CULTURAL CHARACTERISTICS OF
NORTH AFRICA AND THE MIDDLE EAST
Francisci
WG.4
Palestine and 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.
Modern Day Israel

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.
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.
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.
Population Distribution of Middle East
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).
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.
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.
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.
Art

The art of the region
reflects the diversity of
religions.
 Stained
glass
 Geometric tiles
 Calligraphy
 Mosaics
 Prayer rugs
Architectural Structures

Religious buildings:
 Mosques
(Islam)
 Churches (Christianity)
 Synagogues (Judaism)
Architectural Structures

Dwellings:
 Tents
 Yurts:
a circular tent of
felt or skins on a
collapsible framework,
used by nomads.
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
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