Chapter 16, Section 2
Chapter 16, Section 2
Resources & ReligionPg. 455 - 459
Resources & ReligionPg. 455 - 459
The Importance of OilNearly half the world’s oil is found in 5 M.E. countries
Saudi Arabia is the world’s largest producer of oil
OPEC – decides price and amount produced of oil
Primary Product – oil
Secondary Product – product made from raw materials - plastic made from some oil
Petrochemicals – crude + natural gas to make a variety of products
Addicted to OIL...
Religion in the Region
Islam is the dominant religion in the region
Many Christians have left the region
Islam influences culture – 5 Pillars of Islam
Ramadan – holy month for Muslims
Muslim Calendar – how is it different?
The 5 Pillars...
Westernization vs. Traditional Culture
Region believes the U.S. forces too much change
Examples – McDonald’s, Calvin Klein, X-Box One, Coca-Cola, North Face, The Voice
Some people think better living conditions come from westernization - What do you think?
Some people in the M.E. do not want to lose their traditional ways
Are you Western?
The Roles of Women
Islam restricts most women in the region (civil rights/education)
A few M.E. countries treat women fairly (Israel, Jordan, Egypt)
Examples
1. cannot drive
2. cannot work outside the home
3. husband can marry up to three more women
How would someone like the women below survive in a traditional , Middle Eastern
country?
Lady Gaga, Oprah, and Christina Aguilera
Clothing & CultureIsrael – most people dress in western clothing
Orthodox Jews – more traditional
Islam – women wear chadors, floor length cloaks that cover the body
Iran & Saudi Arabia – clothing is a part of the law
Islamic law demands facial hair for men in some countries
Traditional M.E. Clothing
A Disappearing Nomadic Culture
Nomads only herd sheep
Nomads escorted camel caravans
Only 1% of the M.E. population is nomadic
Droughts have decreased grazing
Crossing borders has become difficult
Why?
Bedouin Nomads in Israel – Go or Stay?