West Asia (Middle East).
Industry/agriculture: animals and food,
books, grain, camels, horses, herd animals, fruit.
Religion: Islam: (one god, one text) primary, obligations include faith, prayer,
charity, pilgramage.
Christianity and Judaism: seen by Muslims as "people of the book", independent if obey Islamic law.
Philosophy: based on Islam
Islamic thinking based on hospitality (must take in and feed strangers),
sharing wealth (must give to beggars) and doing the will of Allah (God).
Historical thinking: linear
in Judeo-Christian tradition (see Europe) if rules of Islam and advice
of Muhammed followed.
Social structure: stratified but mobile
class structure, acceptance of both rich and poor.
Gender relations: based on public protection
women protected by men and social traditions from inappropriate contact.
View of other cultures: others lack unity
Christian and Jewish societies not as enlightened because they have the
same god but don't recognize Muhammed as the final prophet; other
cultures disorganized, have no unifying force.
Desirable imports: technology, food, textiles.