UNIT 7 SOUTHWEST ASIA

Transcription

1 UNIT 7 SOUTHWEST ASIA

2 CHAPTER 21 PHYSICAL GEOGRAPHY OF SOUTHWEST ASIA: HARSH AND ARID LANDS

3 21.1: LANDFORMS AND RESOURCES The Arabian Peninsula Most distinctive landform in in SW Asia Borders strategic waterways The Anatolian Peninsula Turkey Marks beginning of Asian Continent

4 The Suez Canal The canal runs northsouth across the Isthmus of Suez in Egypt to connect the Mediterranean and the Red seas. It separates the African continent from Asia, and it provides the shortest water route between Europe and the lands lying around the Indian and western Pacific oceans The Suez Canal is one of the world's most significant waterways as it supports 8% of the world's shipping traffic and almost 50 ships pass through the canal daily

5 Bosporus and Dardenelles Straits The Dardanelles Strait, a vital transportation bridge between the Black Sea and Mediterranean Sea The Bosporus Strait connects the Black Sea to the Sea of Marmara Bordered on both sides by the massive city of Istanbul, the strait is one of the planet's most strategic waterways Both separate Asian Turkey from European Turkey, thus it also separates the two continents.

6 Straits of Hormuz The Strait of Hormuz is considered one of the most, if not the most strategic strait of water on the planet. Much of the oil from Bahrain, Iran, Iraq, Kuwait, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates passes through it.

7 Plains Cover much of Arabian Peninsula Dry, sandy, windy Sparsely populated by nomadic peoples Northern plain of Afghanistan = agricultural region surrounded by mountains

8 Plateau Iran Surrounded by mountains Stony, salty, desert land High elevation Anatolian Plateau Some areas used for agriculture or grazing

9 Mountains Hindu Kush, Zagros, Elburz, Taurus = major ranges Separate/isolate populations People look to move through region

10 Water Key to transportation Precious resource in dry region Tigris and Euphrates Rivers Jordan River Dead Sea 1,349 feet below sea level = lowest exposed point on earth s crust

11 Resources Oil Most abundant resource in region Arabian Peninsula, Iran, Iraq Home to ~ ½ of world s reserves Water Most plentiful in mountains, scarce in many areas Hydroelectricity Minerals Scattered and not large deposits Coal Iran & Turkey Salts Dead Sea

12 The Dead Sea Also called the Salt Sea, is a salt lake bordering Jordan to the east and Israel to the west Its surface and shores are 423 metres (1,388 ft) below sea level, Earth's lowest elevation on land. It is 8.6 times saltier than the ocean, and cannot support life It has long been a tourist attraction and it has been the supplier of a wide variety of products, from balms for Egyptian mummification to potash for fertilizers. People also use the salt and the minerals from the Dead Sea to create cosmetics y6bxf5y

13 21.2: CLIMATE AND VEGETATION Deserts - Sand Reduce travel Limit interaction with environment Rub al-khali vast sand desert An-Nafud Severe sandstorms, brutal heat Syrian Negev high tech irrigation makes agriculture possible

14 Deserts Salt Salt flat deserts in Iran Salt crusted, surrounded by salt marshes, hot temps Almost uninhabited Dasht-e Kavircentral Iran Dasht-e Lut eastern Iran Semiarid Lands Edge deserts Grass and shrubs Agriculture and grazing

15 Deserts of the Middle East

16 DASHT -E KAVIR Desert This plateau of northcentral Iran Often referred to as the "Great Salt Desert." Largest desert in the country Mostly uninhabited Covered with crusty salt ridges.

17 DASH -E LUT (Lout Desert) This region of eastern Iran is an arid, windblown desert, completely surrounded by mountains. In the summer months, it can be one of the hottest and driest spots on the planet. In some areas here rain has not been measured.

18 Rub al-khali Desert The largest (only sand) desert in the world. It is famed for huge sand dunes that can extend for over 25 miles. It covers most of southern Saudi Arabia, and is almost entirely devoid of moisture

19 An-Nafud Desert Desert of western Saudi Arabia which is part of the Arabian Desert - is famous for gigantic sand dunes, some reaching over 100 ft.high It is distinguished by the reddish color of its sands

20 Coast Lands Mild, rainy winters, dry summers Along Mediterranean and across most Turkey and around Tigris and Euphrates Year-round growing season Densely populated

21 21.3 HUMAN-ENVIRONMENT INTERACTION Water Fresh water in great demand but short supply Use dams, irrigation systems, and modern technology to provide for needs. Dams provide hydroelectricity, but construction has been controversial National Water Carrier project Drip Irrigation Desalinization Fossil Water

22 Israelis have transformed stretches of desert into tracts of fertile land Since 1948, the Israeli s have believed their survival depends on transform desert into usable land Technological advances such as drip irrigation have enabled the Israelis to better preserve their limited water supply. Drip Irrigation

23 Oil Home to ~ ½ of world s reserves Petroleum products important to world economy 1 st discovered in Persia in 1908 Al-Ghawar Crude oil pipelines Petroleum processing and methods of transport Production levels Spills

24 Who has the oil?

25 CHAPTER 22 HUMAN GEOGRAPHY OF SOUTHWEST ASIA: RELIGION, POLITICS, AND OIL

26 22.1 THE ARABIAN PENINSULA Geography/History Location at intersection of Africa, Asia, and Europe has promoted trade and resulted in cultural diversity Arabic, Turkish, Farsi languages Original inhabitants = Bedouins Nomadic peoples lived in harsh desert and developed fighting skills

27 Islam Monotheistic religion based on teachings of Muhammad Unifying force for peoples of the Arabian peninsula People who practice Islam are called Muslims

28 5 Pillars of Islam Faith Prayer Mosque Charity Fasting Ramadan Pilgrimage hajj

29 Islam spreads Bedouin fighters helped to conquer new lands and put Muslim leaders in control of them The Ottoman Empire governed the region from Islam in government Theocracy Legal system based on Shari ah

30 Shari ah Law Shari'a is an Arabic word meaning path or way. Today it is used most commonly to mean Islamic law Shari'a tries to describe in detail all possible human acts, dividing them into permitted (halal) and prohibited (haram) The mandates of shari'a are extremely harsh compared to modern Western standards. They infringe on many modern principles of human rights, religious freedom, and equality of all before the law Deera Square, central Riyadh. Known locally as "Chop-chop square", it is the location of public beheadings

31 Colonialism Beginning in the late 1700s, discontent and ethnic and religious rivalry caused Ottoman power to deteriorate By the 1800s, the empire began to weaken. Great Britain, France, and Russia began to interfere in the affairs and territories of the Ottoman Empire and Egypt After WWI, the Ottoman Empire was reduced to Turkey. The independent Arab state was limited to Arabia and Yemen. The remaining Ottoman lands were divided into a number of nations and protectorates after World War I by European powers

32 Saudi Arabia The modern Saudi state was founded in 1932 by ABD AL-AZIZ bin Abd al- Rahman Al SAUD (Ibn Saud) after a 30-year campaign to unify most of the Arabian Peninsula. One of his male descendents rules the country today as required by the country's 1992 Basic Law. King ABDALLAH bin Abd al-aziz ascended to the throne in 2005

33 Economy Oil discovered in the region in 1932 and is the Arabian Peninsula s primary resource Oil $$$ used to fund infrastructure OPEC Saudi Arabia, Qatar, United Arab Emirates, Iran, and Iraq

34 Oil Dominates the Economy

35 Culture Modernization Urbanization Demand for skilled workers Foreign workers Influence of Islam Women and family Prayer

36 The family is the most important social unit in Saudi Arabia Women have an honored position in Saudi society, but have limited freedoms. They stay within the home and depend on permission from their husbands to engage in almost any activity outside of the home. Muslim Women

37 ISLAMIC DRESS CODES Hijab (Head Scarf) Worn in the West and Iran Chador Iran Abaya Saudi Arabia Burqa Afghanistan Jilbab Indonesia

38 22.2 THE EASTERN MEDITERRANEAN Birthplace of three major world religions Jerusalem = holy city to all three.

39 Jews Historical Old City Western Wall Modern Capital of Israel Visited my many each year Temple Mount

40 Christians Historical Crucifixion Crusades Modern Mount of Olives and Church of the Holy Sepulchre visited by thousands each year

41 Muslims Historical Jerusalem = 3 rd most sacred city in religion Dome of the Rock Modern Al Aqsa

42 Colonialism The Ottoman Empire governed the region from During WWI, the British government promised help free the Arabs of the region from Ottoman rule and to support a homeland for the Arabs. After WWI the land was divided into protectorates or mandates.

43 Syria and Lebanon French took control of present-day countries of Syria and Lebanon after WWI The French play on religious rivalries Syrians rebellions Independence Lebanon 1943 Syria followed

44 Religions Syria/Lebanon

45 The Zionist Movement Zionists believed the solution to oppression was to create their own country 1882 First Zionists emigrated to Palestine As Nazi Germany began to persecute Jews, thousands emigrated to Palestine Britain issued the Balfour Declaration supporting the creation of a Jewish state in Palestine. The Arab League of Egypt, Syria, Lebanon, Trans-Jordan, Iraq, Saudi Arabia, and Yemen formed to oppose creation of Israel Theodor Herzl

46 Tensions between Arabs and Jews In 1939, the British called a halt to Jewish immigration to Palestine In 1947 Britain turned the issue over to the United Nations The United Nations recommended that Palestine be partitioned into a Jewish and an Arab state Jerusalem would be an international city Under the plan more than half the total land would thus go to less than 1/3 of the population. Most of the best land went to the Jews.

47 Israel Gains Independence In 1948, Israel declared its independence. Within hours it was attacked by neighboring Arab countries. By the end of 1949 Israel controlled ¾ of Palestine Jordan and Egypt divided the rest of Palestine between them Israel subsequently defeated its Arab neighbors in a series of wars which led to the occupation of additional territory Israel has withdrawn from some of this territory as a result of treaties.

48 Arab-Israel Tensions Over the years, increasing Israeli settlement in the West Bank and Gaza has caused increasing concern among Palestinians hopeful for a homeland Israel and Palestine have agreed to a two-state resolution with self-rule for the Palestinians Arab-Israeli violence over the years has undermined these plans.

49 Palestinian Arabs Palestinian Arabs who had fled from Israel and were settled in refugee camps near Israel's border in 1948 Some have remained in these camps, while others have scattered across the region Their status continues to be a volatile factor in Arab-Israeli relations.

50 The PLO Political organization claiming to represent the world s Palestinians It was formed in 1964 to centralize the leadership of various Palestinian groups Has used diplomacy and violence to pursue its goal of regaining Israeli land for Palestinian Arabs. Has controlled the West Bank since Mahmoud Abbas - Prime Minister of the Palestinian Authority since 2005

51 Intifada Arab frustrations over failure to achieve their own state and perceived discrimination have led to outbursts of violence. The violence of the Intifada was marked by stone-throwing and the use of homemade explosive devices by the Arabs. The Israeli troops used tear gas, rubber bullets, and demolished Palestinian homes. The conflict led to an Israeli military crackdown in the occupied territories

52 Hamas The Intifadas have contributed to the rise of terrorist groups in the region. Hamas is a Palestinian Islamic fundamentalist organization that was founded in 1987 during the Intifada Known for its terrorist attacks (including suicide bombings), Hamas has become a viable political force in the 21 st century. It has controlled Gaza since 2007.

53 Occupied Territories Today

54 Hezbollah Arabic for Party of God Formed by a group of Lebanese Shīite clerics formed Hezbollah with the goal of driving Israel from Lebanon and establishing an Islamic state there. Hezbollah is considered a terrorist group by many for its attacks against Israel as well as Westerners. Hassan Nasrallah Hassan Nasrallah leader of Hezbollah since 1992

55 Infrastructure -Israel Israel is connected to the world's major commercial, financial and academic data networks Has sophisticated communications network of roads, railways, seaports, and airports. Predicted infrastructure development indices in Israel (from: "Israel 2020 to 2050", Prof. A. Mazor, Neaman Institute)

56 Infrastructure for the Region Many Middle Eastern countries today lack adequate infrastructure Countries such as Lebanon, Syria, and Iran that have endured civil wars face challenges rebuilding and developing Better irrigation systems, as well as communication systems and development in the tech industry is needed.

57 Israel s Arabs Israel s Arabs Almost 20 percent of Israel s population is Arab. The Arabs are a diverse group, with a population that includes Muslims, Christians, and Druzes. Israeli Arabs are citizens of Israel, with full political rights. Nevertheless, Israeli Arabs believe they have been discriminated against in education, employment, and other areas.

58 Israel s Jews Majority of immigrants to Israel are Jews Come from around the world Jews account for 76% of the total population ~1 million Arabs also live in Israel Small numbers of Christians as well.

59 22.3 The Northeast Historical Geography Fertile Crescent Mesopotamia Subregion includes: Turkey Iran Iraq Afghanistan

60 Culture Ethnicities Turks, Kurds, Persians Languages Turkish Farsi Religion Sunni vs. Shi ite

61 Muslims in the Middle East

62 War and Refugees Causes Ethnic strife Kurds = nation without a state Resources Iraq vs. Iran for control of oil fields Persian Gulf War I Iraqi invasion of Kuwait Operation Desert Storm Religion Shi ites seek shelter in Iran Afghans fleeing civil war also flee to Iran

63 Iran Iraq War: Iraq invaded Iran in 1980 A territorial dispute over the Shatt al- Arab waterway and Iraqi leader Saddam Hussein s fear of the threat posed by the Islamic revolution which had brought Ayatollah Khomeini to power in Iran the year before prompted the invasion. At least half a million people died, and upper estimates stretch to 1.5 million. Neither side had achieved its war aims. Khomeini had not overthrown Saddam. Saddam had not overthrown Khomeini or forced him to re-draw the border in Iraq's favor.

64 Persian Gulf War: Iraq s failure to win the war against Iran influenced Saddam Hussein s decision to invade the oilrich country of Kuwait which he claimed to be a historic province of Iraq Hussein ignored U.N. Security Council orders that he leave The invasion marked the beginning of the Persian Gulf War as the U.S. and 32 other nations fought to drive the Iraqis out of Kuwait and away from its oil fields. After 42 days of fighting, a cease-fire was declared with most of the Iraqi troops having fled or surrendered.

65 September 11 th militants associated with the Islamic extremist group al-qaeda hijacked four airliners and carried out suicide attacks against targets in the United States Two of the planes were flown into the towers of the World Trade Center in New York City, a third plane hit the Pentagon just outside Washington, D.C., and the fourth plane crashed in a field in Pennsylvania The attacks resulted in extensive death and destruction and triggered major U.S. initiatives to combat terrorism particularly in the Middle East attacks/videos#911-timeline

66 Operation Enduring Freedom: In October 2001, a U.S. led coalition invaded Afghanistan where the Al Qaeda terrorists responsible for planning the attacks were being harbored by the Taliban. The objective was to seize their financial assets and destroy their infrastructure. By March 2002 the Taliban had been ousted. In May 2011, the Al Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden was killed in an operation by U.S. special forces at his hideout in Pakistan. U.S. troops left Afghanistan in the fall of Afghanistan is a republic, the Taliban maintains a strong presence in parts of the country, and corruption has been problematic.

67 Operation Iraqi Freedom U.S. President George W. Bush was convinced Saddam Hussein was continuing to develop WMD s. American and British forces launched an invasion of Iraq in March 2003 when Saddam refused to cooperate with U.N. inspectors. By April 2003 coalition forces had taken Bagdad. Saddam Hussein was captured and later executed. The U.S. gradually handed over control of government and security operations to the Iraqis. The last U.S. troops left Iraq in December 2011

68 Refugees Countries of Origin Destinations

69 Economic Challenges Setbacks for Iran 1977 Revolution War with Iraq Economic progress between with Reformist govt present = struggles Anti-reformist government Crippling economic sanctions stemming from their nuclear program.

70 Nuclear Weapons: Who has What? Known to have nuclear weapons SuspSSuspected to have nuclear weapons Pursuing nuclear weapons SSSuspected to be pursuing nuclear weapons /2013/03/world/nuclearweapon-states/

71 Setbacks for Afghanistan Economic Challenges Among poorest countries in the world Most people engaged in farming and herding Opium trade U.S. invasion Government corruption Resurgence of the Taliban

72 Opium in Afghanistan

73 Cultural Challenges: Modernism vs. Traditionalism Traditionalism Taliban in Afghanistan Repression of women s rights Advances in women s rights won with the 2005 Constitution have been reversed with the departure of U.S. troops Use of violence to intimidate those who call for reforms and modernization Laws that set penalties for rape and child marriage have been called un- Islamic

74 The Taliban Hard-line Sunni Muslim movement Promised peace, security, and Sharia law when they came to power in the mid- 1990s. Men were required to grow beards and women had to wear the all-covering burka. The Taliban banned television, music and cinema and disapproved of girls aged 10 and over from going to school. Accused of providing sanctuary for Osama bin Laden and Al Qaeda they were driven from power by the end of They have made a recent resurgence using roadside bombs to attack Afghan troops and destabilize the region.