These are holy places of different religious groups in Eastern

Mediterranean and they are all in one city. Which city?

Jerusalem

Focus and Objective At the end of class

today you will understand and identify the three main religions found in the Middle East and where the source of political tension in this region comes from and why its there!

Discuss Do you know of a

conflict between different religious groups in the United States?

Do we have a lot of religious conflicts in the United States, why or why not?

Key Terms Dome of the Rock/ Temple Mount Western Wall Synagogues Mosque Church Islam Christianity Judaism

Conflict- Jerusalem plays an important role in Judaism,

Christianity, and Islam. The 2000 Statistical Yearbook of Jerusalem lists 1204 synagogues, 158 churches, and 73 mosques within the city. Despite efforts to maintain peaceful religious coexistence, some sites, such as the Temple Mount, have been a continuous source of friction and controversy.

Dome of the Rock (What do you think is inside?)

Dome of the Rock (Q: does this structure

remind you of anything we’ve seen before?)

A: Kaaba in Mecca, Saudi Arabia

Jerusalem, Israel

Islamic Importance According to Islamic tradition, the rock is the

spot from where Muhammad ascended to Heaven accompanied by the angel Gabriel.

Judaism Importance and the Western Wall Sometimes referred to as

the Wailing Wall. Wailing Wall Is an important Jewish religious site located in the Old City of Jerusalem.

According to majority rabbinic opinion, Jews may not set foot upon the Temple Mount and doing so is a sin punishable by Jewish Law.

In Judaism, the Western Wall is venerated as the sole remnant of the Holy Temple. It has become a place of pilgrimage for Jews, as it is the closest permitted accessible site to the holiest spot

in Judaism

Where is the Dome of the Rock compared to the Western Wall? Right below it!

Christianity What is special about this city according to Christians? Jesus was tried and convicted of blasphemy. Hung on a cross, buried in a

cave/grave, and on the third day a rose from the dead. Jesus revisited his followers. Three Key concepts of Christianity

Jesus is the son of God Jesus Died on the cross for my sins Jesus rose from the dead and Because I believe in him I too will be raised

Church Bible Jesus

Salvation

Class Discussion Question Imagine living in a house with family

members where everybody has different beliefs?

Tower of David

Class Discussion Question What religions find Jerusalem sacred? Jerusalem is holy to Judaism, Christianity and

Islam….but why? Why is this city a source of political tension in the

Southwest Asia and Central Asia region and why its there? (write the question and answer down)

Tower of David

Test Questions Which three monotheistic religions are in

Southwest Asia?

a. Judaism, Hinduism, and Islam

b. Judaism, Christianity, and Hinduism

c. Islam, Judaism, and Christianity

d. Islam, Hinduism, and Christianity

Test Questions What two sites in Jerusalem have prompted

clashes between Jews and Muslims?

a. The Western Wall and the Kaaba

b. The Mediterranean Sea and the Oil exports

c. The Western Wall and the Golan Heights

d. The Western Wall and the Dome of the Rock

Test Questions Why is Jerusalem important to all three religious

groups in Southwest Asia?

a. Because it is a vital part of each of their religious histories and belief systems

b. Because each religion is polytheistic and the all worship many gods.

c. Because it is a vital place for oil and trading

d. Because it is were Jewish, Christian, and Islamic people created the PLO.

Other Factors Different Islamic Interests

Shi’a (Hezbollah, Iran) Sunni (Al Qaida, Saudi, Egypt)

Ethnic Conflict Too Palestinians: Arab ethnicity Iranians: Persian Ancestry

Other Factors Energy Considerations

Oil in SWA controlled by Arabs Region is growing transit area for energy

Ideological/Historical Precedent Western support for Israel after WWII US aid to Egypt under Camp David Accords Soviet support for Arab states

Natural counter to US/Western influence Tempered by invasion of Afghanistan