The Middle-Earth Project is a mod for CKII. It is based on The Lord of the Rings, The Silmarillion, and all the other books based in Middle-Earth, written by J.R.R. Tolkien.
The mod was created by fans, for fans!
This mod is currently in development. There is a full edition available on the Paradox forum.This is a BETA and there will be bugs. Nothing is set in stone and we will appreciate any input that you think might improve the mod.
Scenarios[edit]
The mod propose for now five scenarios:
Features[edit]
The mod add some specific features:
Gameplay[edit]
Characters, Races and traits[edit]
The mod added many new races, traits, and characters from the books. Each races got their own specific portraits for a better immersion into the universe of Middle-Earth.
You can play as the following races for now :
A lot of specific traits were created to the mod, as Legendary Weapons (Anduril, Glamdring, ..), Rings (Rings of Powers, Ring of Barahir, ..), Crowns and lot of objects like them. But the mod add also some cultural, education and personality traits, to be more immersive.
FAQ[edit]
There are three bookmarks currently available; The Fall of Arnor, The Kinstrife, and the War of the Ring. We also plan to include bookmarks for The Last Alliance, A New Shadow (Fourth Age), The Invasion of the Wainriders, and The Quest for Erebor, but for now we work on stability and expanding the current bookmarks. There is also a First Age 'expansion' in the works.
The map currently covers the main areas of Tolkien's Middle Earth, from the edges of Forodwaith in the North to the Dune Sea in the South, and from the Rhun in the East to Lindon in the West. Numenor and Beleriand are also on the map, sunken beneath the waves, all except a few islands, once mountain peaks.
The mod currently has English and French localisations. There are also Italian, German, Czech and Spanish localisations in development. If you wish to work on localising the mod please PM me or Lonhaldor.
It is highly recommended to have at least the Old Gods, Republic and the Legacy of Rome for the best experience.
Work on the utility improvements is scheduled to be completed by November 22, 2019.Electric Aggregation UpdateThe Village is part of the Will Electric Aggregation Group which selected Constellation as its electric supplier in October 2018. The project includes water main and water service replacement, sanitary sewer main extensions, and new storm sewer. Please be aware that on-street parking restrictions will be posted and daytime lane closures are required to complete the work safely. City of elgin transfer stamp.
It has been! Go and download it!
This mod is being developed independently from any other LotR or Middle Earth mods out there.
Installation[edit]
You need to have two things in your 'Documents/Paradox Interactive/Crusader Kings II/mod' folder : - The MiddleEarthProject folder- The MiddleEarthProject.mod fileIf one of these files is missing, please make sure extracted them! If you don't have them in your archive, try to redownload the archive from one of the links in moddb. To be sure to have all your files, use Winrar!
This issue occurs as a result of a wrong installation. Please make sure you install the mod in 'Documents/Paradox Interactive/Crusader Kings II/mod', and not in the game folder. If you've got this issue, remove your current installation of the mod, and install it as described above.
This issue is also because of a wrong installation. Please be sure to install your mod in 'Documents/Paradox Interactive/Crusader Kings II/mod', and not in the game folder. If you've got this issue, remove your current installation of the mod, and install it as described above.
Credits[edit]
A list of people who have worked on this mod since development started, and credits for artwork and music.
Middle-earth Hr
A special thanks to the person who made this entire mod possible: J.R.R. TOLKIEN
Retrieved from 'https://ck2.paradoxwikis.com/index.php?title=Middle_Earth_Project&oldid=37500'
For many devout believers, religion plays an integral role in influencing every aspect of daily life. Different religions can be found all around the world, though the world's largest religions generally fall in one of two major subgroups. These are Abrahamic religions (Islam, Christianity, Judaism, Baha'i, etc.) and Indian religions (Hinduism, Buddhism, Sikhism, Jainism, etc.). With over 2 billion followers, Christianity is the largest religion in the world.
10. Cao Dai (4.4 million followers)
Cao Dai was a belief system that originated in Vietnam in 1926, and is regarded as a distinctly nationalist Vietnamese religion. The faith was founded by Ngo Van Chieu, a former administrator who believed that he had received a message from the deity revered as the 'Supreme Being' during an extraordinary experience he had at a seance. Cao Dai draws elements from other major world religions, including Christianity, Buddhism, Hinduism, Judaism, Islam, and Taoism. The religionâs full name translates to âThe Great Faith for the Third Universal Redemptionâ. Devotees believe in the existence of one Supreme Being, regardless of whatever label or name (ie. God or Allah) other religions have chosen to impose on this central deity . Practitioners of Cao Dai place a great deal of stress on universal concepts, such as justice, love, peace, and tolerance.
9. Muism/Sinism/Shingyo (10 million followers)
Muism (which is also known as Sinism, Shingyo, or Korean shamanism) is a religion closely tied to traditional Korean culture and history. The faith can trace its roots all the way back to prehistory. In recent years, Muism has experienced a resurgence within South Korea. Even within the totalitarian regime of North Korea, it has been estimated that some 16 % of the population continue to subscribe to the Muism belief system. Among the key components of the religion include the existence of ghosts, spirits, and gods, and these are believed to inhabit the spirit world. The spiritual leaders in Muism, known as 'Mudangs', are typically females whose function is to serve as intermediaries between the gods and human beings.
8. Daoism (12 million followers)
Daoism originated in China about two thousand years ago. Also referred to as Taoism, this religion is associated with a belief in the occult and the metaphysical. The majority of Daoist followers live in such Asian countries as China, Japan, South Korea, and Vietnam. A man named Laozi is considered to have been the first philosopher of the religion, and it is he who was thought to have written the Daodejing, a text central to the faith. In terms of political issues, Daoists are generally regarded as being somewhat libertarians, with a preference for governments which shy away from political interference and the imposition of regulations and economic restrictions. Diet plays an important role in Daoist philosophy, especially as in regards to oneâs all around physical and psychological well being. In keeping with this belief system, practices such as fasting and Veganism (abstaining from animal products) are encouraged.
7. Judaism (14 million followers)
Judaism has a long and storied history, and one which can trace its beginnings all the way back to around the Eighth Century BC. This monotheistic religion originated in the Middle, East and is made up of three main branches. Namely, these are Orthodox Judaism, Conservative Judaism, and Reform Judaism (ranked from most to least conservatively traditional). Although each of these are rooted in a common belief system, they differ on elements related to scriptural interpretation and specific practices. The synagogues, each presided over by a rabbi, serve as the centers for Jewish worship and religious services. These are also used as a form of community centers. Therein, followers have the opportunities to gather together on a regular basis in order to socialize, celebrate, study the Torah, and learn about the Mitzvot (commandments of the faith).
6. Sikhism (25 million followers)
In terms of world religions, Sikhism is a relatively new faith. It began in India, and is based on the teachings of Guru Nanak and his Ten Successors. Historically, Sikhs have played major roles in regional politics, and and were a significant influence during the Partition of India in 1947. Central to the Sikh faith are the core tenets of sewa and simran, which relate to community service and the remembrance of God, respectively. Although the majority of Sikh believers continue to reside in northern India, over the years a great many followers have moved to a number of diverse foreign countries of the world, including Canada, the United States, South Africa, Australia, and the United Kingdom, among others
5. Shintoism (104 million followers)
Shintoism is based in Japan. and its beginnings are thought to date back to the Eighth Century. Followers of the faith believe in the existence of many gods, and the word Shinto itself translates into the âway of the gods.â Itâs been estimated that 80% of Japanese citizens subscribe to Shintoism, with that country alone serving as a home to over 80 thousand Shinto shrines. One unique feature of the faith is that believers are not required to publicly declare their allegiance to the religion. The concepts of impurity and purification play major roles in Shintoism and its rites, which are known as Harae. These are performed on a regular basis with an aim to purify believers of sin, guilt, disease, and even bad luck.
4. Buddhism (500 million followers)
Buddhism was founded in Ancient India about 2,500 years ago, and is based on the teachings of Buddha, alternatively known as Gautama Buddha or SiddhÄrtha Gautama, born in . The religion includes two main branches, Theravada Buddhism and Mahayana Buddhism. In the country of Tibet, followers subscribe to a form of Buddhism known as Vajrayana, while Zen Buddhism is more commonly practiced in Japan. The main tenets of the Buddhist belief system include nonviolence, as well as moral purity and ethical behavior. Meditation, karma, and nonviolence all play major roles in Buddhists' daily lives. Without a doubt, the most recognized figure in the Buddhist world is Tenzin Gyatso, who is best known as the 14th, and current, Dalai Lama. This former monk is not only Tibetâs current (and exiled) spiritual leader, but also an outspoken peace activist.
3. Hinduism (1.1 billion followers)
The majority of Hindus reside in such Southern Asian countries as India, Nepal, and Indonesia. In the nation of India alone, an estimated 80% of the population identify themselves as being Hindus. Although not a lot is known about the founding of Hinduism, the faith is widely thought to have developed over a span of some 4,000 years. Due to its status as an ancient belief system, Hinduism is deeply entrenched within Indian society. In recent years, many of the practices of Hinduism have become increasingly popular in the West as well. Examples of this include the participation in yoga, as well as interests in information pertaining to the bodyâs chakra system (energy points located throughout the human body which can be used for healing and improving health, both spiritually and physically).
2. Islam (1.8 billion followers)
Islam began in Mecca in the Seventh Century. Followers of religion believe there is only god (Allah) whose words were written down and took form in the holy book of the Quarâan, which still serves as the central spiritual text in the faith. One of the historical figures central to understanding the Muslim tradition is the Prophet Muhammad, who lived from 570 to 632 CE. Followers of Islam believe that this man was Godâs ultimate prophet. Islamic religious law not only lays out the Five Pillars of Islam, but also imposes rules and regulations on almost every aspect of a followerâs life. There are two major factions of Muslims, namely Sunni (the largest globally including ~80% of all Muslims) and Shia (~15% of all Muslims), among with Ibadi, Ahmadi, and many other, much smaller, denominations. Currently, Islam is the fastest growing religion on the planet in absolute terms of followers worldwide.
1. Christianity (2.3 billion followers)
Christianity began over two thousand years ago, and is a faith based on the life and teachings of Jesus Christ. From its humble beginnings as a tiny sub-group evolved from Judaism, Christianity has grown to become the most popular religion in the world, with followers to be found all across the globe. Christians believe in the existence of one God who sent his only son, Jesus Christ, to save humanity from their iniquity and Hell. Followers believe that Christâs sacrifice on the cross (Crucifixion), his death, and his resurrection were all carried out in service towards granting eternal life and forgiveness to all of those who accept Christ as their personal savior. Even in our modern society, Christianity plays an important and powerful role, not only in terms of religious rituals, but also on a much wider scale. In some degree, it even does so in terms of shaping social and political policies of Christian-dominant nations.
By C.L. Illsley
On WorldAtlas.com
More in World Facts
(CNN) -- Whether we are actively religious or not, religious belief permeates the very fabric of our existence. Namely, it influences -- if not directly shapes -- our legal systems; and therefore our constitutions; and therefore our nations' policy choices, both at home and abroad.
An Iranian clergyman performs the Eid Al-Adha prayers at Tehran University.
It is then only logical to surmise that religion also influences how we -- individually and collectively -- view our role with regards to protecting the environment.
To suggest that any one religion somehow cares more for the Earth than the others would be foolish and simplistic, but within each belief system there lie subtle differences that, many argue, give an indication as to how we view our position in relation to it.
Namely, there appear to be two opposing questions that the world's religions have sought to answer over time: Are humans an equal part of a greater organism which they should therefore respect, serve and nourish? Or is the very purpose of that organism to serve and nourish the human race?
As Lynn White wrote in what many view as a groundbreaking, yet controversial 1967 essay, 'The Historical Roots of Our Ecological Crisis,' published in Science magazine: 'What people do about their ecology depends on what they think about themselves in relation to things around them. Human ecology is deeply conditioned by beliefs about our nature and destiny -- that is, by religion.'
World's Leading Religions by Followers (from Adherents.com)
⢠Christianity: 2.1 billion
⢠Islam: 1.5 billion ⢠Hinduism: 900 million ⢠Buddhism: 376 million
Christianity
'Christianity,' wrote White, 'Not only established a dualism of man and nature but also insisted that it is God's will that man exploit nature for his proper ends.' The emergence of Christianity, many, like White believe, marked the moment humans broke away from previously common held beliefs that all beings, all forms of life -- including plants -- had spirits (or souls).
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'In Antiquity every tree, every spring, every stream, every hill had its own genius loci, its guardian spirit,' he wrote. And Christianity changed all that, he believed. Man was created in God's image, Christians believed, and notably Man was created at the end of Creation and humans therefore inherited the Earth. 'By destroying pagan animism,' White wrote. 'Christianity made it possible to exploit nature in a mood of indifference to the feelings of natural objects.'
Many disagree -- and indeed are offended by -- the assertion that Christians do not care for the Earth and all of its beings and have dismissed White's conclusions. Marcia Bunge in her 1994 essay, 'Biblical Views of Nature: Foundations for an Environmental Ethic,' published by Chicago's Lutheran School of Theology's journal 'Care of the Earth,' claimed the Bible 'contains ample grounds for environmental responsibility.'
Bunge cited examples such as the story of Noah as evidence that God's covenant was not just with humans but with all creatures; that the name Adam stemming from the Hebrew word 'adamah', meaning ground or earth implied 'the connection between human beings and the earth,' and that, in the New Testament, Paul's vision of redemption or liberation through Christ's death did not just apply to humans but 'of all creatures of nature'.
Judaism
Christians are not the only ones looking for guidance in the Old Testament. But when drawing from Genesis, the Jewish faith is not so much divided, many believe, more to say appreciative of two opposing ideas that can happily co-exist. As Daniel B. Fink's 1998 essay, 'Judaism and Ecology: A Theology of Creation', published in 'Earth Ethics', explains: 'We are both a part of nature and apart from it.' Jews understand, Fink says, that the fact that Man was created at the end of the sixth day could have two possible meanings: either humans are the 'guest[s] of honor' at a great feast, or, it's a reminder in case humans become too arrogant 'that even the gnats preceded them in the order of creation'.
In that regard, the perception is that humans have a 'unique' responsibility to 'use nature's bounty to our benefit' while also recognizing that 'each part of God's creation has its own intrinsic value'. Humans, in the Jewish interpretation, are the stewards of the Garden of Eden, but vitally, they are looking after it for God, not for themselves. Underlying the Jewish ethic, Fink writes, is the belief that humans are 'only tenants on this earth. The land belongs to God. We are given permission to enjoy the Creator's abundant gifts, but we must not waste or wantonly destroy anything.'
Islam
Responsible stewardship is a theme also shared by Muslims. In 'Environmental Protection in Islam' published by the Meteorology and Environmental Protection Administration of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Prophet Muhammad's stance on the environment is quite clear: 'Created beings are the dependents of God, and the creature dearest unto God is he who does most good to God's dependents,' it says. Humans' good deeds therefore, 'are not limited to the benefit of the human species but rather extend to the benefit of all created beings.'
Similar to the Jewish and Christian faiths, human beings are seen in Islam as stewards of the environment, but more in line with Judaism, a principal belief amongst Muslims is that, a human is 'only a manager of the earth and not a proprietor.' Therein lies among Muslims an appreciation of a profound duty to protect the Earth, many believe. But vitally, the belief system is not just based on what humans do now, more what they set up for humans to come. Continuing the theme of stewardship, we are permitted to enjoy the fruits of the earth, but Earth must not be ruined for our descendents: 'Man should not abuse, misuse, or distort the natural resources as each generation is entitled to benefit from them but is not entitled to 'own' them in an absolute sense.'
Hinduism
Hinduism is an immensely complex and diverse religion and shares certain beliefs with Buddhism, but essentially it is governed by three concepts: Brahman (a divine force which manifests itself in everything); Karma (the law of cause and effect) and the goal of moksha (enlightenment). At its core is living a simple life and shunning the myth of happiness through material gain.
'Hindu religion wants its followers to live a simple life .. People are meant to learn to enjoy spiritual happiness, so that to derive a sense of satisfaction and fulfillment, they need not run after material pleasures and disturb nature's checks and balances,' writes Ranchor Prime for the Alliance of Religions and Conservation.
Notably, Hinduism appears to be a de facto supporter of renewable fuels, such is its adherence to sustaining the natural order of things. Hindus are instructed not to 'use anything belonging to nature, such as oil, coal, or forest, at a greater rate than you can replenish it.'
Buddhism
Buddhism -- with all its different subsets -- is viewed by many as the most environmentally-friendly religion of them all, mainly because it believes in the fundamental equality of all sentient beings: We are all born, we all age, then we all die. There is no reason therefore, they believe, why a human's experience specifically should be any more important than that of a pig or a cow. And as a result all beings deserve equal levels of empathy -- or as is oft referred to, 'loving-kindness.'
'All sentient beings share the fundamental conditions of birth, old age, suffering, and death..the mindful awareness of the universality of suffering produces compassionate empathy for all forms of life,' writes Harvard University's Director of the Center for the Study of World Religions, Donald Swearer in Earth Ethics. And as he points out, that includes plants too
Interestingly, Buddhism has its own story of Creation, with its own kind of Eden, but with one key difference: 'In the Buddhist mythological Eden, the earth flourishes naturally, but greedy desire leads to division and ownership of the land that in turn promotes violent conflict, destruction, and chaos. In short, in the Buddhist myth of first origins, human agency destroys the natural order of things.'E-mail to a friend
(Sources: The Alliance of Religions and Conservation; Harvard University Center for the Environment; Adherents.org; ReligiousTolerance.org)
Three major religious groups (i.e. the two largest religions in the world: Christianity and Islam, plus Judaism) originated in the Middle East.[1] Smaller minority religions, such as the Bahá'à Faith, Druze, Nusairism, Manichaeism, Sabianism, Bábism, Yazidism, Mandaeism, Gnosticism, Yarsanism, Samaritanism, Shabakism, Ishikism, Ali-Illahism, Alevism, Yazdânism and Zoroastrianism are also present in the Middle East.
The smaller, religiously unaffiliated population is forecast to grow 56%, from about 2 million to more than 3 million. Hindus, adherents of folk religions and Buddhists are expected to experience the greatest growth as a percentage of their modest 2010 counts, with each group more than doubling in size by 2050.
Bahá'à Faith[edit]
The Bahá'à Faith has noteworthy representation in Iran, Yemen, United Arab Emirates, Palestine, Israel and Turkey. Its international headquarters are located on the northern slope of Mount Carmel at Haifa, Israel. Founded in Iran in 1863,[2] the Bahá'à Faith is one of the youngest world major religions.[2] According to most encyclopedias, in the early 21st century there are an estimated 6 to 8 million Bahá'Ãs across the globe.
Christianity[edit]
Christianity originated in the region in the 1st century AD, and was one of the major religions of the region until the Muslim conquests of the mid-to-late 7th century AD. Christianity in the Middle East is characterized with its diverse beliefs and traditions compared to other parts of the old world.
Christians now make up 5% of the population, down from 20% in the early 20th century.[3] The number of Middle Eastern Christians is dropping in some regions in the Middle East due to such factors as extensive emigration (usually to escape religious persecution), and the religious persecution itself. In addition, political turmoil has been and continues to be a major contributor pressing indigenous Near Eastern Christians of various ethnicities towards seeking security and stability outside their homelands. Christian Palestinians face the same oppression as their Muslim compatriots.[4] Recent spread of Jihadist and Salafist ideology, foreign to the tolerant values of the local communities in Greater Syria and Egypt has also played a role in unsettling Christians' decades-long peaceful existence.[5]
Copts[edit]
The largest Christian group in the Middle East is the originally Coptic-speaking, but now Arabic-speaking Coptic Orthodox Christian population. This Egyptian ethnoreligious community of Copts, is cited by the census as consisting of 6â11 million people in past decade,[6] although Coptic sources cite the figure as being closer to 15â20 million.[7][8][9][10][11] Copts reside in mainly Egypt, but also in Sudan and Libya, with tiny communities in Israel, Cyprus and Jordan.
Maronites[edit]
Arabic-speaking LebaneseMaronites number some 1.1â1.2 million across the Middle East. They occasionally avoid an Arabic identity in favour of a pre-Arab Phoenician-Canaanite heritage.
Syriacs and Assyrians[edit]
Syriac Christians of various non-Arab ethnoreligious heritages number roughly 2 to 3 million. The indigenous Eastern Aramaic speaking Assyrians of Iraq, south eastern Turkey, north western Iran and north eastern Syria have suffered both ethnic and religious persecution over the last few centuries such as the Assyrian Genocide, leading to many fleeing to the west or congregating in areas in the north of Iraq and Syria. In Iraq numbers of indigenous Assyrians has declined to somewhere between 500,000 and 800,000 (from 0.8â1.4 million before 2003 US invasion) or 6% of the population of 23 million.[12]
Currently, the largest community of Syriac Christians in the Middle East resides in Syria, numbering 877,000â1,139,000. These are a mix of Neo-Aramaic speaking Assyrians and largely Arabic-speaking Christians (originally speakers of the almost extinct Western Aramaic language) who ethnically identify as Syriacs.
Armenians[edit]
In the Middle Eastern states, there is a large community of Armenians. The Armenians in the Middle East number around 350,000-400,000[13] and are mostly concentrated in Iran, Lebanon, Cyprus, Syria, Jordan, and Palestine, although well-established communities exist in Iraq, Egypt, Turkey, and other countries of the area. Some other sources claim that the Armenians number around half a million, with their largest community in Iran with 200,000 - 300,000 members.[14] The number of Armenians in Turkey is disputed having a wide range of estimations. More Armenian communities reside in Lebanon, Syria, Jordan and to lesser degree in other Middle Eastern countries such as Iraq and Israel. The Armenian Genocide during and after World War I drastically reduced the once sizeable Armenian population.
Other Christian groups[edit]
In the Persian Gulf states, Bahrain has 1,000 Christian citizens[15] and Kuwait has 400 native Christian citizens,[16] in addition to 450,000 Christian foreign residents in Kuwait.[17]Arab Christians, and those who tend to identify as Arabs, are mostly adherents of the Greek Orthodox Church. In 2010 they numbered 1.1 million in Syria, 350,000 in Lebanon, 250-300,000 in Jordan, 150,000 in Israel and Palestine and smaller numbers in Iraq. Protestant converts number around 400,000. Melkite Christians who are Catholic Christians of the Greek Rite compose almost 600,000. Syrian Orthodox number about 1 million in Syria, Iraq, Jordan and Lebanon, with the great majority being in Syria.
The ethnic Greeks, who had once inhabited large parts of the western Middle East and Asia Minor, have declined since the Arab conquests and recently severely reduced in Turkey, as a result of the Asia Minor Catastrophe, which followed World War I. Today the biggest Middle Eastern Greek community resides in Cyprus numbering around 793,000 (2008).[18] Cypriot Greeks constitute the only Christian majority state in the Middle East, although Lebanon was founded with a Christian majority in the first half of the 20th century.
Smaller Christian groups include; Georgians, Messianic Jews, Russians and others, such as Kurdish, Turcoman, Iranian, Shabak, Azeri, Circassian and Arab converts exist in small numbers. There are currently several million Christian foreign workers in the Gulf area, mostly from the Philippines, India, Sri Lanka and Indonesia. Middle Eastern Christians are relatively wealthy, well educated, and politically moderate,[19] as they have today an active role in various social, economical, sporting and political aspects in the Middle East.
Druze faith[edit]
Druze, or Druse, is a monotheistic religion found in Syria, Lebanon, Israel and Jordan. Representation ranges from 100,000 in Israel, to 700,000 in Syria. Developing from Isma'ilite teachings, Druze incorporates Jewish, Christian, Gnostic, Neoplatonic and Iranian elements.[20]
Ishikism[edit]
Ishikism (also known as Chinarism or Ishik Alevism), a religious movement within Alevism that rejects its Islamic roots, is found in Turkey. IshikÄ«s consider themselves to be esotericists, claiming that Alevism is esotericism itself, meaning that they identify themselves with every type of esotericism in history. They claim that Alevism is the oldest religion in the world, that has changed shapes throughout time. This 'First and True Religion' of the world, is claimed by IshikÃs to have been a main source for all other religions and beliefs in the world.
Islam[edit]
Islam is the most widely followed religion in the Middle East. About 20% of the world's Muslims live in the Middle East.[21] Islam is monotheistic believing in Allah and follows the teaching of the written sacred text, the Qur'an.[21] Islam is believed to be an extension of Judaism and Christianity with the belief that Muhammad is the final prophet of God, in a long chain of prophets, from Adam on down to John the Baptist, Jesus, and finally Muhammad. The majority of the Muslims are Sunni, followed by Shi'a. Smaller sects include the Ahmadiyya.[22]
A major source of conflict in the Muslim Middle East is the divisive nature between the two main sects of Islam: Sunni and Shi'a. Though these two sects agree on the fundamentals of Islam and the teachings of the Qur'an, they are in conflict about who would lead the Muslim community after the Prophet Muhammad's death.[23] The Battle of Siffin was a significant schism between the two sects. Throughout the years, other differences have arisen between practices, beliefs and culture. Many conflicts between the two communities have occurred.
Sunnism[edit]
Sunni is the largest branch of Islam and dominates most countries in the Middle East.
Twelver Shia[edit]
Although there are many Shia subsects, modern Shia Islam has been divided into three main groupings: Twelvers, Ismailis and Zaidis, with Twelver Shia being the largest and most influential group among Shia, making up perhaps 88 percent of Shias.[32][33][34][35]Twelver Shia have their largest populations in the Middle East in Iran (90â95%)[36][37] Iraq (55â65%) and Bahrain (60-70%).
Zaydi[edit]
Zaydi make up about 35-40% of the population of Yemen.[38] They emerged in the eighth century out of Shi'a Islam.[39] Zaidis are named after Zayd ibn ʻAlī, the grandson of Husayn ibn ʻAlī who they recognize as the fifth Imam.[39] Followers of the Zaydi Islamic jurisprudence are called Zaydi Shi'a and make up about 35-40% of Muslims in Yemen.[38] Unlike many other Shia, Zaidis dismiss religious dissimulation (taqiyya).[39]
Alawites[edit]
Alawis, also rendered as Alawites, AlawÄ«yyah or Nusạyriyya, are a syncretic sect of the Twelver branch of Shia Islam, primarily centered in Syria. The eponymously named Alawites revere Ali (Ali ibn Abi Talib), considered the 1st Imam of the Twelver school. However, they are generally considered to be Ghulat by most other sects of Shia Islam. The sect is believed to have been founded by Ibn Nusayr during the 9th century, and fully established as a religion For this reason, Alawites are sometimes called Nusayris (Arabic: ÙصÙرÙØ©â Nuá¹£ayrÄ«yyah), though the term has come to be used as a pejorative in the modern era. Another name, 'Ansari' (Arabic: اÙصارÙØ©â Aná¹£Äriyyah), is believed to be a mistransliteration of 'Nusayri'. Today, Alawites represent 11 percent of the Syrian population and are a significant minority in Turkey and northern Lebanon. There is also a population living in the village of Ghajar in the Golan Heights. They are often confused with the Alevis of Turkey. Alawites form the dominant religious group on the Syrian coast and towns near the coast which are also inhabited by Sunnis, Christians, and Ismailis.
Alawites have historically kept their beliefs secret from outsiders and non-initiated Alawites.[40][41] At the core of Alawite belief is a divine triad, comprising three aspects of the one God.
Alawites have traditionally lived in the An-Nusayriyah Mountains along the Mediterranean coast of Syria. Latakia and Tartus are the region's principal cities. They are also concentrated in the plains around Hama and Homs. Alawites also live in Syria's major cities, and are estimated at about 12 percent of the country's population[42][43][44] (2.6 million, out of a total population of 22 million).[45]
Alevism[edit]
Alevism is a small syncretic,[46]heterodox[47] form of Islam, following Shia, Sufi, Sunni and local traditions,[48] whose adherents follow the mystical (bÄá¹enÄ«)[49][49] teachings of Ali, the Twelve Imams, and a descendantâthe 13th century Alevi saintHaji Bektash Veli. There are between 10-25 million Alevi and they are found primarily in Turkey among ethnic Turks and Kurds,[50] and make up between 10-25% of Turkey's population, the largest branches of Islam there after the majority Sunni.[48]
Some of the differences that mark Alevis from mainstream Muslims are the use of cemevi halls rather than mosques; worship ceremonies that feature wine, music and dancing, and where both women and men participate; non-observance of the five daily salat prayers and prostrations (they only bow twice in the presence of their spiritual leader), Ramadan, and the Hajj (considering true pilgrimage to be internal one).[48] Alevis have some links with TwelverShia Islam (such as importance of the Ahl al-Bayt, the day of Ashura, the Mourning of Muharram, commemorating Karbala), but do not follow taqlid towards a Marja' 'source of emulation'. Some practices of the Alevis are based on Sufi elements of the Bektashi[47]tariqa.[51][52]
Judaism[edit]
For over 2,000 years a large portion of world Jewry lived in the Muslim world. They are colloquially knows as Mizrahi Jews. They include descendants of Babylonian Jews and Mountain Jews from modern Iraq, Morocco, Egypt, Libya, Tunisia, Algeria, Syria, Bahrain, Kuwait, Iran, Uzbekistan, the Caucasus, Kurdistan, Afghanistan, India, Pakistan and Yemen. Since the 1950s because of growing antisemitism most of these Jews fled to Israel where they make up the majority of Israel's Jewish population and roughly a third of total world Jewry. While they no longer live among a Muslim majority, they continue to follow many customs with strong Muslim and Middle Eastern influences making them distinct from European Jewry.Today Judaism in the Middle East is mostly practiced in Israel. Israel's population is 75.3% Jewish, with the remainder made up of Muslims (20.6%), Christians, Druze, Bahá'à and various other minorities (4.1%).[53] There are few other countries in the Middle East with significant Jewish populations, but the communities are small and scattered.
Mandaeism[edit]
There are between 60,000 and 70,000 Mandaeans worldwide[54] and in the Middle East they are found in Iraq and Iran.[55] They revere Adam, Abel, Seth, Enosh and Noah. Mandaeans are an ethnoreligious community, which doesn't allow conversion.
Samaritanism[edit]
Samaritanism is a closely affiliated religion with Judaism, practiced by the ethnoreligious Samaritan community, largely residing in Israel. In the past, Samaritans used to populate also Egypt and Syria, but their community had almost collapsed by the late 19th century due to religious persecution by radical Islamists. Today the Samaritan community has grown to about 800 persons from as few as 150 in the early 20th century.
Shabakism[edit]
There are about 60,000 Shabak people living today all in northern Iraq.[56] They are an ethnic group with a religion similar to orthodox Islam and Christianity. The Shabak have much in common with the Yazidis.
Yazīdī[edit]
Yazidis ( YezÄ«dÄ«, AzÄ«dÄ«, ZedÄ«, or IzdÄ« ) are found in Iraq, Syria, and Iran.[57] It is a fusion of Zoroastrian, Manichaean, Jewish, Nestorian Christian and Islamic elements.[57] They do not see themselves as descendent from Adam and maintain complete segregation from the rest of the population (5). They number between 200,000 and one million worldwide and worship a main divinity called YazÄ«dÄ« is Malak ṬÄʾūs (âPeacock Angelâ).[57] Most live in Iraq but also 70,000 in Syria.
Religion Middle EastZoroastrianism[edit]
In the Middle East, Zoroastrianism is found in central Iran.[58] Today, there are estimated to be under 20,000 Zoroastrians in Iran.[59] It is one of the oldest monotheistic religions as it was founded 3500 years ago.[58] It was also one of the most powerful religions in the world for about 1000 years.[58] Now, however, it is considered one of the smallest religions with only 190,000 followers worldwide.[58] There are two deities: Azhura Mazda, who fights for a person's goodness, and Ahriman, who fights for a person's evil.[60] It is ultimately up to the individual to decide which deity they will follow. Zoroastreans follow the Avesta which is their primary sacred text.[60]
Unbelief[edit]
According to a 2012 WIN-Gallup International âReligiosity and Atheism Indexâ, atheists are a small minority in the Middle East with only 2% of those surveyed in the Arab World identifying themselves as 'committed atheists'.[61]Dar al-Ifta al-Misriyyah, the branch of the Egyptian government that issues fatawa (religious edicts), gives lower (if less reliable) numbers, stating that there are 866 atheists in Egypt â 'roughly 0.001% of the population'â325 in Morocco, and 32 in Yemen (defined as not only unbelievers, but secularists and 'Muslims who convert to other religions').[62]
Some countries (Iraq, Tunisia) surveyed had 0% of respondents identifying as atheists.[63] Other countries indicated low percentages (Palestinian Territories 4%, Turkey, Uzbekistan 2%). However 18% of those surveyed in the Arab world identified themselves as 'not a religious person' (Iraq 9%, Saudi Arabia 19%, West Bank and Gaza 29%, Tunisia 22%),[64] a higher percentage than in Africa, Latin America, or South Asia.[61]
According to unbelievers in the Arab world their numbers are growing but they suffer from persecution.[65][66]Author and historian Faisal Devji notes that despite the fact that Saudi Arabia punishes unbelief with death, 5% of those surveyed identified themselves as atheists (a slightly higher percent than did in the United States) and 19 percent did not consider themselves religious.[65] Devji states there is 'a new movement of atheists in countries such as Saudi Arabia .. which takes the form of secret societies', meeting 'in internet chat rooms and unnamed physical locations, like the mystics of old'.[65]
In Egypt, Al Jazeera reported a clandestine atheist group of over 100 in Alexandria in 2013.[66] The group complained of mistreatment of atheists by society and government. A Pew survey found 63% of Egyptian Muslims favored the death penalty for those who leave the religion of Islam. The Egyptian penal code punishes 'contempt of heavenly religions', and as of 2013 Egyptians had been arrested and/or imprisoned for activities such as setting up a Facebook page calling for atheism, writing a book entitled Where is God?, and 'defamation of religion'.[66]
Other religions[edit]
There are many Hindus in Arab states, many due to the migration of Indians, Nepalese, Pakistanis and small numbers of Afghans to the oil-rich states around the Persian Gulf. Hindu temples have been built in Bahrain, United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, Yemen and Oman.
Though Buddhism has had a presence in the Middle East for over 1000 years, it has recently[when?] experienced a revival with an estimated 900,000 people (perhaps more) who profess Buddhism as their religion. Buddhist adherents make up just over 0.3% of the total population of the Middle East. Many of these Buddhists are workers who have migrated from other parts of Asia to the Middle East in the last 20 years,[when?] many from countries and regions that have large Buddhist populations, such as China, Vietnam, Thailand, Sri Lanka, Nepal and Bhutan. A small number of engineers, company directors, and managers from Japan, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Singapore, and South Korea have also moved to the Middle East.
Sikhism, the fifth-largest organized religion in the world after Christianity, Islam, Hinduism, and Buddhism, having over 25 million Sikhs worldwide, has a small presence in the Middle East too, mainly in the U.A.E, Oman, Bahrain, Kuwait, and Iran. Most of them are Punjabi-speaking Indian expatriates.[67]
Countries[edit]Egypt[edit]
Religion in Egypt consists of Islam (mostly Sunni Muslim) 80-90%, Coptic Christians 10-20% and Other Christians 1%.[68][69][70]As Egypt has modernized with new forms of media and the Egyptian press was liberalized in the 2000s, Coptic Christianity has become a main topic of religious controversy.[71] There is a degree of tension between the Muslims and Copts of Egypt as Copts argue for more representation in government and less legal and administrative discrimination. With this greater freedom of press, the Coptic issue has just begun to break into public awareness, but also due to a minority within both religious coummunities having extremism views, therefore the media may also be exacerbating the sectarian tension by only publicizing examples of prejudice.[71]
Another current religious tension in Egypt is the role of the Muslim Brotherhood, founded by Hassan al-Banna in Egypt. Many countries have now developed their own branches. Many are violent and most Arab governments actively try to restrain the group by arresting and killing members. Currently, as the new government of Egypt is trying to establish itself, many are concerned that a member of the Muslim Brotherhood will again step in and claim leadership. For the current candidates for presidency, more than one is likely to be affiliated with the Muslim Brotherhood.
The Brotherhood is however unpopular among the majority of Egyptians on account of its fundamentalist views, its clampdown on tourism and its desire to impose Sharia law on the nation.
Iran[edit]
Religion in Iran is made up of 98% Islam (Shi'a 89%, Sunni 9%) and 2% Zoroastrian, Jewish, Christian, and Bahá'Ã.[68] There was much religious oppression and executions of members of the Bahá'à faith. Religious minorities are now beginning to hold a larger presence and significance in Iran and are being acknowledged as such.
The Islamic Revolution replaced an old world monarchy with a theocracy based on the Guardianship of the Islamic Jurist (Velayat-e Faqih) where a Shia cleric (faqih) is the ruler, though there are also competitive elections of candidates approved by another clerical body.[72] This is a mix of republicanism and religion where that would use religion to rule for elective and democratic institutions; it was to be a blend of liberalism and religious injunctions (abs). Islam would be protected under this Islamic Republic and unelected positions like the Supreme Leader and the Guardian Council would have unlimited power over the nation. With the nuclear program developing in Iran and much conflict after September 22, 2001, Iran and the Islamic Republic are at a crossroads.[72]
Iraq[edit]
Religion in Iraq is represented by 97% Islam (Shiite 60%â65%, Sunni 32%â37%), and 3% Christian or other.[68] Because of this large majority of Shia over Sunni Muslim, there is much tension between the two groups.
Israel[edit]
Religion in Israel is represented by the following religious make-up: Judaism 77%, Islam 16%, Christian 2%, Druze 2% (2003).[68] As of 2013, the Israeli 'Government - Christians Forum' was formed under the umbrella of the Ministry of Public Security, by Dr. Mordehcai Zaken, head of the Minorities Affairs Desk, to address and promote the concerns of Christian leaders and representative in their interactions with the State. Israel represents the religious Holy Land for Jews, Christians, Muslims and Baha'is. All religions are present in Israel and lay personal claim to the land. Due to the significant Israeli/Palestinian conflict, tensions are high in the religious community. The majority of displaced and upset Palestinians are Muslim and the majority of current Israeli citizens are Jewish so establishing the state borders is highly influenced by religion.
One of the main difficulties in establishing peace between the two countries is because of Jerusalem. Each of the three main religions is incredibly attached to this city and claim it as their own. Therefore, it is difficult to determine whether Palestinian Territories or Israel will encompass this region. Maps produced within the territories actually represent Jerusalem differently. Palestinian maps draw Jerusalem as divided and Israeli maps show it as a part of Israeli territory.[73]
Jordan[edit]
Religion in Jordan is represented by 92% Muslim (Sunni), 6% Christian (mostly Greek Orthodox), and 2% other.[68]
Lebanon[edit]
Saint George Maronite Cathedral and the Mohammad Al-Amin Mosque, Beirut. 41% in Lebanon are Christians representing the mosaic of the Middle East, and contributing heavily in the Media, Politics, Entertainment, Banking.. sectors in Lebanon and the World.
Religion in Lebanon is the most unique[clarification needed] in the Middle East, and a mix of religions make up Lebanon, represented by 59% Muslim (Shi'a, Sunni, Druze, Isma'ilite, Alawite/Nusayri), 41% Christian (Maronite, Greek Orthodox, Melkite, and Christian churches non-native to Lebanon like Armenian Apostolic Church, Armenian Catholic Church, Chaldean Catholic Church, Roman Catholic Church, Assyrian Church of the East, Armenian Evangelical Church, Coptic Orthodox Church of Alexandria, Protestant). Lebanon has a confessional political system in which, regardless of political parties, the President is always Maronite Christian, the Prime Minister a Sunni Muslim, and the Speaker of the Parliament a Shiâite Muslim, and the Deputy Prime Minister Greek Orthodox Christian. Also, the Army General has to be Christian and the Bank Governor has to be always Christian as well.[citation needed] In addition, 50% of the Parliament is represented by Christian Members, according to the law in Lebanon since the end of the war until today. This is the foundation of uniqueness of Lebanon and the source of much of its conflicts; and while changes have been made to attempt to make parliamentary representation more even, many are still urging for reform and change.[74] Some would like the confessionalist government to be abolished.[74]
Saudi Arabia[edit]
Religion in Saudi Arabia is allegedly 100% Muslim.[68] It is illegal to practice any other religion than Islam in Saudi Arabia. There is still tension, however, between the Sunnis and the Shiias. Shiite Islamist revolution has never been a huge threat to the Saudi Arabian government, though, because it is such a small population.[75] Sunni Islamists, though, present a larger threat to the government because of their large Saudi Arabian population. These Sunni groups often dissent through violence targeted at government, Western or non-Muslims that threat the Muslim nation, Shiites, and sometimes generally directed against moral corruption.[75]
Syria[edit]
Religion in Syria is represented by 70% Islam (Sunni), 12% Alawite, 5% Druze, and other Islamic sects, 10% Christian (various sects), and there is some Jewish representation (tiny communities in Damascus, Al Qamishli, and Aleppo).[68]
Turkey[edit]
Religion in Turkey is represented by 99.8% Muslim (mostly Sunni and approximately 20% are Alevi), and 0.2% other (mostly Christians and Jews).[68] Originally a militarily secularized government, under the relatively new president Erdogan, religious freedom for Muslims has become much more accessible in Turkey. There has been a growing religious resurgence in Turkey and more and more citizens find significance in their religious identities. The previous laws disallowing the Hijab, religious headscarf, in schools and public places has been a huge source of contention. Now, it is a matter of civil rights in courts. The case of Sahin 2004 was one that really exemplified the tension between religious secularism, civil rights and the government's power in Turkey.[76] The case revolved around a student at university being allowed to wear the Hijab in class.[76] Religious education is also a topic of debate in Turkey. Before 1980, private religious education was banned and then it was changed to be required. As it is currently being reevaluated, the question is whether religious education should be banned again, optional or if it should be obligatory and plural.
Yemen[edit]
Religion in Yemen is represented by a majority Islam (including Sunni and Shiite), small numbers of Jewish, Baha'i, Christian, and Hindu.[68]
References[edit]
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