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

2. 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.

5. 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

6. 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

7. 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.)

8. (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

9. 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

10. 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)

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

12. JUDAISM
Origins in Canaan…now the country of Israel