The Culture of North Africa

The Culture of North Africa

Culture:Culture:

• The way of life of a group of people who share similar customs and beliefs.

• Elements of Culture.– A)– B)– C)– D)– E)– F)

• The way of life of a group of people who share similar customs and beliefs.

• Elements of Culture.– A)– B)– C)– D)– E)– F)

Culture of North AfricaCulture of North Africa

• Most homes are made of adobe.

• Most N.Africans practice Islam (95%).

• Most people speak Arabic.

• Most countries and people follow Islamic law.

• Most homes are made of adobe.

• Most N.Africans practice Islam (95%).

• Most people speak Arabic.

• Most countries and people follow Islamic law.

Muslim BeliefsMuslim Beliefs

• Islam is a monotheistic religion.• Islam was founded by Muhammad.• Muhammad is the most important

prophet of the religion.• Sacred book of Islam is the Quran.• Muslims believe that the Quran is

the direct word of God.

• Islam is a monotheistic religion.• Islam was founded by Muhammad.• Muhammad is the most important

prophet of the religion.• Sacred book of Islam is the Quran.• Muslims believe that the Quran is

the direct word of God.

Five Pillars of IslamFive Pillars of Islam

• 1) Declaration of Faith• 2) Prayer• 3) Almsgiving• 4) Fasting • 5) Pilgrimage

• 1) Declaration of Faith• 2) Prayer• 3) Almsgiving• 4) Fasting • 5) Pilgrimage

Ethnic Groups of N. AfricaEthnic Groups of N. Africa

• Most N. Africans are Arabs• Berbers:

– Live mostly in Algeria and Morocco– Speak Berber and Arabic– Mostly Muslim – Many live in cities

• Most N. Africans are Arabs• Berbers:

– Live mostly in Algeria and Morocco– Speak Berber and Arabic– Mostly Muslim – Many live in cities

Ethnic Groups Cont’dEthnic Groups Cont’d

• Tuareg:– Berbers that live in the Sahara.– Herd camels, goats, and other

livestock– Engage in long distance trade.

• Tuareg:– Berbers that live in the Sahara.– Herd camels, goats, and other

livestock– Engage in long distance trade.

Cultural Change in N.Africa

Cultural Change in N.Africa

• N.Africa blends traditional and modern ways of life.

• Changes typically occur when people move from one place to another.

• Cultural Diffusion:

• N.Africa blends traditional and modern ways of life.

• Changes typically occur when people move from one place to another.

• Cultural Diffusion:

North Africa’s Geographical Location

North Africa’s Geographical Location

• North Africa borders the:• Mediterranean Sea (North)• Red Sea (East)• Atlantic Ocean (West)• Role that location has played in the past• 1) Cultural Diffusion• 2) Trade

3) Empires

• North Africa borders the:• Mediterranean Sea (North)• Red Sea (East)• Atlantic Ocean (West)• Role that location has played in the past• 1) Cultural Diffusion• 2) Trade

3) Empires