Chapter 3.1 Culture’s of North Africa

I. The Elements of Culture  Culture is made up of the way of life for a group of people, it is their customs, beliefs, ways of life, and life styles  Culture could be food, clothing, homes, jobs, or language.  It also includes things we can’t see like views, beliefs, and behaviors, for example people in Morocco stop everything they are doing to pray many times through out the day

A. Shared Elements  Different cultures may have many elements in common.  Sometimes they speak the same language or follow the same religion  They might wear the same clothing, or live in similar housing

II. Religion and Culture in North Africa  The Arabic language and the Muslim religion unite much of North Africa  More than 95% of North Africa are Muslims who follow the Quran and its founder Muhammad  The Islamic system of law is based on the Quran which governs aspects of life, family, banking, and government

A. Ethnic Groups in North Africa  Most Africans in the north are Arab but also are made up of the Berbers in Algeria and Morocco.  Many Berbers live in cities and mountain towns and make their living by herding  The Tuareg are a group of Berbers who stay in the desert and raise camels, goats, and livestock

 BERBERS  TUAREG

B. Traditional and Modern Lifestyles  Some decide to live very traditional like that of their parents however many chose the modern ways of life to adapt to the changing world  Some work on traditional crafts like carpet weaving while others take advantage of education and become architects, scientists, bankers etc…

III. Cultural Change in North Africa  Culture is ever changing and never stays the same  Some culture change revolves around movement of people, which as they travel they share their beliefs it ideas  Thus the idea of learning new ideas and customs is called cultural diffusion or spreading out

A. A Hub of Trade  Because of its location, Northern Africa on the Mediterranean Sea, Atlantic Ocean, and Red Sea, and Indian Ocean has been like the center hub of trade traveling around the world

B. Western and Muslim Cultures come together  Western culture has begun spreading to Northern Africa. Some Muslims are concerned and fear that like most places western culture could come in and take over  Western products like clothes, films, and ideas have spread and become quite popular and Muslims fear their traditions will be lost in the transition

 Trey Songz

Think about it!  Start thinking about the things that make up our culture and you in particular.  How are you effected by American Culture? Think about why you wear what you wear, and the music you listen too and the T.V. shows you watch