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Historical Traits ◦ ◦ ◦ ◦ ◦ ◦ ◦ ◦ Egyptian civilization arose along the Nile around 3000 B.C. Kingdom of Israel 1000 BC, Persians 550 BC, Romans 63 BC-400 AD Arab Muslims conquered the region in 600s. Mongols 1200 Ottoman Turks ruled from 1500s to late 1800s. Europeans came in 1800s—French, Spanish, Italians, British. Post WWII Some Countries gained independence North Africa and Southwest Asia Cultural Traits ◦ Due to the Hot Arid climate, early cultures adapted to a Bedouin lifestyle- 3% of Egypt’s population near the Nile due to the in hostile environment of the Sahara Desert Nomadic herdsman ◦ In North Africa the Tuareg people have operated Caravan Trade for 2000 years. This culture has been threatened due to competition for water resources and arable land ◦ Arab Bedouins have been Transformed due to Oil wealth North Africa and Southwest Asia Arabs of Southwest Asia ◦ Culturally known for Arabic language, loyalty to family, rhythmic music, and food based on wheat bulgar, rice, and spices. Belief in Islam demands that they be faithful to the 5 pillars of faith ◦ Christianity and Islam Similar beginnings Both originated in Southwest Asia yet Christianity spread from the region to dominate in Europe. Mosque- Islamic place of worship for Islam ◦ Mecca is the most Holy place due to the origination of Islam(prayer prompts Muslims to face Mecca) and participate in a pilgrimage at least once during a lifetime. North Africa and Southwest Asia Arabs of Southwest Asia ◦ Islam is the unifying element. ◦ Broken down into two groups Sunni- choose imams on ability to lead /90% are Sunni Shi`ism- leaders are descendants of Muhammad North Africa and Southwest Asia Arabs of Southwest Asia ◦ Islam- a very conservative religion Governed by Sharia Law ◦ Grants total power to the Patriarch of the family ◦ Men have total discretion over women by law Conservative ways puts Islam in conflict with Western values ◦ Ex. Modesty VS western attire ◦ Many believe that western culture threatens to corrupt Islamic culture North Africa and Southwest Asia Other cultures in Southwest Asia ◦ Kurds (minority culture living in border lands)people at the behest of stronger cultures Often treated brutally due to minority status ◦ Israel: Judaism – dominant religion (Various types) Jerusalem is divided due to it’s history of occupation by several different cultural groups. (Ex Muslims, Jews, Armenians, and Christians North Africa and Southwest Asia Other cultures in Southwest Asia ◦ Turkey◦ Was once the last remnant of the Roman Empire (Byzantine Empire) Istanbul the Original Capital ◦ Once part of the Ottoman Empire A relatively new Democracy ◦ Turkish General establishes Ankara as new capital of Turkey Mustafa Kemal ◦ Creates the Republic of Turkey Causes unrest with Muslims Iraq, Syria, Lebanon, and Palestine are Arab cultures North Africa and Southwest Asia Issues and Challenges Oil Price By producing more, prices tend to go down and by cutting back prices tend to go up. ◦ This tends to cause countries to adopt friendly policies toward oil rich countries ◦ The creation of OPEC (Organization of petroleum Exporting Countries) has in effect contributed to the strengthening the global influence of the oil producing nations of t he region ◦ Water issues Many looking to Desalinization Plants for more water Control of the Sinai Peninsula- Connects the Med to the Persian Gulf. Efforts to control the Suez Canal- Egypt can control trade Dams in Turkey and Egypt have been productive for energy. However, they cut off major water supplies to poor farmers in Iraq and Southern Egypt North Africa and Southwest Asia Issues and Challenges ◦ Oppression in Syria Supposedly Syria is a democracy President Basher al-Assad has encountered protests that call for a change in leadership and laws. Assad’s power has led to thousands of death due to◦ the authoritarian policies of the Syrian government Afghanistan Conflicts ◦ At war since the 70’s US hoping latest American Investment will lead to a diffusion of democratic ideas North Africa and Southwest Asia Issues and Challenges ◦ Israeli-Palestine conflicts Palestinians-are those living in Israeli controlled territory before Israel reconvened as a Nation Palestinians resent Israel expanding Jewish settlements. ◦ Often has led to military conflicts with neighbors Ex- 6 day war 1967, rocket attacks from the Gaza strip Many believe that peace in Israel equates to peace in the Middle-East or SW Asia North Africa and Southwest Asia
