Abstract This paper explains that, in the ShahFaisalMosque (or Masjid), one of the most beautiful mosques in the world, the Qiblah wall is very beautifully decorated with glazed tiles. The dome of the mosque has a huge golden crescent on it, the grand chandelier is spellbinding, and beautiful reflection pools add to the beauty of the mosque. The author reports that he was surprised to see that there are not any seats in the mosque, which is very distinct from a church. All Muslims sit on the floor, using a prayer mat, and are treated as equals in the mosque and in prayer. The paper reports that no one talked during the prayers because, during prayers, they are supposed to be facing God and praying to Him; no one made any prayer movements before the Imam finished his.
From the Paper "There is a wall inside the mosque called the Qiblah. This is where the wall faces the city of Makkah. All mosques have the Qiblah. It lets people know that they are standing in the right direction to pray to God. I also found out that the minaret is a symbol of olden times. They were made so that people could hear the call of prayers called the azaan. There is a crescent moon on the dome, which indicates the direction of Makkah."
Abstract This paper discusses Stephen Kinzer's 2003 book "All The Shah's Men An American Coup and the Roots of Middle East Terror". The author points out that it is an account of the 1953 coup engineered by the CIA that installed the Shah of Iran in power for 25 years until the 1979 revolution.
From the Paper "This book puts the twenty-first-century condition of the United State sand the Middle East into historical perspective. It helps explain the origin ..."
Tags:Shah, Iran, Mossadegh, CIA, Cold, War, Antony, Eden
Abstract This paper will discuss the Great Mosque of Cordoba, Spain. The Mosque will be described in detail in an architectural sense and will then be evaluated on its importance to Spain in a historical sense to understand the level of pride the people of this country take in this monument to their culture. Also discussed will be the influence of this mosque on architecture in the region and how this building can be differentiated from other religious structures, such a churches and other mosques that are in the area. 8
Abstract This paper explains that despite the Koran's strictures against sumptuousness and grandeur, the mosques are built with opulence and splendor. The author points out that early Islamic art offers a striking contrast to Christian art and architecture by the avoidance of religious symbolism found in Christian churches and art. The paper relates an additional feature of the Great Mosque at Samarra: the ziyadas, an outer enclosure or extension common to early Islamic mosques which surrounds the structure on the north, east and west sides but not on the qiblah wall (the wall in the direction of Mecca which Muslims face in prayer).
From the Paper "On the north side of the Great Mosque stands a single, large minaret, a lofty tower surrounded by one or more projecting balconies from which the summons to prayer is cried by the muezzin. Yet with this particular minaret, the builders decided to shape it in the form of a ziggurat, a stepped, truncated pyramid based on Assyrian architecture reminiscent of ancient Mesopotamia. But the minaret at Samarra was most probably inspired by a certain kind of spiral tower of unknown purpose found in Sassanid, a dynasty of the Persian kings of the third to the seventh centuries in present-day Iran."
Abstract This paper describes the unique mosques in Kairouan and Djenne, Africa. It begins by discussing the characteristics of the mosque, in general. It then outlines the characteristics of what makes these mosques important to Africa's domestic architecture and compares their designs. Finally, the paper also looks at the African culture that is evident behind their designs.
From the Paper "Construction of the current mosque started in 1906 and finished in 1907. The mosque's mud-brick construction leaves it vulnerable to weather and is annually being repaired by senior masons of Djenne. The walls of the mosque range from sixteen inches to twenty-four inches thick. The walls insulate during the day and at night store enough heat to keep the mosque warm. The roof is lined with ceramic pipes to direct the water away from the walls. There are three main towers of the Djenne mosque - each tower is capped with an ostrich egg to symbolize fertility. The materials used for building the Djenne mosque signify the elements found throughout all Islamic architecture. They portray the aesthetics of local materials used by the Djenne peoples for centuries. The qibla of the mosque is dominated by three large box-like minarets. Each box juts out from the main wall and has eighteen buttresses. Each minaret contains a spiral staircase leading to the roof where one can replace the ostrich eggs when needed."
Abstract Discusses the evolution of Mosque architecture in Fatimid Cairo and early North Africa. Describes the mosque as a place for regular, communal prayers, instruction, and observation of Islamic rituals.
From the Paper "The evolution of the architecture of the mosque can be understood as representing the evolution if many of the central tenets of Islam itself, though all mosques (regardless of their location ..."
Abstract In this article, the writer describes that the visit to the Islamic Center of Baton Rouge was a fascinating and enlightening experience. The writer explains that, while there, it was possible to learn about some of the practices and history of Islam, and to experience how a mosque can be such a haven for worship and the Islamic community. The writer points out that this visit to the Mosque was an eye-opening experience, during which many new things were learned. The writer concludes that if more people took an interest in exploring the diverse cultures that make up the country, there would be more understanding and possibly less struggles with race, religious differences and gender friction.
From the Paper "Literally translated the word Qur'an means "recital." It is written in 114 chapters, or sutras, and contains exactly 6,000 verses. Unlike the Bible, which has been translated into multiple languages for the purpose of worship, the Qur'an is felt to be genuine and hold any authority only in the original language with which the Angel Gabriel recited to Muhammed and Muhammed penned the book, and that is Arabic. Even Muslims who are not Arabic learn, memorize and recite the Qur'an in Arabic.
The Qur'an explicitly states that there are Five Obligations of Islam. These are often referred to as the Five "Pillars" because these are the five elements upon which the whole of Islam is founded."
Abstract This paper examines how Stephen Kinzer's book, "All the Shah's Men", is a factually and literarily excellent account of the stealth-styled, underhanded work of America's Central Intelligence Agency along with the not-so-sly subterfuge of the British. It looks at how Kinzer's book exposes through detailed accounts the decision by the Dwight Eisenhower Administration - along with Britain's Secret Intelligence Service - to basically restructure the leadership of a sovereign state, Iran. It discusses how his book focuses on the CIA and its power to interfere with another nation by forcibly installing a dictator that will be friendly to the United States. It also looks at various critiques of the book.
Outline:
Introduction
Review & Critique of "All the Shah's Men"
Conclusion
From the Paper "Mossadegh also had supported women's rights, he had stood up for a person's right to observe whatever religion he or she wished to, and he did not meddle with the courts. Those progressive policies won hearts in Persia during his administration. On July 21, labor leaders issued a call for a "general strike" in opposition to Qavam (the man whom the Shah had wanted to replace Mossadegh because Qavam would be the most cooperative with the Shah) and in favor of Mossadegh, who was "...the only popular choice to lead the national struggle," the "National Front" leaders insisted. If Mossadegh had wanted to, Kinzer continued on page 141, he could have simply dumped the Shah, "proclaimed the end of the Pahlavi dynasty," and established a republic - authorizing himself to serve as president."
Abstract This research paper studies three most significant and commonly known western religions called Judaism, Christianity and Islam in terms of their religious beliefs regarding the place and the role of women in society. The paper provides a clear picture and a better comprehension of other religious convictions and the reasons why women enjoy a far better economic, social as well as political status in the society today. Moreover, the writer argues that studying the place of women in the light of the spiritual teachings of the western religions, we can convince other women and people around in bringing about a positive change in the modern global village.
Introduction
Humankind, Women and Gender Issues
Women and The Islamic Teachings
Women as Mothers in Islam
Women as Wives in Islam and Issue of Divorce
Honorable Social Standing of Women in Islam
Share In Inheritance
Special Concessions for Women in Danger
Women having a "Fine Psychological Distinction"
Permission to Attend the Mosques Role and Rights of Women in Judaism
What Does Christianity Say About the Role of Women?
Conclusion
From the Paper "Religion is the cardinal force that binds a race or a religious group together and equips it with a sense of identity by providing a code of life, governing all aspects of life and determining convictions of its followers. Today, there exist several groups as representatives of various religious beliefs and rituals, practicing and abiding the rules and regulations as set forth by the religious leaders following holy books and scriptures. Studying these distinct religions assists us in figuring out the familiarities and dissimilarities between them, observe them with the humanities perspective and comprehend the underlying varying philosophies thereby classifying or grouping those religions into same categories that have some resemblance. One such category is popularly referred to as "western religions" thereby differentiating the religions constituting it from "eastern religions" (Dowling, 2001). Islam, Judaism and Christianity are three popular religions that rest on the foundation of a single-creator belief and are therefore called western religions as these religions have the core conviction in common; the religious belief that this universe came into existence as well as controlled and governed by one God (Dowling, 2001). This common belief is the origin of the religion of Muslims practicing Islamic teachings, Jews following Judaism and Christians believing in Christianity."
Abstract This paper discusses how Islamic architecture is comprised of four main types of structures historically that have been dominant throughout its history. It looks at how these four types of structures include the mosque, fort, palace and tomb, all of which have undergone changes in architectural style, but that remained uniquely Islamic because of the symbolic importance that the Islamic people placed on elements of these structures. Noted architecture includes the Ka'ba, Taj Mahal and the Alhambra.
From the Paper "The Ka'ba is considered to be the first true Islamic structure and it is identified as such in the Qu'ran ("Ka'ba"). The Ka'ba was erected in Mecca after Muhammed successfully gained control of the city. It was built expressly for prayer and is believed to be one place on earth in which every soul that enters it knows safety through God's presence. Muhammed dedicated the structure to Islam; however, it contained evidence of the most critical figures of the history of the time ("Ka'ba"). These figures were Jesus, Mary and Abraham. It was not until centuries later that the use of earthly forms would be forbideen in Islamic structures because of the belief that these structures were rerpresentative of God, not man. "
Abstract Examines and compares the country during the reigns of the Shah and Khomeini and his successors. Discusses history, economics, politics, foreign relations, Islamic fundamentalism, the war with Iraq and repression.
From the Paper "Iran: Before and After the Revolution
Introduction
The most recent Iranian revolution brought down not only the Shah of Iran, but the president of the United States. It is generally believed that Jimmy Carter was not reelected because of his inability to obtain release of the hostages taken under order of Khomeini. This was a powerful beginning. It represented a tremendous break with the modern development of Iranian society, with its Westernization and linkage with the United States. The intention in the following pages is to compare and contrast the Iran of the Pahlavi regime and the Iran of the Islamic Republic.
The Pahlavi Shahs
Interestingly enough, the birth of the Pahlavi dynasty is ..."
Abstract This paper examines long- and short-term causes of the Iranian revolution, with emphasis on why Shia Islam became the vehicle for revolutionary aspirations. The paper presents the Iranian background and the growth of Western influence. It examines the rise of Islamic fundamentalism., the Shah of Iran and the Ayatollah Khomeini.
Abstract This paper presents an overview of Iran's foreign policy since the fall of the Shah and the Iranian Revolution in 1979. It particularly focuses on its regional influence and its support for terrorist organizations such as Hezbollah, Islamic Jihad and Hamas. The paper then discusses Iran's relations with the United States, particularly following September 11.
Table of Contents:
After the Revolution
Who Makes Iran's Foreign Policy?
The Changing Directions of Iran's Foreign Policy
The US-Iran Relations in the Post 9/11 Scenario
Iran's Support for Terrorist Organizations
Conclusion
From the Paper "The moderate former President Khatami tried to improve Iran's relations with the US as Iran even encouraged its allies in Afghanistan to co-operate with the Americans the Taliban regime after the 9/11 terrorist attacks. The relations again turned sour as President Bush declared Iran as part of the "axis of evil." For a short while after the US invasion of Iraq in March 2003, the Iranian regime seemed to be intimidated at the prospect of a similar pre-emptive operation by the US against Iran (Schwartz). The fear was reflected in its sudden start of negotiations with the EU on ending Iran's nuclear program. The window of opportunity was, however, lost when the US insisted on a regime change and the determined insurgency in Iraq took root. The marked difference in behavior of the US against states that had nuclear capability (e.g., North Korea) and those which did not, also convinced the Iranians about the advantage of acquiring a nuclear deterrence; hence the current stand-off on the Iranian nuclear program between Iran and US."
Abstract This paper examines U.S.-Iraq relations since the fall of the Shah . The paper explains that relations between the two countries since the Islamic revolution in Iran have been influenced by realpolitik, especially in terms of American foreign policy decisions since 1979. When the friendly government of the Shah of Iran was overthrown and Ayatollah Khomeini established a fundamentalist Islamic republic, the Reagan Administration felt compelled to prevent the spread of radical Islam throughout the Middle East by any means available, and consequently considered it necessary to provide covert military assistance to Saddam Hussein.
Abstract This paper looks at how the events of September 11th have affected the way Americans see the Muslim and Arab world and how America's foreign policy in the Middle East has affected the way the Arab and Muslim world sees the United States.
From the Paper "After the events of September 11th, 2001, American views on Arab-Americans and Islam took a further turn for the worse, which gave the Islamic world even more wood for the fire of disdain held towards Americans. The events themselves, came as a shock to a vast majority of Americans, who for so long, were under the impression that they were well liked by everyone, and were the Super-Power that was everybody's friend. This ignorance was due largely in part to a lack of comprehension of America's current and past foreign policies, and their ever-involvement in the political arena in the Middle East. "
