Chapter 6: North Africa/Southwest Asia
Mysteries of Egypt
Two of the world's earliest culture hearths, centered in the Nile valley and Mesopotamia, are located within this cultural realm. This extensive site provides a relatively comprehensive view of the ancient Egyptian civilization, and also includes links for those who wish to explore this fascinating topic further.
Topic: Ancient Egypt. Page 284
Related Objectives: Chapter 6. Objective 3
Understanding Islam and the Muslims
Islam dominates the cultural geography of this realm. Islam is full of complexity; this site provides brief, easy-to-understand explanations pertaining to some basic elements within Islam.
Topic:Islam. Page 286
Related Objectives: Chapter 6. Objective 4
Discovering Islamic Sects
Islam is a fragmented religion that is divided into sects. The Sunni Muslims are comprised of sects who, after Muhammad's death, believed leadership by any devout follower of Muhammad was appropriate. Shiite sects, by contrast, contended a blood relationship to Muhammad was necessary for legitimate leadership. This site provides information about the establishment and basic beliefs of the major sects within Islam.
Topic: Islam divided. Page 289
Related Objectives: Chapter 6. Objective 4
OPEC
Oil is the natural resource for which this cultural realm is best known. The Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) was founded in 1960 with the expressed objective "to co-ordinate and unify petroleum policies among Member Countries, in order to secure fair and stable prices for petroleum producers; an efficient, economic and regular supply of petroleum to consuming nations; and a fair return on capital to those investing in the
Industry." The OPEC homepage provides an inside look at a cartel whose every action has a global ripple effect economically.
Topic: Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries. Page 296
Related Objectives: Chapter 6. Objective 6
Center for Middle East Peace and Economic Cooperation
Since the establishment of the modern state of Israel in 1948, there has been ongoing conflict between the Jewish people and their Arab neighbors. This site is a resource for students who are interested in the Middle East peace process. There are fact sheets, maps, and newsletters as well as information on peace agreements and the ongoing peace process.
Topic: Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Page 311
Related Objectives: Chapter 6. Objective 6