Unit 3 Some Elements of Culture Chapter 8 The Middle East: Tradition and Change

INTRO What traditions do YOU have/follow? What special days do YOU observe? …consider Christmas in Canada… religious traditions represent beliefs and values…an important element of culture Middle East (or “southwest Asia”)…has 3 major religions, important role in the world economy, especially through natural resources.

RECALL: Elements of Culture… beliefs and values (religion, traditions, etc.) expressions of culture (language, arts, music, etc.) government history economy technology location and environment will also have an impact on culture

The “Middle East” called the “Middle East”, but depends on point of view most countries have a very dry climate with little precipitation some countries have a warm, dry summer and mild winter because of influence of the sea (Mediterranean climate) ecozones include mainly desert, with some scrub, and temperate grassland

Middle East – Natural Resources rich in natural resources (map, p.115) OIL is main natural resource used to make plastics, gasoline, asphalt, etc. agriculture products (tobacco, tea, sugar, cotton, etc.) and fruits (fruit, dates, etc.)

(ASIDE)…WEATHER FORECAST Weather: provides information about expected events in the atmosphere, including storms Meteorologists are people who study the weather, collect information, and provide forecasts Environment Canada is the government department responsible for doing this in Canada

Weather Forecast continued… Thermometers: measure temperature Barometers: measure air pressure Anemometers: measure the force and direction of the wind Meteorologists also use remote sensing (satellite scanning Earth) to acquire information

Weather Forecast continued… Weather Forecast will include: Temperature (include high and low temp. for the day) Precipitation (rain, snow, sleet, …and amount) Cloud conditions (sunny, cloudy, …) Wind (direction and strength)

Middle East - Religion 3 major religions (1). Judaism (2). Christianity (3). Islam All three believe in ONE GOD… known as monotheistic

JUDAISM Origins in Canaan…now the country of Israel