The Cultures of North Africa Africa

What is Culture? Culture is the way of life of a group of people who share similar beliefs and customs. –Has many elements Food, clothing, homes, jobs, language, etc. Also includes: –How people view their world –What their religion is These ideeas shape the way people behave.

What is Culture? Cultures in different places have common elements –Rural villages in Morocco—houses are made of thick adobe which keeps out the heat –Mexico and the southwestern US, many people also live in adobe homes.

The Influence of Islam Islam is the religion of most N. Africans (95%+) People that practice Islam are called Muslims –Believe in one God—Allah –Muhammad was God’s final messenger –The Old Testament prophets and Jesus were God’s messengers –Main duties of Muslims are outlined in the 5 Pillars of Islam

Five Pillars of Islam 1.Declaration of Faith—declaring belief in one God and in Muhammad as God’s final messenger 2.Prayer—reciting prayers five times a day; at awn, at midday, in the afternoon, at sunset, and in the evening. 3.Alsmgiving—giving a portion of one’ wealth to the needy.

Five Pillars of Islam 4.Fasting—not eating or drinking from sunrise to sunset during the ninth month in the Muslim year, Ramadan. 5.Pilgrimage—Making the hajj, or pilgrimage to Mecca, at least once in a lifetime if able. (These are important to know)

The influence of Islam The Quran is the sacred book of Islam –Provides a guide to life –Forbids lying, stealing, and murder –Prohibits gambling, eating port, and drinking alcohol Islamic law is based on the Quran and governs all aspects of life, including family life, business practices, banking, and government.

The influence of Islam Islam Unifies the People of North Africa –These peoples are spread out over a large area (Egypt, Libya, Tunisia, Algeria, Morocco) –These people have many different backgrounds and ways of life Ethnic Group—a group of people who share language, religion or cultural traditions. Most N. Africans are Arabs, but other ethnic groups exist.

The influence of Islam The largest of the ethnic groups is the Berbers who live mainly in Algeria and Morocco. –Most Berbers speak Arabic as well as Berber –Some live in cities, most live in villages in rugged mountain areas –Make their living by herding and farming

Cultural Change in North Africa How culture spreads –Cultural changes often occur when people travel They bring their customs and ideas with them They pick up new ideas and customs This is called cultural diffusion or to spread out (I would know the meaning of cultural diffusion)

A Mediterranean Outlook B/c of location, N. Africa is a hub of trade –Throughout history, the people of North Africa have traded with people in Europe, Asia, and other parts of Africa. –The have influenced, and been influenced by, cultural in all of these places.

A Mediterranean Outlook The mixing of cultures in N. Africa did not occur only though trade, it also occurred through conquest –N. Africa is home to one of the world’s oldest civilizaitons—ancient Egypt They developed trade links with ancient civilizations in both Europe and SW Asia They both conquered and were conquered by other empires The conquests brought about cultural diffusion

Preserving Muslim Culture More recent influence to North Africa is Western culture –Some Muslims are concerned that their countries are becoming too Western. –More people are wearing Western clothes, buying Western products, seeing Western films, and adapting Western ideas. –Some Muslims fear that this will lead to the loss of Muslim values and traditions.

The influence of Islam Tuareg—group of Berbers who live in the Sahara –They herd camels, goats, and other livestock Cairo Egypt and Tunis, Tunesia – some city people work at traditional crafts –Others are architects, engineers, scientists, and bankers –Some sell baskets in outdoor markets, others sell television sets in modern stores.