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TM CultureGrams Kids Edition Kingdom of 2014 Saudi Arabia Al Mamlakah al Arabiyah as Suudiyah In 1985, Prince Sultan Ibn Salman became the first Arab and first Muslim to travel in space when he flew aboard the space shuttle Discovery. Saudi women are forbidden to drive cars or ride bicycles. Rules like these are based on Saudi Arabian law and custom. Saudis believe that these rules protect a woman’s modesty and honor. All businesses and offices are required to close during the five daily prayer times. Islam is the name of the religion practiced by Muslims. Because of its very dry climate, Saudi Arabia depends on desalination (a process which takes the salt out of sea water) to create enough water for drinking and agriculture. About 70 percent of the country’s drinking water comes from desalination. People in Saudi Arabia prefer to talk before and after a meal rather than during it. There are no movie theaters in Saudi Arabia. The Saudi Arabian Oil Company is the world’s largest oil company. Flag The flag of Saudi Arabia is green with the Muslim declaration of faith in white, “There is no God but Allah: Muhammad is the Messenger of God,” and the picture of a sword in white. Green is often associated with Islam. National Image The national emblem of Saudi Arabia consists of two crossed swords underneath a date palm tree. The swords represent strength and justice, while the palm tree represents growth and prosperity. Land and Climate Area (sq. mi.): 830,000 Area (sq. km.): 2,149,690 Saudi Arabia is about one-fourth the size of the United States and is one of the driest nations in the world. Most of the country is a huge plain of sand and rock, with mountains in the southwest. Deserts cover much of the east and south. There are no major rivers or lakes. Some fields and oases (places in the desert where trees and plants grow because water comes up from the ground below) can be found. Irrigation is making more agriculture possible, but farming is difficult in most of Saudi Arabia. Because of its desert climate, Saudi Arabia has to deal with sandstorms, intense heat, 1 TM CultureGrams Saudi Arabia and dramatic changes in temperature. Temperatures are usually higher in the interior part of the country, and coastal areas are cooler. The hottest weather occurs between May and October, when temperatures regularly exceed 110°F (43°C) in the interior and 97°F (36°C) in coastal areas. In December and January, the coldest months, 70°F (21°C) is the average daily high in the interior, where temperatures may drop to freezing at night. Population Population: 26,939,583 More than 5.5 million Saudis are foreigners (people who are not citizens) who are allowed to work in the country. These workers are mainly from other Islamic countries, but some U.S. citizens employed in the oil industry also live in Saudi Arabia. Ninety percent of Saudis are Arabs, descendants of tribes who once lived in the region. Others are descendants of settlers from Asia and Africa. About 80 percent of Saudi Arabia’s population lives in cities. Language Arabic is the official language of the kingdom. It is also the language of the Qur’an (Muslim scripture). Arabic is written in cursive and read from the right side of the page to the left side, which is the opposite of how English is written and read. English is often used in business and among educated people. Foreign workers in the country speak Arabic or their native languages. Can You Say It in Arabic? Hello Assalaam ʿalaikum (ah-sa-LAAM all-AY-koom) Good-bye Maʿa salama (MA-ah sa-LAA-ma) Please Min fadlak (min FAD-lak) Thank you Shukran (SHUK-ron) Yes Aywa (eye-wuh) No Laʾ (lah) Religion Islam is the official religion of Saudi Arabia. All Saudi citizens are Muslims. In fact, Saudis are forbidden from joining other religions. Sunni and Shi‘i are different branches within Islam. Around 90 percent of Saudis belong to the Sunni branch of Islam. The remaining 10 percent are Shi‘i Muslims. 2 TM CultureGrams Saudi Arabia Saudi Arabia is the birthplace of the prophet Muhammad. Muslims consider Muhammad the last and greatest of all prophets. The Qur’an (Muslim scripture) contains Allah's (God’s) revelations to Muhammad. Each year, hundreds of thousands of Muslims from around the world complete a pilgrimage (journey) called the Hajj to Mecca, Saudi Arabia, as part of their religious duties. During the Hajj, males are expected to wear a white, two-piece, towel-like garment called the ihram. Women can wear traditional clothing but cannot wear a veil. As part of the Hajj, pilgrims walk around the Ka‘abah seven times. The Ka‘abah is the cube-shaped stone building in Mecca that all Muslims in the world face during their daily prayers to Allah. It contains a sacred black stone. On Friday, the day of worship in Islam, people go to the mosque (church) to pray and hear readings from the Qur’an and a speech about daily-life issues or religious practices. Women often stay home to pray. Women who attend the mosque pray in separate areas from the men. Time Line 800 BC 800–200 BC The Sabaeans settle in the southwestern part of the Arabian Peninsula 300 BC–AD 100 The Nabataeans settle in what is now northwest Saudi Arabia AD 200 AD 200 By this time, parts of what is now northern Saudi Arabia have become part of the Roman province of Arabia 570 Muhammad is born in Mecca 622 Muhammad moves to Medina and founds Islam 1500 1500s The Ottomans conquer most of western Arabia 1800 Early 1800s The Al Saud family controls much of the Arabian Peninsula 1818 The Ottoman Turks defeat the ruling Al Saud family 1824 The Al Saud family regains control of central Arabia 1891 The rival Rashidis force the Al Saud family into exile in Kuwait 3 TM CultureGrams Saudi Arabia 1900 1902 Abdul Aziz ibn Saud leads his forces to retake Riyadh, beginning an effort to regain the lands once owned by the Al Saud family 1932 The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is established by King Abdul Aziz ibn Saud 1938 Oil is discovered near Dhahran 1945 Saudi Arabia joins the United Nations and the Arab League, an organization established to promote the economic, cultural, and political interests of Arabic-speaking countries 1947 Construction begins on the Trans-Arabian pipeline, which will carry oil from Saudi Arabia to the Mediterranean Sea via Jordan, Syria, and Lebanon 1960 Saudi Arabia is a founding member of OPEC (Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries), which helps member countries control the price of oil 1964 Faisal bin Abdul Aziz becomes king and helps make Saudi Arabia a more modern state 1975 King Faisal is assassinated by his nephew 1982 Crown Prince Fahd becomes king 4 TM CultureGrams 1990 Saudi Arabia After Iraq invades Kuwait and threatens Saudi Arabia, the Saudis allow U.S. and other troops into the country to free Kuwait and protect Saudi Arabia 2000 2003 Suicide attacks in Riyadh in May and November kill more than 40 people and injure many more 2005 King Fahd dies and is succeeded by Crown Prince Abdullah; Saudi Arabia holds its first nationwide local elections 2007 Police announce the arrest of 172 terrorism suspects who were plotting suicide attacks against oil refineries, military bases, and other facilities 2009 King Abdullah reorganizes several government positions, appointing the nation's first female minister 2012 Women gain the rights to vote, run in city elections, and be appointed to the Shura Council (the most influential political body); Saudi Arabian female athletes are allowed to compete in the Olympics for the first time 2013 Raha Mobarak becomes the first Saudi woman to successfully climb Mount Everest; King Abdullah changes the country’s official weekend to Friday and Saturday, matching the work days of the main global markets and increasing economic opportunities PRESENT Trade Routes Before the seventh century AD, the region now known as Saudi Arabia was a land of nomadic (wandering) tribes, poor farmers, and small settlements located near oases (places where water necessary to sustain life could be found). The region was located along trade routes between Asia, Africa, and Europe. Caravans (groups) of traders carried frankincense (used as incense and for embalming the dead) and myrrh (used for cosmetics and perfumes), spices, gold, ivory, and other precious materials across the desert to be sold to waiting customers. Arabian settlements would make the caravans pay taxes or protection money to ensure the traders’ safety. During Saudi Arabia’s early history, there was no central government. Various groups fought for survival and for greater power. 5 TM CultureGrams Saudi Arabia The Prophet Muhammad Saudi Arabia is the birthplace of the prophet Muhammad. Muhammad was born in Mecca in 570. His parents died when he was young, so he was raised by his grandfather and later by his uncle. Because Muhammad was raised in poverty, his early life was very hard. But he eventually married a wealthy widow and became a trader. At the age of 40, Muhammad began going to the desert and spending long periods of time in prayer and meditation. He was concerned about the greed, corruption, and idolatry he saw all around him. In 610, in response to Muhammad’s prayers, Muslims believe that the angel Gabriel appeared to him. The revelations Muhammad received on that occasion and later in his life became the basis for the religion known as Islam. Arab Empire Islam greatly changed Arab society. For the first time, many of the warring tribes in the region were united by a common religion. An Arab/Islamic empire developed, with great wealth and military might. Through conversion and conquest, Islam eventually spread to parts of Asia, northern Africa, and Spain. The mix of cultures, emphasis on learning, and translation of Greek texts into Arabic led to important developments in astronomy, medicine, and mathematics—including the invention of algebra. After several centuries of growth, the Arab Empire began to decline. Establishing the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia By the early 1800s, the Al Saud family controlled much of the Arabian Peninsula. The powerful Ottoman Empire was troubled by this development and sent its armies to defeat this threat. Following eight years of warfare, the Ottoman Turks put an end to the family’s reign in 1818. But by 1824, the Al Saud family had begun to regain control of central Arabia and ruled the region from their new capital of Riyadh. But the Al Saud family was forced out of power once again in 1891 and had to leave the country. In 1901, 21-year-old Abdul Aziz ibn Al Saud attempted to recapture all of the territory once held by his ancestors. He took back Riyadh in 1902 and then began to unite the different regions into one nation. On 23 September 1932, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia was established, with Abdul Aziz as the king. Saudi Arabia Today The Al Saud family continues to rule today. Since the discovery of oil in the 1930s, Saudi Arabia has become a much richer nation. This wealth has helped modernize the country and make the lives of Saudis more comfortable. But Saudi Arabia is not without challenges. When Iraq invaded nearby Kuwait in 1990, the Saudis hosted troops from the United States and other countries. During what became known as the Arabian (Persian) Gulf War, these international troops helped free Kuwait and protected Saudi Arabia. Saudi Arabia has also been the site of numerous terrorist attacks, including two suicide bombings in 2003 that killed more than 40 people. After waves of protests swept across the Arab world in 2011, King Abdullah attempted to deal with the unrest by announcing new benefits for Saudis, including higher pay, education and job training, and increased rights for women. 6 TM CultureGrams Saudi Arabia Games and Sports Soccer is the national and most popular sport in Saudi Arabia, but only men are allowed to play or to watch matches at the stadium. Saudi men also enjoy horse and camel races, as well as hunting and hawking. Hawking involves hunting for small animals with trained pet falcons. Young men enjoy volleyball, basketball, swimming, wrestling, and roller-skating. Boys love running races, having mock sword fights, and wrestling. Women generally aren’t involved in sports, but girls sometimes play volleyball and other sports at school. Recently, women have been allowed to ride bicycles and motorbikes in areas set aside for the activity. However, they may only ride for recreation and not for everyday getting around. Holidays The most important Islamic holidays celebrated in Saudi Arabia include the three-day feast (Eid al-Fitr) at the end of Ramadan and the Feast of the Sacrifice (Eid al-Adha). During the entire month of Ramadan, Muslims do not eat, drink, or smoke from sunrise to sunset each day. Meals are eaten in the evening and before the sun comes up. Children and people who are sick don’t have to go without food. After Ramadan, families gather for Eid al-Fitr, a time of eating and spending time with relatives. Children receive gifts and get to wear new clothes. Eid al-Adha is a holiday honoring the prophet Abraham’s willingness to sacrifice his son. It is a time for the family to be together and for people to give to the poor. Food Traditionally, Saudis sit on the floor when they eat their meals. And instead of using knives and forks, they eat with their right hands. Kabsah (rice with spiced chicken or lamb) is a favorite dish throughout the country. Rice is commonly served with vegetables and a green salad. Near the coasts, people tend to eat more seafood. Coffee or tea is served before all meals, but buttermilk and camel’s milk are also popular drinks. For dessert, Saudis often enjoy a variety of fruits, especially dates. For religious reasons, Saudis don’t eat pork or drink alcohol. Schools Adult Literacy: 86.6% Saudi children go to six years of elementary school, three years of middle school, and three years of high school. The study of Islam is a big part of all schooling in Saudi Arabia. Boys and girls in Saudi Arabia are required to attend separate schools. Until the 1960s, education for girls was not emphasized. By the 1980s, the education available to boys was also made available to girls. Today, the Saudi government provides free education, including university education, to all Saudis who want it. 7 TM CultureGrams Saudi Arabia Life as a Kid Saudi kids participate in many of the same kinds of activities as children around the rest of the world, like attending school, spending time with family and friends, and playing computer and video games, which is a favorite pastime. But a major difference is that Saudi children receive a lot of religious instruction. They learn about Islam and memorize the Qur’an (Muslim scripture). Mosques (places of worship) are an important center of community life. Also, Saudi kids tend to grow up in large families. The average Saudi family has six or more children. For many Saudis, especially those in the countryside, the family living in a single household often includes three generations—grandparents, parents, and children. And even when family members aren’t living in the same house, they often live very close to each other. So kids in Saudi Arabia tend to spend a lot of time with other family members. Government Capital: Riyadh Head of State: King and PM Abdullah bin Abdul Aziz al-Saud Head of Government: King and PM Abdullah bin Abdul Aziz al-Saud Saudi Arabia’s government is a monarchy, which means that the country is led by a king. The king is not elected but chosen from among the men who belong to the Saudi royal family. The Council of Ministers, appointed by the king, helps make laws and govern the country. There is also a 150-member Consultative Council (Majlis al-Shura) that advises the king and Council of Ministers. The Consultative Council can’t make laws, but it can make suggestions to the king. Saudi Arabia’s government and laws are based on Islamic law. The Qur’an (Muslim scripture) serves as the country’s constitution. The kingdom is divided into 13 regions known as governates. Each governate is led by an emir (prince-governor), who answers directly to the king. Males 21 and over can vote. Women are expected to be given the right to vote in time for the 2015 elections. Money and Economy Currency: Saudi riyal With the largest oil reserves in the world, oil and related products are the basis of Saudi Arabia’s economy. Oil is used not only to provide fuel for cars and heat for homes but also to make fertilizer, plastic, and medicine. The money Saudi Arabia receives from selling its oil has helped improve the country in many ways—better housing, schools, hospitals, and roads. But not everyone shares equally in the wealth. Women make less money and have fewer job opportunities than men. Because of the dry climate, Saudi Arabia has to import (bring in from other countries) many foods, but dates and grains are farmed and livestock are raised in Saudi Arabia. 8 TM CultureGrams Saudi Arabia Getting Around Most Saudi families own a car, which they use for their everyday transportation needs. Compared to the United States and Europe, gas is a lot cheaper in Saudi Arabia, so it’s less expensive to drive. In the cities, people often use taxis and buses. A convenient way to travel between cities is by airplane, and a high-speed train goes from Ad Dammām to Riyadh. In desert areas, the camel is still used for travel, especially among the Bedouin (tribes that live in the desert), but automobiles are also common. Traditional Roles In Saudi Arabia, men and women have very traditional roles in life, and they are expected to live by society's expectations for those roles. For instance, when a man and a woman are to be engaged to be married, the man is not allowed see the woman before their engagement is official. Before they become engaged, men and women are expected to have no kind of relationship. The marriage itself involves a special party for the women and a separate party for the men, held at the same time. There is no drinking at these parties. Each group may dance some traditional folk dances, and while the women may watch the men dance, the men are not allowed to watch the women dance. The wife keeps her family name rather than changing it to her husband's name. All family members are expected to obey the father. In daily life, the husband does the shopping and is responsible for the family finances, while the wife may go with her husband to pick out clothes or furniture for the house. No women are allowed to go shopping alone, spend money on their own, or travel without their husbands, fathers, or brothers. When they are out, women are not required to cover their faces, but they must wear the traditional hijab (head scarf). Husbands are allowed to marry a second, third, or fourth wife. Women are only allowed to remarry when their husbands die or if they get a divorce. When a husband dies, his widow and children inherit according to Islamic law. Women can become doctors, engineers, nurses, teachers, writers, or artists, but not dancers, waiters, builders, or any other "heavy" jobs. Learn More Contact the Embassy of Saudi Arabia, 601 New Hampshire Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20037; phone (202) 342-3800; web site www.saudiembassy.net. Saudi Tourism, phone (800) 755-0000; web site www.sauditourism.com.sa. 9 TM CultureGrams Saudi Arabia © 2014 ProQuest LLC and Brigham Young University. It is against the law to copy, reprint, store, or transmit any part of this publication in any form by any means without strict written permission from ProQuest. 10 CultureGrams TM ProQuest 789 East Eisenhower Parkway Ann Arbor, Michigan 48106 USA Toll Free: 1.800.521.3042 Fax: 1.800.864.0019 www.culturegrams.com 11