# data[].attributes.body
Mecca is considered Islam's holiest city, so I think that it is an obvious and important choice to study for this course. This photo shows individuals circulating the Kaaba during Haij.

# data[].attributes.body
I chose this photo of the old city of Jerusalem because I've read a lot about the city in my own religious practices. I think it would be interesting to read about how the old city has modernized and what that looks like in the 21 century.

# data[].attributes.body
In the Bible, the Red Sea is mentioned in the story of Moses and the Israelites. I would like to learn more about this sea because it is very prevalent in the Middle East and because I've studied passages that mention it. I chose this picture because it illustrates the geography of the sea.

# data[].attributes.body
I think it's equally as important to study Gaza as it is Israel. This photo shows areas of destruction in Israel. As previously stated, I want to learn more about this conflict and I think that this project is the perfect opportunity.

# data[].attributes.body
I think this choice is pretty obvious - there is so much chaos and destruction happening right now in Gaza and I realize that I need to learn more and educate myself as much as I can. I chose this photo because I think its appropriate to illustrate the poverty and destruction.

# data[].attributes.body
It was interesting when I looked up Iraq there were only photos of city ruins and soldiers. I realized that this contributes to a flattened perspective because there are nuances to Iraq and its culture. I chose to study Iraq because I think I have a lot of misconceptions about the country.

# data[].attributes.body
I like this photo because it illustrates the landscape of Lebanon and because I didn't realize how urban the city is. I want to study and learn more about Lebanon because I have a friend at CMC who is Lebanese and I think it would be interesting to ask her questions as I further my studies.

# data[].attributes.body
I chose this picture because it is completely opposite of the vision I have of Afghanistan, which demonstrates my flattened perspective. After reading more about Afghanistan, I've realized that decades of war and drought have hindered the evolution of the wildlife population.

# data[].attributes.body
As one of the oldest cities in the world, Damascus is the capital of Syria. Damascus plays a significant role in both the Old and New testaments, so I have grown up hearing about this city and I would love to learn more.

# data[].attributes.body
I chose to study Marrakech because I wasn't able to visit when I was studying abroad and I have heard that this city is a must see. After the earthquake in Morocco last fall, a trip to Marrakech was not possible. I think this photo illustrates the nightlife and culture in Marrakech.

# data[].attributes.body
Süleyman the Magnificent was the tenth and largest reigning Sultan of the Ottoman Empire. He ruled from 1520 until his death in 1566. Suleyman is widely accepted as one of the most powerful European leaders in history and his death is often associated with the decline of the Ottoman empire.

Süleyman the Magnificent created a more pronounced system of law and government for the Ottoman Empire, which allowed him the title of “law giver.” It is also important to note that his marriage to Hurrem Sultan caused much controversy in the Empire for a variety of reasons. Hurrem’s extensive use of social mobility that allowed her to ascend from a slave to the wife of the Sultan was suspicious to many. The Sultan’s devout love for her increased levels of animosity towards the couple’s relationship along with the Sultan’s devout love and loyalty to her.

Historians argue that his rule can be considered the apogee of Ottoman power. Survival to the twentieth century can be attributed to Suleyman’s efforts in cementing law and his recognition of the need for flexibility, which allowed the Empire to succeed through warfare, the Little Ice Age, and significant transformations throughout Europe.