Discusses the origins and impact of the Piri Reis map, an early world map based on the voyages of Columbus and 20 other source maps. Maintains that evidence exists that Christopher Columbus may have drawn part of the map. Includes lengthy quotes from the map's legend written by Reis. (CFR)

History is the study of the past; some of the past is more recent than a glance over many schemes of work might lead us to think. Chris Culpin makes the case for ignoring the 20 year rule and tackling head on--and, crucially, "historically"--the big issues of the very recent past. He shows that critical historical study is precisely what…

This paper describes a resource tool called a pathfinder, which is a specialized bibliography used by public, academic, and school librarians to compile related information into a single document, usually under 10 pages. This Middle East Pathfinder contains 14 types of information sources including: (1) a brief introduction to the topic with…

Egypt is a culture which combines the traditional with the modern. This text aims to foster an appreciation of Egypt as a changing culture facing the challenges of development. Topics included are: (1) Village Life; (2) Urban Life; (3) Nile; (4) Government; (5) Agriculture; (6) Economy; (7) Health/Games; (8) Education; (9) Religion; (10)…

This directory of Middle Eastern resource materials in or near Connecticut is designed for use by educators, librarians, media specialists, and the general public. The Middle East is defined as the part of the world known as Southwest Asia/North Africa (SWANA). The information is organized under ten major categories: associations and…

The bibliography project aimed at providing undergraduate libraries with additonal and more recent resources by listing in separate bibliographies of 750 entries on Southeast Asia and 1200 entries on the Middle East and North Africa, each arranged by country and subject with an author index. The two computerized bibliographies, Southeast Asia: A…

This resource guide provides background and source material about the Turkey for secondary teachers and students. In addition to suggested classroom activities, there are background readings and notes for the teachers that can be used for enrichment lessons with students. Each chapter views a single question from multiple perspectives. The six…

This paper documents Iraq's efforts to conquer the problem of illiteracy brought about by an inadequate educational system, lack of incentive to become literate, low standard of living, and low levels of school attendance. A general historical perspective of education in Iraq and the Arab world is presented followed by a tracing of the history and…

This paper hypothesizes the crucial factors necessary for the transformation of rebellion into separatist movements. It examines the Kurds in Turkey, Iran, and Iraq as a case study to test the hypotheses. Separatism is seen to include attempts by an ethnic group to achieve complete independence from the nation in which it resides. It can also…

This volume on Jordan is one of a series of handbooks prepared by the Foreign Area Studies (FAS) of the American University for use by military and other personnel who need a convenient compilation of basic facts about the social, economic, political, and military institutions and practices of various countries. The present volume is the first…

Designed essentially for librarians in undergraduate colleges in the United States, this bibliography is arranged both on a topical/subject and country by country basis. In the general section, the reader may find the bibliographies of bibliographies, reference works, journals, and specific works which treat geography, history, government and…

Examines the historical fallacy, popular in western civilization from medieval to early modern times, that Muslim allies were somehow secretly Christian. These fallacies often served to explain Christian-Muslim diplomacy to the public at a time when Islam was portrayed as the enemy of Christianity. (MJP)

Suggests a method for presenting narrative accounts of one event in history so that students can practice analyzing and evaluating sources. Presents historical background about the capture of Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, in 1902, and offers three conflicting versions of this event with the teaching procedures for using the accounts in the classroom. (KO)

Presents a course in Jewish history and culture for non-Jewish students. Stresses the importance of understanding and respecting all cultures, eliminating cultural stereotypes, and preventing polarization and xenophobia. Includes a weekly course syllabus and bibliography. Discusses the importance of countering stereotypes before presenting some…

Presents an annotated bibliography of 10 Web sites concerning ancient Egypt that have materials appropriate for social studies classes. Includes virtual tours of Egypt and specific temples, explorations of the pyramids, archaeological and geographic information, and information on the Egyptian "Book of the Dead." (MJP)