In this activity you will be thrust into role of modern Marco Polo.  He was the European whose travels in the 13th century opened up trade and exchange between the West and the East.  His voyages brought knowledge of new religions, cultures, and distant places to the Western World.  In this final adventures you will travel to Syria to study about the Islamic culture

and the issues the people of Syria face today.  In the next adventure (10.05) you will research a current event article about a major problem in Brazil . You come home today and find the following letter addressed to you International Exchange Schools Clovis , Calif. 90027 Mr. Rumley, Director   Dear Enthusiastic Student, Congratulations on being selected, as a participant in this year's foreign exchange student program. Out of the thousands of applicants, you proved to be the kind of student we want to represent our foundation. You are being assigned to the Al-Fulani family in Damascus , Syria . This family is Muslim. Although the family is religious, they realize that you will not be participating in their religious ceremonies. However, so that you will be comfortable and understanding in their faith and customs, it is our recommendation that you learn more about the Islamic way of life before going to spend a semester with the family. During the time you will be with them, the family will be making their pilgrimage to Mecca . You want to explore the history, experiences, and meaning of the Hajj so that you can talk with your host family. Included in this packet is information about the religion of Islam and activities for you to complete before your trip. We hope you enjoy learning about a culture that may be new to you.   Once again, congratulations and good luck in your foreign studies.   Sincerely, Mr. Rumley     The Dome of the Rock, Jerusalem

Before you leave for Syria you need to brush up on Islamic culture by completing the following assignment:

Assignment 10.03 - The Modern World - Syria

Complete a journal answering all of the questions below.  In your journal you should include a map, pictures, or any other form of media you wish that helps explain modern Islamic culture.

Step 1 - Syria

To begin your search, look at the following site and answer the following questions in your Journal.  Label it : “Travelogue by Doug Burnett"

• How is the geography of Syria described?
• What kinds of transportation are used?
• How are the people described?
• How do you think you will have to change to adapt to life in Syria ?
• Write down your thoughts and take "pictures" for your journal.

Step 2 - History

Go to Islamic Beliefs and Practices and read about the Prophet Muhammed, The Five Pillars of Faith, and anything else you may be interested in.

• What new information did you gather about Prophet Muhammed?
• Here are a few places for you to visit: The Cave of Hira, The Dome of the Rock, and several of Mt. Arafat
• Take pictures of these places for your journal and also write something about them.

Step 3- Culture

In order to further ready yourself to adapt to the culture, you may wish to read some stories and look at some recipes from the area. Look at the Islam Page to find out more information about Syria .

• Any recipes you try should be noted in your scrapbook. Be sure to include pictures.
• Be sure to include maps and other information

Use the link below to answer the last two questions.

http://www.usc.edu/dept/MSA/humanrelations/womeninislam/ - women in Islam

• The family you will be living with has a 22 year old daughter and a mother who dress as the woman does in the poem. What will your reaction to them be?
• Describe the types of clothes you plan to take with you in order to respect the values of your host family.

Resources you can use

http://www.arab.net/arabnames/ - names

http://www.arab.net/syria/sy_damascus.htm - damascus

http://www.arab.net/syria/sy_map.htm - map

http://www.arab.net/syria/sy_ancient.htm - ancient syria

http://www.arab.net/cuisine/ - abc of arab cuisine

http://www.arab.net/camels/ - a-z of camels