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The Cultures of North Africa

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

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The Cultures of North Africa

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  1. The Cultures of North Africa Africa

  2. 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.

  3. 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.

  4. 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

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

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

  7. 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.

  8. 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.

  9. 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

  10. 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)

  11. 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.

  12. 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

  13. 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.

  14. 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.

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