Traditional

Following long-standing customs or beliefs passed down over time.

Tension

Stress or conflict between people or groups that could lead to bigger problems.

Modify

To change or adjust something slightly.

Potential

The possibility that something may happen or develop in the future.

Rebellion

When people rise up and fight against a government or authority.

Reform

Changes made to improve a system or fix problems.

Nationalist Movements

Efforts by a group of people to gain independence or control of their own country.

Turkification

A policy that pushed people in Turkey to adopt Turkish culture, language, and identity.

Autocratic Regime

A government where one ruler has almost total power and citizens have little say.

Cleric

A religious leader or teacher.

Gender Norms

Society’s expectations about how men and women should behave.

Modernization

Updating a country with new technology, education, and industry.

Mullah

A Muslim religious teacher or leader.

Secular

Government that is separate from religion.

White Revolution

A series of reforms in Iran meant to modernize the country and reduce the power of religious leaders.

Sharia

Islamic law based on the Quran and religious traditions.

Westernization

Adopting ideas, technology, and culture from Western countries (Europe & the U.S.).

Theocracy

A government run by religious leaders using religious law.

Suez Canal Crisis

A 1956 conflict when Egypt took control of the Suez Canal, causing tension with Britain, France, and Israel.

Mustafa Kemal Atatürk

• Why important: Founder of modern Turkey.

What he accomplished:

• Ended the Ottoman Empire after WWI.
• Created a secular government (separated religion from government).
• Modernized Turkey with new schools, laws, and rights for women.
• Encouraged Western dress, education, and alphabet.

The Shah Reva Pahlavi

• Why important: Leader of Iran who pushed modernization.

What he accomplished:

• Started the White Revolution reforms.
• Built roads, schools, and industry.
• Tried to reduce the power of religious leaders.
• His Western-style changes upset many traditional Muslims.

Ayatollah Khomeni

• Why important: Leader of the Iranian Revolution (1979).

What he accomplished:

• Led a rebellion that overthrew the Shah.
• Created an Islamic theocracy in Iran.
• Made Sharia law the basis of government.

Gamal Abdel Nasser

• Why important: Nationalist leader of Egypt.

What he accomplished:

• Took control of the Suez Canal, challenging European control.
• Promoted Arab nationalism.
• Modernized Egypt with dams, industry, and reforms.