Smart History
Smarthistory: Introduction to Islam
Features a summary of the Islam religion and the life and death of Muhammad the Prophet. With links to additional resources.
Curated OER
Unesco: Iran: Gonbad E Qabus
The 53 m high tomb built in ad 1006 for Qabus Ibn Voshmgir, Ziyarid ruler and literati, near the ruins of the ancient city of Jorjan in north-east Iran, bears testimony to the cultural exchange between Central Asian nomads and the...
Digital History
Digital History: September 11, 2001
This site has a comprehensive overview of the September 11, 2001 attacks on the U.S., including information on Osama bin Laden's background, the formation of Al Qaeda, the attacks themselves, the US response, civil liberties and national...
Other
Cq Press: Theocracy
This encyclopedia entry explores theocracy the world over, including the later 20th century growth of Muslim theocracies.
PBS
Pbs: Tolerance in Times of Trial
This lesson compares the treatment of Japanese-Americans and German-Americans during World War II and the treatment of Arab-Americans after September 11th.
Mariners' Museum and Park
Mariners' Museum: Education: Arab Exploration: Ibn Buttuta
This resources provides brief biography of Ibn Buttuta, the Arab traveler who covered over 75,000 miles during the fourteenth century. Link to map of his voyages provided.
PBS
Pbs Learning Media: Wide Angle: Fashion Show
In this Wide Angle video, visit Istanbul, Turkey for the fashion show of Tekbir, a clothing line of conservative fashions for Muslim women. [2:54]
PBS
Pbs Learning Media: Wide Angle: Diverse Turkish Women
This Wide Angle video segment compares two women in Turkey, one from a more religious family, and the other from a more secular family. [3:51]
PBS
Pbs Learning Media: Wide Angle: Ataturk
This Wide Angle video segment illustrates Islamic and secular elements of life in Turkey, and introduces Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, the first president of Turkey, and his reforms. Focuses on fashion, specifically Islamic dress in response to...
PBS
Pbs Learning Media: Political Debate in Turkey
A hot topic of debate in Turkey is the possibility of an increasingly Islamic state in this historically secular country. Learn more in this video from Wide Angle.
Travel Document Systems
Tds: Albania: People
A good look at the ethnic groups in Albania, their religions, and language. Information is from the U.S. State Dept. Background Notes.
Travel Document Systems
Tds: Morocco: People
Read about the people of Morocco, their languages, religion, education, and their cities. Information is from the U.S. State Dept. Background Notes.
Travel Document Systems
Tds: Sudan: Government
This is a very current look at the government of Sudan, the attempt at reconciliation between north and south, and the on-going problems in Darfur. Information is from the U.S. State Dept. Background Notes.
BBC
Bbc: News: Country Profile: Lebanon
The BBC discusses the country of Lebanon which is at the center of much of the conflict in the Middle East. Gives an overview of its history, talks about its leadership, provides a timeline of key events, and links to other key stories.
NPR: National Public Radio
Npr: An Islamic Journey Inside Europe
NPR takes a thorough look at the integration of Muslims into European society. How is Christian Europe handling this challenge of a new culture. Spain, Britain, France are some of the countries under scrutiny.
Countries and Their Cultures
Countries and Their Cultures: Baha'is
The Baha'i faith originated from one of the sects within the Shiite Muslim religion in Iran. The Baha'i religion developed directly from the Babis, an extremely militant sect willing to die to convert the people of the world to their...
Islami City
Islami city.com: Islamic History in Arabia and Middle East
Read about the scholarship and culture in the Golden Age of Islam.
Other
Odyssey: Middle East Stage: Israel and Palestinian Territories
Take a step into the world of Israel and Palestine with this team of Teacher Trekkers. You will look at life in the Middle East, celebrate Hanukkah and Christmas in the Holy Land and learn about their culture and religion.
Other
Thesaurus Islamicus Foundation: Islamic Art Network
This resource presents a treasure trove of scholarly resources on the art and architectural history of Islam. A work in process, the network's resources focus principally on Cairo but are expected, over time, to move outward to cover the...
Other
Islam Project: Maps
A series of historical and near-present-day maps that span Islamic history. Starting with A.D. 750, the maps illustrate both the spread of Islam (from Medina outward to Africa, the Middle East, Europe, and other parts of the world) and...
Travel Document Systems
Tds: Andorra: History
Read the history of Andorra, pushed and pulled between French and Spanish rule since the 800s. See how a balance has been maintained. Information from the U.S. State Dept. Background Notes.
Curated OER
Unesco: Spain: Santiago De Compostela (Old Town)
This famous pilgrimage site in north-west Spain became a symbol in the Spanish Christians' struggle against Islam. Destroyed by the Muslims at the end of the 10th century, it was completely rebuilt in the following century. With its...
Curated OER
Unesco: Spain: Old Town of Caceres
The city's history of battles between Moors and Christians is reflected in its architecture, which is a blend of Roman, Islamic, Northern Gothic and Italian Renaissance styles. Of the 30 or so towers from the Muslim period, the Torre del...
Curated OER
Unesco: Spain: Palmeral of Elche
The Palmeral of Elche, a landscape of groves of date palms, was formally laid out, with elaborate irrigation systems, at the time the Muslim city of Elche was erected, towards the end of the tenth century A.C., when much of the Iberian...