Honorary title used for spiritual leaders in Sufism, for prominent Shaykhs. From word meaning "gate", refers to one who can lead the believers into communication with the other side, the divine spheres.

Religion that began on May 23, 1844 in Shiraz, Persia. Centered around the Bab, who is considered to be the mirror of God. Includes certain elements in Islam and has redefined them, thereby introducing the teaching that the world was created with 7 attributes: predestination, predetermination, will, volition, permission, doom and revelation.

Capital of Iraq with an estimated 5.6 million inhabitants. Describes its economy, peoples, education, culture, city structure, Old Baghdad and history.

Religion founded in 19th century, growing out of Babism.

Founder of Baha'i, and halfbrother of Subh-i Azal, his later competitor for control of the Babi society. His original name was Mirza Husayn Ali Nuri. (1817-1892).

Archipelago of 33 islands in the Persian Gulf off the coast of Saudi Arabia. Includes information about its political situation, economy, health and education, religion and its people, and history.

Statement issued by the British government in 1917, initiating the process that led to the establishment of the State of Israel.

Palestinian politician and guerilla leader. Also known as Abu Nidal. Includes biography. (1937-2002).

Beduins immigrating to Maghreb, mainly Algeria and Tunisia, in the 11th century, coming from Egypt.

In Islam, divine blessing that is normally associated with holy men or women, waliy, either in life or in death.

City in southern Iraq with an estimated 1.3 million inhabitants. Economy is focused on refining and exporting of oil and chemicals, and agricultural production of wool, grain and dates.

Ceremony marking the entering of the girl into adult observance of Jewish religious activities.

Arabs, recognized by their nomadic lifestyles, specific dialects, social structures and culture.

Israeli prime minister 1977-1983, leader of the country's struggle for the peace treaty with Egypt which was signed in 1979, and winner of the Nobel Peace Prize in 1978. Includes biography. (1913-1992).

Capital of Lebanon with an estimated 1.5 million inhabitants. Divided into three regions: east for the Christians, west for Sunnis and south for Shi'is and Palestinians.

President of Tunisia since 1987. Includes biography and photo.

First president of Algeria (1963-65) and a soldier in the French army during World War II, where he was decorated for bravery. One of the nine legendary members of the revolutionary committee that developed into FLN (Front de Libération Nationale).

Second largest city in northeastern Libya with an estimated 950,000 inhabitants. Industries include salt processing, oil refining, food processing, cement manufacturing, tanning, brewing, sponge and tuna fishing. Includes brief history.

Group of languages, from Morocco to Egypt, featuring about 300 local dialects.

People living in North Africa, from Morocco's west coast to the oasis Siwa in Egypt, from Tunisia's north tip to the oases in mid-Sahara.

Collection of religious texts central to Christianity and Judaism. The origin of the word comes from the Greek, "biblia", meaning "books" and refers to the Phoenician city of Byblos, which in the 1st millennium BCE was the main trading port for papyrus. Includes list of books in both Christian and Hebrew Bibles.

Disease caused by larva of a flatworm that lives inside a freshwater snail, leaves its host and penetrates human skin. Causes severe inflammatory reaction in the walls of the bladder, hemorrhages and often death. Also known as Schistosomiasis.

Opening phrase of all suras in the Koran, meaning "In the name of God, the Merciful, the Compassionate".

City in Tunisia with an estimated 100,000 inhabitants, situated north of Tunis. Economy of the area is focused on fishing, fish products, olives, and the production of flour and olive oil.

City in Algeria with 180,000 inhabitants, located at the base of the Atlas Mountains. Includes brief history.

Former President of Algeria, and Chief of the State in the National Liberation Army in 1960. Includes photo and brief biographical sketch. (1932-1978).

Leader of the independence struggle of Tunisia, and the country's first president from 1957 to 1987. Includes brief biography. (1903-2000).

Term used for congregations in Islam that are partly set apart from the general community of Islam.

City in western Iran with about 690,000 inhabitants. Economical base is production of grain, flour, textiles, oil, sugar, electric equipment, and carpets. Majority of population is Kurdish. Includes brief history.

City in Turkey with about 1,050,000 inhabitants, situated a few kilometers inland from the Sea of Marmara. Noted for its green mosque, sulphur springs and baths.