Cultural Values

of
Middle East
Presented by
Asmaul Salim: 19022008
Sheikh Ramisha Faria 19022012

Robiul Ashique 19022022

 Where Continents Meet
• The Middle East is not a
geographical region, like
Africa, Asia, or Europe.

• Geographically, it
denotes an area in which
Africa, Asia, and Europe
interconnect.
 Soft and Shifting Boundaries

• There are no natural

borders that delineate
the boundaries of the
Middle East.

• Egypt, Iran, Sudan,

Turkey, North Africa
are disputed parts of the
region.
Religion of Middle East

Although there are other religious groups,

the majority religion in the area is Islam.
According to the Pew Research Center,
93% of the population was Muslim and
Christian made up 4% in the Middle East
and Africa.
 Law in Middle East
01. Qur’an : Qur’an is the primary source of Islamic guidance.

02. Sunnah: Sunnah, the practices, examples and saying of

Prophet Muhammad. A major source of Islamic guidance.

03. Sariah Law: In Arabic, Sharia means "the way" and it is the
basis for all Arabic values. Each Arab country interprets Islamic
law differently; some follow it more strictly than others.
 Things to Consider When Visiting
• Muslims pray five times a day, and all other obligations and
responsibilities are scheduled around prayer times.
• When entering mosques, women are expected to wear modest clothing
and cover their heads.
• Unless a mosque is a tourist attraction, men and women typically use
separate areas to pray, read and study.
• During the month of Ramadan (Islamic Holy month, the ninth month of
the Islamic calendar), Muslims fast from sunrise to sunset, so business
hours are affected.
 Privacy

• In the Arab world, privacy is another cultural

value, which stems back to the Quran. People
do not discuss their concerns outside the
family. If a person talks disparagingly about a
relative or speaks of private affairs to an
outsider, he is frowned upon.
 Hospitality
• Stand when someone enters the room.

• Respect the different living areas in the home, when an Arab

says, 'my home is your home' it is only an expression.
• Don't shake hands with an Arab woman unless she gives you
her hand first.
• Don't speak to Arab women before you are introduced.

• Don't ask about an Arab's wife or daughters.

• Take a gift.
 Eating Meals

• One will always be offered snacks; decline the

first offer but then accept.
• It is impolite to refuse a beverage.
• Always use the right hand when eating,
drinking, passing or accepting food and drink.
• Do not overstay your welcome. Leave soon
after eating.
 Importance of Food

• Haram and Halal food strictly followed throughout the Middle

East. So pork is not available and sheep and other animals are
slaughtered using the halal method.
• Pork is strictly forbidden in Menu

• Bread is the primary food staple in the Arab-Muslim world.

• Arabs tend to like olive oil that is green and sweet.

• A wide variety of seafood. River and lake fish are also widely
consumed.
 Middle Eastern Culture
• Honor (self-respect to self-pride) and
expectation of equal treatment regardless of
wealth, position, or rank.
• Fierce sense of independence and resentment
of imposed rules or decisions not sanctioned
by social norms and customs.
• Strong loyalty to extended family, friends, and
locality, and a great expectation of solidarity.
• Hospitality to guests and visitors.
 Family Role

• Family is often inclusive of cousins

• Family loyalty and obligation is paramount
• Family is seen as a person’s ultimate refuge
and support system
• Children are taught profound respect for adults
 Men and Women
• The public display of intimacy between men and
women is considered offensive.
• This code also applies to husbands and wives
• The maintenance of family honor is one of the
highest values.
• In Middle Eastern cultures, promiscuous behavior can
be more damaging to family honor.
• Most Middle Easterners still prefer arranged
marriage. The family always plays a major role in the
decision of any member to wed.
Middle Eastern Women
 Status of Women
• Statements on women’s status vary in applicability
depending on the country involved. For instance, in
Turkey, Lebanon, Syria, Jordan, and Egypt, educated
women have been very active at all levels of society.
• In the Persian Gulf States, most women do not work.
Those who do, work only in all-female environments
such as schools and banks for women, except those in
the medical profession
• Traditionally-oriented men and women don’t see
prevailing customs as restrictions-rather as protections
 Politicization of Hijab
• women attire (hijab) have been frequently viewed via
a political lens.
• Kemal Attaturk prohibited Islamic outfit.
• Syrian government placed ban on the hijab in the
1980s.
• Turkey and Tunisia persecutes women who wear
hijab since early 1990s.
• Iran and Saudi Arabia continue to enforce hijab.
• France outlawed hijab in late 2003.
:Thank You: