In two decades of Ba'thist rule, Syria has evolved into a centralized, one-party, secular, authoritarian nation-state, which may be destabilized in the 1980s as a result of the conflict in Lebanon and internal Islamic opposition. (RM)

The linkage of the formal structures of higher learning in Islam and the development of higher education in the Medieval West is discussed. Recent findings indicate a transference of instructional methodology and even some organizational forms from Islamdom to the Christian West during the eleventh and twelfth centuries. Islamic models of higher…

Describes the difficulty in reading and writing Persian script which may contribute to illiteracy in Iran and notes the political and religious considerations which make change difficult. (MKM)

Discusses the factors that led to the rise of the Arabic-Islamic libraries during the seventh through fourteenth centuries. The most famous libraries are identified, the management and organization of these libraries are described, and the factors behind the destruction of the Arabic-Islamic libraries are discussed. (30 references) (CLB)

In the wake of the first space voyage and in-flight experiments by a Muslim astronaut, this document focuses upon the story of Islamic science through the ages. It is intended to demonstrate the resurgence of scientific research and technological development in the Muslim world. The booklet contains chapters on: (1) science: the Islamic legacy;…

In Iran and Egypt, preaching from the pulpit has existed as a distinct medium of public communication for centuries. Studying such traditional institutions could reveal a model of public communication which might be most effective in a developing society. (PD)

Explores the thesis that Islam is closely linked to urban ways of life and values, and encourages the growth of cities and towns. Provides accounts from history to support this thesis. Includes information concerning Islamic influences on architecture, and uses the story of the pilgrimage of an African believer to illustrate the point. (KO)

Describes fifteenth-century Spain's tendencies that proved central to the Columbian enterprise: experience as a conquering and colonizing kingdom, interest in Atlantic expansion, and missionary inclination. Argues that Columbus's arrival in Spain came at the perfect time in Spanish history. Stresses Spain's long history of religious war, conquest,…

Discusses the sociocultural context of education in the Comoro Islands, where effects of French colonization combine with Islamic influences. Examines education and cultural changes under French colonialism prior to independence in 1975. Since then, political changes resulted in establishment of French and South African hegemony. One table, 5…

Traces history of European interaction with Islamic countries of Middle East from Crusades through World War I. Explains political expendiencies of war and resulting mandate system. Provides religious and political bases for Arab distrust of West. Concludes that no lasting peace is possible in area as long as Palestinian question is ignored. (DK)

This paper examines the development of higher education in Iran in the 19th and 20th centuries. It examines the role of Christian missionaries in the creation of Darolfunun, the first Western-style Iranian college, founded in 1851. The University of Teheran, based on French models, was founded in 1934. While Western influence on education in Iran…

Learning to appreciate religious art and to understand the interdependence of history and art are basic to the foundations of culture. Students need to be exposed to the art of the diverse adherents of all major religions in order to understand the beliefs and practices of others. Students can examine religious art from ancient times, including…

The history of higher education in Saudi Arabia is outlined, especially as it relates to Islamic religion and educational philosophy, and its rapid growth is chronicled. These aspects are examined: Saudi students studying abroad, foreign students in Saudi Arabia, women's education, the Ministry of Higher Education's role, and financing. (MSE)

This teaching unit represents a specific "dramatic moment" in history that can allow students to delve into the deeper meanings of selected landmark events and explore their wider context in the great historical narrative. Studying a crucial turning point in history helps students realize that history is an ongoing, open-ended process,…

Describes the Creswell Library of Islamic Art and Architecture, which is housed at the American University in Cairo. A history of the library collection and its founder, Sir Keppell Archibald Creswell, is presented; his cataloging system and controlled access to materials are described; and current plans for the library are discussed. (LRW)