1. CULTURAL CHARACTERISTICS OF NORTH AFRICA AND THE MIDDLE EAST Francisci WG.4

2. 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.

3. 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.

4. 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.

5. 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.

6. Population Distribution of Middle East

7. 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).

8. 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.

9. 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.

10. 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.

11. Art  The art of the region reflects the diversity of religions.  Stained glass  Geometric tiles  Calligraphy  Mosaics  Prayer rugs

12. Architectural Structures  Religious buildings:  Mosques (Islam)  Churches (Christianity)  Synagogues (Judaism)

13. Architectural Structures  Dwellings:  Tents  Yurts: a circular tent of felt or skins on a collapsible framework, used by nomads.

14. Architectural Structures  Statues and monuments of the region include:  Kaaba (Mecca) – Islam  Western Wall (Jerusalem) – Islam  Dome of the Rock (Jerusalem) – Islam  Church of the Holy Sepulcher (Jerusalem) – Christianity  Pyramids – Egypt

15. 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 Cities  Oil Rigs