cultural Characteristics of North Africa and the Middle East PowerPoint Presentation, PPT - DocSlides

cultural Characteristics of North Africa and the Middle East

Francisci WG.4

Palestine and Israel

Modern Day Israel

Before 1948, this land was known as Palestine.

After intense feelings of

nationalism, the Jewish people in

Palestine created the country of Israel in 1948.The areas known as

West Bank and the Gaza Strip are where most of the Arab Palestinians live today (

Muslims

).

The area known as Golan Heights is a disputed area between

Israel

and

Syria

.

Religion

Religion is a divisive force in the Middle East.

The Middle East is the birthplace of 3 monotheistic religions – Judaism, Christianity and Islam.Jews,

Christians and Muslims all claim the city of Jerusalem as a religious heritage site.

Modernization

Many people in the Middle East are moving to urban areas (cities) thus resulting in rapid industrialization.The way of life differs greatly in urban areas as opposed to rural areas.

Modernization is centered in urban areas while traditional

life continues in rural areas.Many people in rural areas are living as nomads

– individuals who move from place to place with herds of animals.

Population

The population is made up of a large percentage of people 15 years or younger.

The population pyramid has a wide base and is shaped like a triangle or pyramid

.Because of the dry climate and the

physical features of the land, the population is not distributed evenly.

Population Distribution of Middle East

Boundary and Territorial Disputes

Western Sahara and Morocco (over resources).Iraq and Kuwait (over oil

).Israel and Syria (for Golan Heights).Turks and the Greeks on the island of

Cyprus (ethnic differences).

Kurdistan

Area that includes parts of Iran, Iraq and Turkey, Syria and the former Soviet Union.The Kurds, an ethnic group, lives in this

region.The Kurds have strong feelings of nationalism and want their own

nation.

Arab vs. Non-Arab Countries

The main ethnic group in the Middle East is Arab.

The

language spoken by the Arabs is

Arabic.Non-Arab countries in the Middle East include Turkey,

Iran and Israel.

Political Organizations

The League of Arab States: Political organization of over 20 Arab nations.Designed to strengthen ties among the members,

coordinate policies, and promote

common interests.

Art

The art of the region reflects the diversity of religions.

Stained glass

Geometric tilesCalligraphyMosaicsPrayer

rugs

Architectural Structures

Religious buildings:Mosques (Islam)Churches

(Christianity)Synagogues (Judaism)

Architectural Structures

Dwellings:Tents

Yurts: a circular

tent of felt or skins on a collapsible framework, used by nomads.

Architectural Structures

Statues and monuments of the region include:Kaaba (Mecca) – IslamWestern Wall

(Jerusalem) – IslamDome of the Rock (Jerusalem) – IslamChurch of the Holy

Sepulcher (Jerusalem) – Christianity Pyramids – Egypt

Architectural Structures

Mosques and

minarets: a tall slender tower attached to a mosque

.Hagias Sophia: Museum in Istanbul, Turkey – a church then a mosque.

Bazaars and suqs: an outdoor

market in an Arab city.Walled CitiesOil

Rigs