Chapter 16, Section 2
Resources & Religion
Pg. 455 - 459
The Importance of Oil
Nearly half the world’s oil is found in 5 M.E.
countries
Saudi Arabia is the world’s largest producer of oil
OPEC – decides price and amount produced of oil
Primary Product – oil
Secondary Product – product made from raw
materials - plastic made from some oil
Petrochemicals – crude + natural gas to make a
variety of products
Addicted to OIL...
Religion in the Region
Islam is the dominant religion in the
region
Many Christians have left the region
Islam influences culture – 5 Pillars of
Islam
Ramadan – holy month for Muslims
Muslim Calendar – how is it different?
The 5 Pillars...
Westernization vs. Traditional Culture
Region believes the U.S. forces too much
change
Examples – McDonald’s, Calvin Klein, XBox One, Coca-Cola, North Face, The Voice
Some people think better living conditions
come from westernization - What do you
think?
Some people in the M.E. do not want to lose
their traditional ways
Are you Western?
The Roles of Women
Islam restricts most women in the region
(civil rights/education)
A few M.E. countries treat women fairly
(Israel, Jordan, Egypt)
Examples
•
1.
cannot drive
•
2.
cannot work outside the home
•
3.
husband can marry up to three more women
How would someone like the women below survive
in a traditional , Middle Eastern country?
Lady Gaga, Oprah, and
Christina Aguilera
Clothing & Culture
Israel – most people dress in western clothing
Orthodox Jews – more traditional
Islam – women wear chadors, floor length cloaks
that cover the body
Iran & Saudi Arabia – clothing is a part of the
law
Islamic law demands facial hair for men in some
countries
Traditional M.E. Clothing
A Disappearing
Nomadic Culture
Nomads only herd sheep
Nomads escorted camel caravans
Only 1% of the M.E. population is nomadic
Droughts have decreased grazing
Crossing borders has become difficult
Why?
Bedouin Nomads in Israel – Go or Stay?