protective outer fence.

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ShoppingA modern shopping mall

A woman shopping in traditional black clothing

Busy city life outside a market place

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Shopping cont.

Jeddah Shopping Center Mall

From the market above, 104 illegal immigrants were deported back to Pakistan. The Wahhabis enforce a “secret police” who monitor illegal activities in all aspects of Islamic daily life.

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http://www.saudi-us-relations.org/maps/images/saudi-mecca-madina-jeddah-riyadh-map-600.jpg

Four major cities of Saudi Arabia.

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Transportation

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Saudi Arabian Economy

Budget: Income .............. $32.3 BillionExpenditure ... $34 BillionMain Crops: Wheat, barley, tomatoes, melons, dates, citrus; mutton, chickens, eggs, milk .Natural Resources: Petroleum, natural gas, iron ore, gold, copper .Major Industries: Crude oil production, petroleum refining, basic petrochemicals, cement, two small steel-rolling mills, construction, fertilizer, plastics

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Economy cont.A map of the pipeline: the

lifeblood of Saudi Arabia.The economy is almost totally

dependent upon foreign labor. The number of expatriate workers is large with the bulk coming from Egypt, Pakistan, India, Indonesia, and the Philippines. The economy is almost totally dependent upon foreign labor. The number of expatriate workers is large with the bulk coming from Egypt, Pakistan, India, Indonesia, and the Philippines.

http://www.pbs.org/wnet/wideangle/shows/saudi/images/map1.gif

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Tourism limitations

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Saudi Arabia is trying to diversify its economy.

Saudi Arabia's economy is vulnerable to fluctuating commodity prices because of its heavy reliance on oil exports.

But its grip on international oil markets has weakened considerably because of rival production from the former Soviet Union, Africa and Latin America.

• After the oil boon, Bedouins were encouraged to abandon the nomadic lifestyle in exchange for farming, or employment in city life. Most Bedouins have not been successful in this effort.

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Contact with the rest of world continues to make

Saudi Arabia a land of contrasts:

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United States presence is shown in a remote area.

At a popular meeting place, replete with neon. graffiti and electrical signs, traditional attire is evident.

Saudi Arabia has not escaped the ravages of graffiti.

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Saudi Arabia is a country trying to belong to the 21st

century with strong traditional morals

from Islam and Arabia’s humble

beginnings. Wahhabism

continues to be a strong force and the moral backbone of

Saudi Arabia.This in itself is a cause for many contrasts and

contradictions.

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Photograph & Powerpoint Credits

Slide 1: http://web.umr.edu/~rogersda/military_service/A 7%20over%20Saudi%20Arabia.jpg http://www.freedomhouse.org/religion/country/Saudi%20Arabia/Mecca%20sign.j

Slide 2: Zioneocon.blogspot.com/map-middle-east.gif

Slide 3: http://www.saudi -us-relations.org/maps/images/saudi-arabia-map-factbook-600.jpg

Slide 4: About.com/library/blank/usa3.jpg

Slide 5: http://edf3.gallaudet.edu/diversity/moslems/pillars2.jpg

Slide 6: http://www.csmonitor.com/specials/hajjmap/hajj1.gif

Slide 7: http://www.csmonitor.com/specials/hajjmap/hajj1.gif

Slide 8: http://www.unexplainedstuff.com/images/geuu_02_img0461.jpg

http://i.a.cnn.net/cnn/SPECIALS/2005/hajj/images/top.mecca.jpg

Slide 9: http://arabiancareers.com/saudi.html

Slide 10: http://arabiancareers.com/saudi.html

 

 

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Photograph & Powerpoint CreditsSlide 16: http://david.national-anthems.net/sa'.htm

Slide 19: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saudi_Arabia

Slide 20: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Image:Abdullah_of_Saudi_Arabia.jpg

www.conjoinedtwins.med.sa/ gallery/polish/page...

 Slide 21: news.bbc.co.uk/media/ images/38375000/jpg/_383...

Slide 22: http://watch.windsofchange.net/pics/saudi_shopping_s.jpg

http://www.ameinfo.com/images/news/0/13650-saudi-woman.jpg  http://www.artcrimes.com/istanbul/saudi_arabia_dsk_istanbul.jpg http://i-cias.com/e.o/ill/arabs03.jpg

Slide 23: http://images.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://news.bbc.co.uk/media/images/

http://www.cbc.ca/gfx/pix/saudi_elections_cp_7102616.jpg

http://images.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://www.galenfrysinger.com/

Slide 25: http://images.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://news.bbc.co.uk/media/images/  

 http://images.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://news.bbc.co.uk/media/images

news.bbc.co.uk/.../newsid_4405100/4405164.stm

http://images.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://news.bbc.co.uk/media/images/40735000/jpg

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Photograph & Powerpoint Credits

Slide 27:  http://www.exploresaudiarabia.com/factfile/images/soldier_cooking.gif

http://saudiembassy.net/Publications/MagWinter98/images/p16.jpg http://www.mattmtravels.com/Saudi%20Arabia021.jpg Slide 28: http://images.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://geoimages.berkeley.edu/GeoImageSlide 29: http://images.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://geoimages.berkeley.edu/GeoImagesSlide 30: http://images.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://geoimages.berkeley.edu/GeoImages http://www.galenfrysinger.com/Photos/saudi90.jpg http://images.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://kerneltrap.org/jeremy/pictures/2003-Slide 31: www.despardes.com/pakistan/ images/kababish-li...

www.demetrios-sa.com/ contact.php

Slide 33: www.mosnews.com/ files/1128/picture.jpg

http://www.arab-world-information.com/saudi_arabia_files/image012.jpg

http://images.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://www.toursaudiarabia.com/pictures/

http://images.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://geoimages.berkeley.edu/GeoImages

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Photograph & Powerpoint Credits

Slide 34: www.banterist.com/ archivefiles/images/1232ad.jpg

Slide 36: http://www.saudiembassy.net/

Slide 37:  news.bbc.co.uk/media/ images/38375000/jpg/_383...

Slide 38: http://homepage.mac.com/cfj/.Pictures/mecca-cola.jpg

http://www.flagline.com/images/magnets/saudi-arabia.jpg

Slide 39: http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/frontline/shows/terrorism/art/p_saudip.jpg http://www.artcrimes.com/istanbul/saudi_arabia_dsk_istanbul.jpg

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Project coordinated by Janie Maldonado and

Sherrie GreeneAustin Independent

School DistrictMay, 2006