There are several parallel ways in which the word ‘culture’ is understood. It is often thought of in terms of the behaviour of ‘high’ or ‘elite’ classes of society than in terms of ‘folk’ or ‘popular’ culture of the masses. However, the word alternatively refers to the totality of the ways of life of a people, including their ideas and habits which they share and transmit from one generation to another. It also includes the material objects and monuments they use in their lives. For instance, objects of everyday life used by people during the Fatimid period are displayed in museums as illustrations of their culture. Even present-day technologies cannot be separated from the cultural contexts in which they were designed. Likewise, popular entertainment such as film and television productions are important forms of cultural expression today. The ancient heritage as well as the present identity of a particular community are reflected in its culture. Cultures are also deeply informed by the religious, moral and ethical values of a people.
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