Historical Background of the Middle East
|
|
- Justin French
- 5 years ago
- Views:
Transcription
1 Historical Background of the Middle East The Middle East is a geographical region that has been of great importance in history since ancient times. Strategically located, it is a natural land bridge connecting the continents of Asia, Africa, and Europe. It was the site of some of the world's earliest civilizations and the birthplace of three great religions--judaism, Christianity, and Islam. In recent times its enormous deposits of oil have made the Middle East more important than ever. Defining the Middle East. There has never been agreement on a definition of the Middle East. Historically, the region includes the lands that were formerly part of the Ottoman (Turkish) Empire plus Persia (modern Iran), an ancient empire in its own right. Thus, the area occupied by the modern-day nations that emerged from the breakup of the Ottoman Empire, together with Iran, would come close to what we generally mean by the Middle East. An earlier term, the Near East, was at one time in common use. It usually referred to lands in the Balkan Peninsula of southeastern Europe that were also once under Ottoman rule, in addition to territory now considered part of the Middle East. The core of the Middle East today consists of the numerous countries of Southwest Asia and the African nations of Egypt and Libya. Tunisia, Algeria, and Morocco are sometimes included in the region. Afghanistan and Sudan are occasionally included. The People Population Comparisons The Middle East has a population of about 246 million, or nearly as many people as the United States. The distribution of the population varies widely. The fertile regions are very densely settled; many others are only lightly populated; while others, particularly in the deserts, are completely empty of human life. The most populous Middle Eastern countries are Turkey, Egypt, and Iran, each with more than 50 million people. The Persian Gulf states of Bahrain and Qatar have the smallest populations, about 400,000 each. Saudi Arabia, although greatest in area, has a relatively small population for its size, a little more than 10 million, because much of its land is desert. Ethnic Groups Since ancient times, the Middle East has attracted migrating peoples. Mixing with the earlier inhabitants of the region, they produced the peoples that make up the Middle East today. They can
2 be classified into three main ethnic groups--arabs, Turks, and Iranians. There are, in addition, smaller numbers of Kurds, who are scattered across Turkey, Iran, and Iraq; Jews (of varied ethnic origin), who live chiefly in Israel; Pakistanis; Armenians; and Greeks, who live mainly on the island nation of Cyprus. Language and Religion Language and religion are basic elements of cultural identity in the Middle East. The major languages of the region, which correspond to the three main ethnic groups, are Arabic, the most widely used language; Turkish; and Persian (or Farsi), the language of the Iranians. Kurdish is related to Persian. The Hebrew spoken in Israel is, like Arabic, a Semitic tongue. Educated people throughout the Middle East frequently speak English or French as well. Islam, the religion of the Muslims, is the predominant faith of the Middle East. There are two main branches: Sunni Islam, the larger branch; and Shi'i Islam, found mainly in Iran, Iraq, and Lebanon. Christianity is practiced by some Arabs, particularly in Lebanon; by the Greeks of Cyprus; and the Copts in Egypt. Judaism was the faith of ancient Israel and is the religion of the modern state of Israel. Way of Life No more than 10 percent of the people of the region ever followed the nomadic way of life, represented by the desert Bedouin, and even fewer do so today. Early civilization in the Middle East was centered in agriculture and the majority of the people still earn their livelihood as settled farmers. At one time most of the region's people inhabited villages or small towns, living and working much as their ancestors had done for centuries. This has changed dramatically as increasing numbers of people have been drawn to the cities, where about half the population of the region now resides. The Land The Middle East is a vast region. With a total area of nearly 3,500,000 square miles (9,000,000 square kilometers), it is only slightly smaller than the United States. Saudi Arabia is the largest of the core countries of the Middle East in area. Bahrain, an island nation in the Persian Gulf, is the smallest of the Middle Eastern states. Mountains, Plateaus, Deserts On the north the region is almost completely ringed by mountain ranges. Lesser chains of hills and mountains extend along the coastal areas of the eastern Mediterranean. The Arabian Peninsula, which makes up more than one quarter of the region's area, is bounded by mountainous heights in the west and south. Most of the region's interior is flat and contains some of the world's most
3 forbidding deserts--among them the Libyan (or Western), the Arabian (or Eastern), and the aptly named Rub' al Khali, or Empty Quarter, of Saudi Arabia. Fertile River Valleys The region's two major river systems are the Nile and the Tigris and Euphrates. The Nile, the world's longest river, is the lifeblood of Egypt, most of which is otherwise desert. The Tigris and Euphrates rise in Turkey, flow through Syria, and join in Iraq, there forming the region long known as Mesopotamia (meaning land between rivers). These river valleys contain much of the region's limited fertile land and are the most densely populated areas, and it was here that the first known civilizations arose thousands of years ago. Climate: A Hot, Dry Land Hot, dry weather is common to the Middle East for much of the year except in the highest mountains, where snow is frequent. The rainy season in most places lasts from about October to April. In the southern part of the Arabian Peninsula, rain comes mainly between May and September. But there is only light, brief rainfall in most of the region and in some areas it never rains at all. In the deserts, which are baked by the blazing sun, the daytime temperature often rises to more than 125 F (52 C). Yet at night the deserts are cool or even cold. Life itself in the Middle East has long been dependent upon the amount and location of water. Rain-bearing winds are often unable to penetrate into the interior of the region because they are blocked by the surrounding mountains. The best-watered areas are usually the strips of land lying between the mountains and the sea, but the Middle East generally suffers from a severe shortage of water due to the limited rainfall. Water and History Long ago the availability of water determined where people could live in the Middle East and how they would earn their livelihood. The amount of available water limited the farmer's choice of crops. It compelled the nomads, who traveled from place to place seeking grazing land for their herds, to rely on goats, sheep, and camels, since cattle could not easily survive in the harsh, dry environment. The location of sources of water also determined the routes of travel and trade. From earliest times the power of Middle Eastern empires depended on ready supplies of water. It is no accident that the valleys of the Nile and the Tigris and Euphrates rivers were--and remain--main centers of life in the region. Some of the oldest irrigation systems in the world were developed in the Middle East. Many are still in use, along with newer systems. Dams and Distilling Seawater Modern methods of providing regular supplies of water in the region include the Aswan High Dam, which irrigates large areas of Egypt and provides hydroelectric power as well. In Israel a pipeline system has been built to divert water from the Jordan River to the desert areas of the Negev. Turkey
4 in 1990 completed the great Ataturk Dam to harness the waters of the Euphrates River. Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, and other countries of the Arabian Peninsula are converting seawater into drinking water by various distilling processes. The success of programs to raise the standard of living throughout the Middle East will depend to a large extent on the outcome of the various water projects. Chief Cities Early Middle Eastern civilization developed great cities, and cities continue to play an important role in the life of the region. The largest city of the Middle East is Cairo, the capital of Egypt. Founded by Arab conquerors in the A.D. 900's, it has a population of about 6 million in the city proper and some 14 million in its metropolitan area. The older Egyptian port city of Alexandria, rebuilt by Alexander the Great in the 300's B.C., was famed for its great library, the largest in the ancient world. Istanbul, the major city of Turkey, lies on one of the world's most historic sites, spanning Europe and Asia. As Constantinople, it was once the capital of the Roman and Byzantine empires. Baghdad, capital of Iraq, lies on the Euphrates River. Founded in the A.D. 700's, it was the seat of the Abbasid dynasty of Muslim rulers, whose most renowned figure was Harun al-rashid, famed in the West as the caliph in The Arabian Nights. Damascus, Syria's capital, is one of the world's oldest cities, dating back to at least 732 B.C. It was the site of St. Paul's conversion to Christianity, and from A.D. 66 to 750 served as the capital of the Muslim Ummayyad dynasty. The importance of Jerusalem, Israel's capital, is far greater than its size, containing as it does, places holy to Jews, Christians, and Muslims. Tehran, capital of Iran, is a relatively new city by Middle Eastern standards, first gaining prominence in the 1500's. Economic Activity Agriculture Although only about 15 percent of the land is suitable for farming, agriculture remains the region's most important economic activity. Wheat, barley, and rice are chief food crops. Figs and dates are grown in desert oases and citrus fruits in the Mediterranean coastal region. The major commercial crops are cotton, coffee, and tobacco. Livestock raising is especially important to the agricultural economy. Oil and Industry. The discovery of vast oil deposits revolutionized the Middle East's economy. More than half of the world's known oil reserves are found in the region, although they are not equally distributed. Saudi Arabia has the largest deposits and is the world's leading oil producer and exporter. Iran, Iraq, and the small Persian Gulf state of Kuwait are the other major producers. Aside from oil, chrome, coal, sulfur, and magnesium mined in Turkey, and phosphates from Jordan, the region is generally poor in mineral resources.
5 Turkey, Egypt, and Israel are the most industrially developed countries of the region. The processing of agricultural products, petroleum refining and the production of petrochemicals, textiles, and such traditional crafts as rug weaving are the chief areas of industrial activity. Heavy industry, including machinery and steel production and motor vehicle assembly, is being encouraged. Perhaps the most important underlying problem of the Middle East today is that of modernization. How are the traditional societies of the region to cope with the modern world? How are they to use the new oil wealth wisely, in order to change but not destroy existing structures of society? There is also serious political tension between the countries that have oil and those that do not and between the rich and poor within countries. History Early History The Middle East has been called the cradle of civilization. More than 8,000 years ago, people in this part of the world discovered the methods of agriculture that freed them from the need to wander about in search of food as hunters and gatherers. The development of settled communities and the earliest forms of government followed. Between 4000 and 3000 B.C., city-states, most notably Sumer, began to emerge in the southern part of the fertile region between the Tigris and Euphrates rivers. Before the beginning of the Christian era, the Middle East had already seen the rise and eventual fall of numerous kingdoms and empires-- those of the Egyptians, Hittites, Babylonians, Assyrians, and Persians among them. Their great contributions to civilization included codes of law, writing systems, mechanical inventions such as the wheel, and the development of sciences, such as astronomy, and mathematics. Judaism, the first great monotheistic religion (the faith in but one God), evolved among a relatively small group of people, the ancient Hebrews. Greeks, Romans, Arabs Alexander the Great invaded the region with an army of Macedonians and Greeks in the 300's B.C. and carved out a vast empire based on Greek culture. The Romans began their own conquest of the region some three centuries later. When the Roman Empire in the West collapsed in the A.D. 400's, its successor in the East, the Byzantine Empire, centered in Constantinople, endured for another thousand years. Meanwhile, the Arabs, newly converted to the Muslim religion by the prophet Mohammed, swept out of the Arabian Peninsula in the 600's and created an Islamic empire. The Ottoman Empire Other conquerors-- Seljuk Turks, European crusaders, and Mongols-- followed in their turn. The last great empire of the region was that of the Ottoman Turks, who reached the height of their power in the 1500's, when all of the Middle East, except for Persia, came under their sway. From this high
6 point, Ottoman power slowly declined, although the crumbling empire was to last, at least in name, until the early 1900's. Period of Nationalism The final breakup of what remained of the Ottoman Empire came about as a result of World War I ( ), in which the Turks sided with the Central Powers, led by Germany and Austria-Hungary. Their defeat by the Allies, headed by Britain and France, split the empire apart, reducing Turkey to its present territory. During the war many Arabs fought with the Allies against the Turks, hoping to gain their independence. But after the war, much of the region came under British and French control through the League of Nations. Two Arab nations, Saudi Arabia and Iraq, were created in Most of the rest won their independence during or shortly after World War II ( ). These years also saw the large-scale development of the region's oil resources. Recent Conflicts Since World War II, the Middle East has been torn by conflicts, including five wars between Israel and its Arab neighbors. Israel signed a peace treaty with Egypt in However, its relations with the rest of the Arab world remained hostile until That year, Israel and the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) signed the first in a series of accords granting limited self-rule to Palestinian Arabs in Israeli-occupied territories. Israel and Jordan also signed a peace treaty, in Israel withdrew its forces from southern Lebanon in But at the same time violence again erupted between the Israelis and Palestinians. Relations improved with the death in 2004 of the longtime Palestinian leader Yasir Arafat. In 2005, Israel turned over all its settlements in the Gaza Strip and some in the West Bank to the Palestinians. In 2007, however, Hamas, an Islamic militant party whose goal is to destroy Israel, seized control of Gaza from Fatah, the more-moderate Palestinian faction. Hamas soon started firing missiles into southern Israel, and the Israelis bombarded and then invaded Gaza. The two-week assault devastated Gaza. Lebanon fought a civil war from the mid-1970's until 1990 and was long occupied by Israel and Syria. Iran and Iraq fought a bitter war from 1980 to Iraq invaded Kuwait in 1990, which led to the Persian Gulf War (1991). Iraq was quickly defeated by a U.S.-led multinational coalition. The United States led a second war against Iraq in 2003 and overthrew its dictator, Saddam Hussein. Iraq held democratic elections in 2005, despite a deadly Sunni insurgency against the Shi'ite-dominated Iraqi government, as well as the U.S. occupation forces. The level of violence in Iraq decreased in , and in 2009, U.S. combat troops were withdrawn from Iraqi cities. Iraqi forces assumed control of security. At the end of 2009, however, there were still about 115,000 U.S. troops in Iraq. Meanwhile, violence increased in some parts of the country. And political disagreements among the various Iraqi factions threatened to force a postponement of the important national elections scheduled for 2010.
7 Syrian forces remained in Lebanon until They were forced out after the Lebanese staged an anti-syrian revolution, in which they blamed Syrian officials for the assassination of former Lebanese prime minister Rafiq Hariri. It was clear, however, that Syria continued to maintain a powerful influence over Lebanon. There was conflict in other parts of the Middle East as well. In 2009, the government of Yemen faced a rebellion, a separatist movement, and attacks by members of Al Qaeda, the international Islamic terrorist network. And the government of Iran ignored world public opinion and continued to enrich uranium. Iran insisted that its nuclear program was for peaceful purposes. But the United States and many other countries feared its purpose was to develop nuclear weapons. In 2010, violence returned to the Gaza Strip, which was controlled by Hamas, the militant Palestinian faction. Israel had been blocking entry to Gaza. Israeli navy ships halted a flotilla of Turkish ships bringing supplies to Gaza, and nine people on one of the ships were killed. Hyman Kublin Author, The Rim of Asia Reviewed by Arthur Campbell Turner Coauthor, Power and Ideology in the Middle East
Chapter 22 Southwest Asia pg Saudi Arabia, Iraq, and Iran pg
Chapter 22 Southwest Asia pg. 674 695 22 1 Saudi Arabia, Iraq, and Iran pg. 677 681 Assume the role of a leader of an oil rich country. Why would you maybe need to diversify your country s economy? What
More informationTURKEY, SYRIA, LEBANON, JORDAN
TURKEY, SYRIA, LEBANON, JORDAN TURKEY Turkey is a little larger than Texas. It bridges two continents: Europe and Asia The Asian part of Turkey is called Asia Minor. Three rivers separate the European
More informationThe Middle East Today: Political Map
The Middle East Today: Political Map 19 13 2 18 12 17 11--> 8--> 9 5 7 16 6
More informationDeserts. Sahara (North Africa) & Arabian Desert
MIDDLE EAST Middle East Climate Deserts Sahara (North Africa) & Arabian Desert Desert Landscape Sand dunes 15% of Sahara Rocky desert 85% of Sahara Areas With Freshwater Areas with Mediterranean Climate
More informationChapter 18. The Cultural Geography of North Africa, Southwest and Central Asia
Chapter 18 The Cultural Geography of North Africa, Southwest and Central Asia Chapter Objectives Explain population patterns found in North Africa, Southwest Asia, and Central Asia. Discuss the history
More informationEvent A: The Decline of the Ottoman Empire
Event A: The Decline of the Ottoman Empire Beginning in the late 13 th century, the Ottoman sultan, or ruler, governed a diverse empire that covered much of the modern Middle East, including Southeastern
More informationCITY COLLEGE NORTH AFRICA & SOUTHWEST ASIA
CITY COLLEGE NORTH AFRICA & SOUTHWEST ASIA PIVOTAL LOCATION EARLY CULTURE HEARTHS MAJOR GEOGRAPHICAL QUALITIES OF THE REALM Physical Aridity Oil Cultural Culture Hearths World Religions Conflict MAJOR
More informationNorth Africa, Southwest Asia and Central Asia. Chapter 10
North Africa, Southwest Asia and Central Asia Chapter 10 Physical Features Atlas Mountains Sahara Desert Physical Features - Water Seas and Waterways in this region have helped people trade more with Africa,
More information[ 6.5 ] History of Arabia and Iraq
[ 6.5 ] History of Arabia and Iraq [ 6.5 ] History of Arabia and Iraq Learning Objectives Describe the civilizations of ancient Mesopotamia. Explain the origins and beliefs of Islam, including the significance
More informationPalestine and the Mideast Crisis. Israel was founded as a Jewish state in 1948, but many Palestinian Arabs refused to recognize it.
Palestine and the Mideast Crisis Israel was founded as a Jewish state in 1948, but many Palestinian Arabs refused to recognize it. Palestine and the Mideast Crisis (cont.) After World War I, many Jews
More informationNORTH AFRICA & SOUTHWEST ASIA
NORTH AFRICA & SOUTHWEST ASIA Setting the Boundaries North of Sub-Saharan Africa From Atlantic Ocean to Afghanistan/Pakistan Region defined by Climate Culture Petroleum SW Asia = The Middle East Crossroads
More informationCultural Geography of North Africa, Southwest, and Central Asia. Chapter 18, Section 1: North Africa
Cultural Geography of North Africa, Southwest, and Central Asia Chapter 18, Section 1: North Africa Important Vocabulary Nomad: groups of people who move from place to place depending on the season and
More informationRegional Issues. Conflicts in the Middle East. Importance of Oil. Growth of Islamism. Oil as source of conflict in Middle East
Main Idea Reading Focus Conflicts in the Middle East Regional issues in the Middle East have led to conflicts between Israel and its neighbors and to conflicts in and between Iran and Iraq. How have regional
More informationChapter 22 Human Geography of Southwest Asia: Religion, Politics, and Oil
SLIDE 1 Chapter 22 Human Geography of Southwest Asia: Religion, Politics, and Oil The rise of major religions thousands of years ago and the discovery of oil in the past century have drastically shaped
More informationArabian Sea. National boundary National capital Other city. ~ Area occupied by ~ Israel since 1967 _ Palestinian selt-rule
_ National boundary National capital Other city ~ Area occupied by ~ Israel since 1967 _ Palestinian selt-rule Arabian Sea Lambert Conlorma\ Conic projection ~C_reating the Modern Middle East. ection Preview
More informationPhysical Geography This region is extremely arid, and most areas receive less than 18 of precipitation per year. the dry terrain varies from huge
The Middle East Physical Geography This region is extremely arid, and most areas receive less than 18 of precipitation per year. the dry terrain varies from huge tracts of sand dunes to great salt flats.
More informationArabian Peninsula Most Arabs settled Bedouin Nomads minority --Caravan trade: Yemen to Mesopotamia and Mediterranean
I. Rise of Islam Origins: Arabian Peninsula Most Arabs settled Bedouin Nomads minority --Caravan trade: Yemen to Mesopotamia and Mediterranean Brought Arabs in contact with Byzantines and Sasanids Bedouins
More informationSW Asia (Middle East) 2 nd Nine Weeks EOTT/Semester Exam Study Guide
SW Asia (Middle East) 2 nd Nine Weeks EOTT/Semester Exam Study Guide #1 Geographically speaking, which country lies between Iraq and Afghanistan? ANSWER Iran lies between Iraq and Afghanistan. #2 The Suez
More informationChapter 7: North Africa and Southwest Asia Part One: pages Teacher Notes
I. Major Geographic Qualities Chapter 7: North Africa and Southwest Asia Part One: pages 342-362 Teacher Notes 1) Several of the world s greatest civilizations based in its river valleys and basins 2)
More information22.2 THE EASTERN MEDITERRANEAN. Birthplace of three major world religions Jerusalem:
22.2 THE EASTERN MEDITERRANEAN Birthplace of three major world religions Jerusalem: Jews Historical: Modern Capital of : Visited my many each year Temple Mount Christians Historical: Modern Mount of Olives
More informationSection 1 North Africa pages Chapter 18 MIDDLE KINGDOM BC OLD KINGDOM
Section 1 North Africa pages 439-442 442 Chapter 18 Cultural Geography of North Africa, Southwest Asia, and Central Asia Berbers native ethnic groups in NA; farmers today, used to be nomads Arabs united
More informationChapter 16: The Eastern Mediterranean. Unit 7
Chapter 16: The Eastern Mediterranean Unit 7 Section 1: Physical Geography Landforms This region includes the following countries: Syria Jordan Lebanon Israel Palestinian territories The Eastern Mediterranean
More informationThe Countries of Southwest Asia. Chapter 23
The Countries of Southwest Asia Chapter 23 The Countries of Southwest Asia (Middle East) Creation of Israel After WWII, Jews had no where to go. In 1948, The United Nations decided to split Palestine between
More informationNorth Africa 1/13/2010. Climate. Middle East: Eurocentric term for eastern Mediterranean; commonly used Islamic World: implies unity of believers
North Africa Middle East: Eurocentric term for eastern Mediterranean; commonly used Islamic World: implies unity of believers Also ignores non-muslims Arab: refers to ethnicity Muslim: refers to believer
More informationChapter 10. Byzantine & Muslim Civilizations
Chapter 10 Byzantine & Muslim Civilizations Section 1 The Byzantine Empire Capital of Byzantine Empire Constantinople Protected by Greek Fire Constantinople Controlled by: Roman Empire Christians Byzantines
More informationMC Review Middle East
34 The Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) is best known for its efforts to (1) develop workable alternatives to fossil fuels (2) bring Western oil technology to the Middle East (3) stop
More information1. What is the difference between a market, command, and traditional economy?
Study Guide for 1 st Nine Weeks QPA 1. What is the difference between a market, command, and traditional economy? Traditional: People produce for themselves what they need to survive. They farm, hunt &
More informationGEOGRAPHY OF THE MIDDLE EAST A BRIEF INTRODUCTION
GEOGRAPHY OF THE MIDDLE EAST A BRIEF INTRODUCTION DATE SEPTEMBER 28, 2016 NOTES BY DENIS BAŠIĆ Some basic information on the Muslim World FOR THE EXACT, CURRENT NUMBER OF PEOPLE ON THE PLANET CHECK THE
More informationWar in Afghanistan War in Iraq Arab Spring War in Syria North Korea 1950-
War in Afghanistan 2001-2014 War in Iraq 2003-2010 Arab Spring 2010-2011 War in Syria 2011- North Korea 1950- Began as a result of 9/11 attacks September 11, 2001 Four hijacked planes in the U.S. Two crashed
More informationUNIT 7 SOUTHWEST ASIA
UNIT 7 SOUTHWEST ASIA CHAPTER 21 PHYSICAL GEOGRAPHY OF SOUTHWEST ASIA: HARSH AND ARID LANDS 21.1: LANDFORMS AND RESOURCES The Arabian Peninsula Most distinctive landform in in SW Asia Borders: The Anatolian
More informationChapter 10: From the Crusades to the New Muslim Empires
Chapter 10: From the Crusades to the New Muslim Empires Guiding Question: How did the Crusades affect the lives of Christians, Muslims, and Jews? Name: Due Date: Period: Overview: The Crusades were a series
More informationReading Essentials and Study Guide
Lesson 2 The Arab Empire and the Caliphates ESSENTIAL QUESTIONS How can religion influence the development of an empire? How might religious beliefs affect society, culture, and politics? Reading HELPDESK
More informationMiddle East Regional Review
Middle East Regional Review Foundations-600 BCE Paleolithic (Old Stone Age)- to about 10,000 years ago Nomadic, Hunter-Gatherers Adapted to environment- use of fire, developed stone tools Summarize the
More informationI. Major Geographic Qualities: (page 345) II. Defining the Realm ( )
Chapter 7: North Africa and Southwest Asia Part One: pages 342-362 Student Notes Please do not write on the T-Lines, those are reserved for the teacher s notes you will get later. I. Major Geographic Qualities:
More informationThe Arab Empire and Its Successors Chapter 6, Section 2 Creation of an Arab Empire
The Arab Empire and Its Successors Chapter 6, Section 2 Creation of an Arab Empire Muhammad became a leader of the early Muslim community Muhammad s death left no leader he never named a successor and
More informationThe Middle East. Common term for the arid region consis5ng of Southwest Asia and parts of North Africa/ Southeast Europe.
The Middle East Common term for the arid region consis5ng of Southwest Asia and parts of North Africa/ Southeast Europe. Strategically located at the crossroads of 3 con5nents Eurocentric by nature- The
More informationDeserts. the Empty Quarter is the largest sand desert in the world.
Saudi Arabia GEOGRAPHIC FEATURES Saudi Arabia Part of the Arabian Peninsula Saudi Arabia is one fourth the size of the United States Deserts cover much of the east and south There are mountain ranges in
More informationSouthwest and Central Asia. The Birthplace of Civilization and 3 Major Religions
Southwest and Central Asia The Birthplace of Civilization and 3 Major Religions Asia is so large, that it is often divided into the different regions seen below. We are going to study them in the following
More informationThe Middle East and North Africa
The Middle East and North Africa 1) Location Where is the Middle East? The Middle East is at the crossroads of three Continents: 1. Asia 2. Africa 3. Europe What is the Middle East Region? Areas west of
More informationSyria's Civil War Explained
Syria's Civil War Explained By Al Jazeera, adapted by Newsela staff on 02.22.17 Word Count 675 Level 800L A displaced Syrian child, fleeing from Deir Ezzor besieged by Islamic State (IS) group fighters,
More informationWorld History I. Robert Taggart
World History I Robert Taggart Table of Contents To the Student.............................................. v A Note About Dates........................................ vii Unit 1: The Earliest People
More informationCreating the Modern Middle East
Creating the Modern Middle East Diverse Peoples When the followers of Muhammad swept out of the Arabian Peninsula in the the ancient lands of Mesopotamia, Palestine, and Persia in the mid-600`s they encountered
More informationThe Arabian Peninsula. Farming limited in Arabia Commerce lively Mecca, near Red Sea, most important of coastal towns
The Rise of Islam The Arabian Peninsula Farming limited in Arabia Commerce lively Mecca, near Red Sea, most important of coastal towns Middle East: Climate Regions Fresh Groundwater Sources Mountain Ranges
More informationCHAPTER 21. Central and Southwest Asia. Regional Atlas Study Guide. 2 Chapter 21. A. As You Read. B. Reviewing Vocabulary
CHAPTER 21 Regional Atlas Study Guide Central and Southwest Asia Directions: As you work through the Regional Atlas, complete the chart below. Under each main idea, write two or three supporting details.
More information2-Provide an example of an ethnic clash we have discussed in World Cultures: 3-Fill in the chart below, using the reading and the map.
Name: Date: How the Middle East Got that Way Directions : Read each section carefully, taking notes and answering questions as directed. Part 1: Introduction Violence, ethnic clashes, political instability...have
More informationSouthwest Asia (Middle East) History Vocabulary Part 1
Southwest Asia (Middle East) History Vocabulary Part 1 Mandate An official order to carry out something example The government issued a mandate for citizens to carry identification. Partition To divide
More informationnetw rks Where in the world? When did it happen? Islamic Civilization Lesson 1 A New Faith ESSENTIAL QUESTION Terms to Know GUIDING QUESTIONS
Lesson 1 A New Faith ESSENTIAL QUESTION How do religions develop? GUIDING QUESTIONS 1. How did physical geography influence the Arab way of life? 2. What message did Muhammad preach to the people of Arabia?
More informationOverview of Imperial Nigeria. Chapter 27, Section 2
Overview of Imperial Nigeria Chapter 27, Section 2 Forms of Control 1. Colony A country or a territory governed internally by foreign power 2. Protectorate A country or a territory with its own internal
More informationThe Richest City in the World
In the first Instruction in this Lesson, we told you about the earliest civilization in Mesopotamia. Sumeria. As you remember, Mesopotamia means "land between two rivers." The rivers were The Tigris and
More informationIn this ancient carving, Hammurabi receives his code of laws from the sun god.
Section 2 Prepare to Read Southwest Asia Cultures and History Objectives In this section, you will 1. Find out that one of the world s earliest civilizations grew in Southwest Asia. 2. Understand that
More informationIsraeli-Palestinian Arab Conflict
Israeli-Palestinian Arab Conflict Middle East after World War II Middle Eastern nations achieved independence The superpowers tried to secure allies Strategic importance in the Cold War Vital petroleum
More informationBig Idea The Ottoman Empire Expands. Essential Question How did the Ottomans expand their empire?
Big Idea The Ottoman Empire Expands. Essential Question How did the Ottomans expand their empire? 1 Words To Know Sultan the leader of the Ottoman Empire, like a emperor or a king. Religious tolerance
More informationNOTES: Unit 3 -Chapter 9: The Islamic World and Africa. In this chapter you will learn about developments in the during the.
Name NOTES: Unit 3 -Chapter 9: The Islamic World and Africa Introduction In this chapter you will learn about developments in the during the. Important Ideas A. Mohammed founded in the seventh century.
More informationSection 2. Objectives
Objectives Explain how Muslims were able to conquer many lands. Identify the divisions that emerged within Islam. Describe the rise of the Umayyad and Abbasid dynasties. Explain why the Abbasid empire
More informationThis section intentionally blank
WEEK 1-1 1. In what city do you live? 2. In what county do you live? 1. In what state do you live? 2. In what country do you live? 1. On what continent do you live? (p. RA6) 2. In what two hemispheres
More informationISLAMIC CIVILIZATIONS A.D.
ISLAMIC CIVILIZATIONS 600-1000 A.D. ISLAM VOCAB Muhammad the Prophet- the founder of Islam Islam- monotheistic religion meaning submission Muslim- followers of Islam Mecca- holy city to Arab people located
More information5/10/2018. The Islamic Civilization. A Study of the Faith / Empire / Culture. Mecca / Makkah. Isolated Peninsula. Southwestern = Fertile
The Islamic Civilization A Study of the Faith / Empire / Culture Mecca / Makkah 1 Isolated Peninsula Southwestern = Fertile Remainder = Arid Plains / Desert Agriculture along the coastal areas Bedouin
More informationWhat is Civilization?
What is Civilization? A large group of people with a defined and well organized culture who share certain things in common: Political- common established government Social- common cultural elements like
More informationIntroduction to Islam, SW Asia & North Africa
Introduction to Islam, SW Asia & North Africa May 20, 2008 GEOG 1982 Islam History & Facts Distribution Veiling Political Islam History of SW Asia 20 th century Arab Israeli Conflict Northern Africa Lecture
More informationDIA Alumni Association. The Mess in the Middle East August 19, 2014 Presented by: John Moore
DIA Alumni Association The Mess in the Middle East August 19, 2014 Presented by: John Moore The Mess in the Middle East Middle East Turmoil Trends since Arab Spring started Iraq s civil war; rise of the
More informationSyria's Civil War Explained
Syria's Civil War Explained By Al Jazeera, adapted by Newsela staff on 02.22.17 Word Count 1,166 A displaced Syrian child, fleeing from Deir Ezzor besieged by Islamic State (IS) group fighters, hangs on
More informationThe Fall of the Ottoman Empire and its Legacy. World War I spanned entire continents, and engulfed hundreds of nations into the
Andrew Sorensen Oxford Scholars World War I 7 November 2018 The Fall of the Ottoman Empire and its Legacy World War I spanned entire continents, and engulfed hundreds of nations into the deadliest conflict
More informationGeographic Understandings
Geographic Understandings SS7G5 The student will locate selected features in Southwestern Asia (Middle East). a. Locate on a world and regional political-physical map: Euphrates River, Jordan River, Tigris
More informationSTUDY GUIDE. Population Patterns. Cultural Diversity in Region. Chapter 18, Section 1. Terms to Know DRAWING FROM EXPERIENCE ORGANIZING YOUR THOUGHTS
Chapter 18, Section 1 For use with textbook pages 439 443. Population Patterns Terms to Know ethnic diversity Differences among groups based on their languages, customs, and beliefs (page 439) infrastructure
More informationAncient River Valley Civilizations
Ancient River Valley Civilizations Permanent Settlements During the New Stone Age, permanent settlements appeared in river valleys and around the Fertile Crescent. River valleys provided rich soil for
More informationSyria's Civil War Explained
Syria's Civil War Explained By Al Jazeera, adapted by Newsela staff on 02.22.17 Word Count 1,055 Level 1000L A displaced Syrian child, fleeing from Deir Ezzor besieged by Islamic State (IS) group fighters,
More informationOPINION jordan palestine ksa uae iraq. rkey iran egypt lebanon jordan palstine
aq turkey iran egypt lebanon jordan lestine ksa uae iraq turkey iran egyp banon jordan palestine ksa uae iraq rkey iran egypt lebanon jordan palstine ksa uae iraq turkey iran egypt banon jordan palestine
More informationIslam AN AGE OF ACCELERATING CONNECTIONS ( )
Islam AN AGE OF ACCELERATING CONNECTIONS (600 1450) Throughout most of its history, the people of the Arabian peninsula were subsistence farmers, lived in small fishing villages, or were nomadic traders
More informationSyria's Civil War Explained
Syria's Civil War Explained By Al Jazeera, adapted by Newsela staff on 02.22.17 Word Count 1,055 Level 1000L A displaced Syrian child, fleeing from Deir Ezzor besieged by Islamic State (IS) group fighters,
More informationExpansion. Many clan fought each other. Clans were unified under Islam. Began military attacks against neighboring people
Islamic Empires Expansion Many clan fought each other Clans were unified under Islam Began military attacks against neighboring people Defeated Byzantine area of Syria Egypt Northern Africa Qur an permitted
More informationArabia before Muhammad
THE RISE OF ISLAM Arabia before Muhammad Arabian Origins By 6 th century CE = Arabic-speakers throughout Syrian desert Arabia before Muhammad Arabian Origins By 6 th century CE = Arabic-speakers throughout
More information7 th Grade History. Chapter 1: The Tools of History. What are latitude and longitude? Hemispheres? (know equator and prime meridian)
Name 7 th Grade History Chapter 1: The Tools of History 1.1 Geography of the World (p.8-13) What is geography? Landforms and bodies of water Continents Weather vs. climate 1.2 Mapping the World (p.14-21)
More informationO"oman Empire. AP World History 19a
O"oman Empire AP World History 19a Founded by Turks Started in Anatolia Controlled Balkan Peninsula and parts of eastern Europe Acquired much of the Middle East, North Africa, and region between the Black
More informationMuslim Armies Conquer Many Lands
Main deas 1. Muslim armies conquered many lands into which slam slowly spread. 2. Trade helped slam spread into new areas. 3. A mix of cultures was one result of slam's spread. 4. slamic influence encouraged
More informationIsrael and the Middle East. The Last Six Thousand Years
Israel and the Middle East The Last Six Thousand Years Two Parts 1. From 3800 B.C. to the birth of Jesus Christ 2. From the birth of Jesus Christ to the present Lay the Groundwork for This Historical Survey
More informationBabylon was the center of the Babylonian empire. It s location made it a crossroads of trade making it a very rich city.
I Can Statements - 2nd Quarter Assessment: Southwest Asia, For the test, make sure you know the following information. The Ancient Civilization information can also be located in your guided readings,
More informationWhere in the world? RESG When did it happen? Chapter 14 Map Title: Where in the World? File a.d. Name: 500 C14_L1_wsresg_01A.ai Map Size: 39p6 x 20p0
Lesson 1 A New Faith ESSENTIAL QUESTION How do religions develop? GUIDING QUESTIONS 1. How did physical geography influence the Arab way of life? 2. What message did Muhammad preach to the people of Arabia?
More informationI. ANCIENT MESOPOTAMIA
I. ANCIENT MESOPOTAMIA II. FINAL VERSION 2 Kings 24:7 And the king of Egypt did not come again out of his land, for the king of Babylon had taken all that belonged to the king of Egypt from the Brook of
More informationUnit 8: Islamic Civilization
Unit 8: Islamic Civilization Standard(s) of Learning: WHI.8 The student will demonstrate knowledge of the Islamic civilization from about 600 to 1000 AD by a) Describing the origin, beliefs, traditions,
More informationMuslim Civilizations
Muslim Civilizations Muhammad the Prophet Born ca. 570 in Mecca Trading center; home of the Kaaba Marries Khadija At 40 he goes into the hills to meditate; God sends Gabriel with a call Khadija becomes
More informationThe Middle East. Do Now: complete the reading The Middle East and Oil. The creation of Israel, The Iranian Revolution & Iraq and Saddam Hussein
The Middle East Do Now: complete the reading The Middle East and Oil The creation of Israel, The Iranian Revolution & Iraq and Saddam Hussein Aim: How did the creation of Israel create conflict in the
More informationThe Modern Middle East Or As I like to call it
The Modern Middle East Or As I like to call it How did this. Turn into this Which the US has been in for over TEN years, doing this Modern Middle East Holy City of Jerusalem Dome of the Rock The Western
More informationIran Iraq War ( ) Causes & Consequences
Iran Iraq War (1980 1988) Causes & Consequences In 1980 Saddam Hussein decided to invade Iran. Why? Religion Iran was governed by Muslim clerics (theocracy). By contrast, Iraq was a secular state. The
More informationChapter 7: North Africa and Southwest Asia Part Two: pages Regions of the Realm Teacher Notes
Chapter 7: North Africa and Southwest Asia Part Two: pages 363 398 Regions of the Realm Teacher Notes I. Egypt and Lower Nile Basin (363-369) General Information: Egypt controls the Suez Canal This region
More informationProfessor Shibley Telhami,, Principal Investigator
2008 Annual Arab Public Opinion Poll Survey of the Anwar Sadat Chair for Peace and Development at the University of Maryland (with Zogby International) Professor Shibley Telhami,, Principal Investigator
More informationI know about the city of Babylon and why it was important to Mesopotamia.
I know about the city of Babylon and why it was important to Mesopotamia. Babylon was the center of the Babylonian empire. Its location made it a crossroads of trade making it a very rich city. I know
More informationYEAR 7- Social Studies Term 1 plan
Week Topic YEAR 7- Social Studies Term 1 plan 2016-2017 Learning outcomes 1 Introduction Students are given an overview of year 7 Social Studies and learning outcomes. Classroom expectations are made clear
More informationIran had limited natural resources Water was relatively scarce, and Iran s environment could only support a limited population Because of the heat,
Ancient Iran Geography and Resources Iran s location, bounded by mountains, deserts, and the Persian Gulf, left it open to attack from Central Asian nomads The fundamental topographical features included
More informationSocial: classes, status, hierarchy, gender, population (demography)
Social: classes, status, hierarchy, gender, population (demography) Political: authority, laws, military Religious: creation, death, the supernatural, faith, morality, priesthood, places of worship, scriptures
More informationII. From civil war to regional confrontation
II. From civil war to regional confrontation Following the initial legitimate demands of the Syrian people, the conflict took on the regional and international dimensions of a long term conflict. Are neighboring
More information4. THE HAN EMPIRE 200 BC-200 AD
4. THE HAN EMPIRE 200 BC-200 AD CHINA S SYMBOL: THE DRAGON A. Govt & Military 1. Emperor with complete control 2. Military: a. Used the Great Wall to keep invaders out B. Economy 1. Empire linked through
More informationChapter 18 The Mongols Unify Eurasia
Chapter 18 The Mongols Unify Eurasia p243 China Under the Song Dynasty, 960-1279 Most advanced civilization in the world Extensive urbanization Iron and Steel Manufacturing Technical innovations Printing
More informationDecline and Fall of the Ottoman Empire
Decline and Fall of the Ottoman Empire The Ottoman Empire, which had been steadily declining since the late 1700s, finally ended after World War I. Reading Connection Do you think it is possible for an
More informationMesopotamia. Objective: To have students acquire knowledge about Mesopotamian civilizations
Mesopotamia Objective: To have students acquire knowledge about Mesopotamian civilizations River Valleys Two important rivers that were important to the daily lives of the Mesopotamian civilizations: The
More informationBuilding Background Directions: Use this sheet to take notes from the Building Background PowerPoint slides on Day 1 of the investigation.
Building Background Directions: Use this sheet to take notes from the Building Background PowerPoint slides on Day 1 of the investigation. 1) SEE-THINK-WONDER What do you SEE in the What do you THINK this
More informationEthnic vs. Religious Group Station
a. Explain the difference between an ethnic group and a religious group. Ethnic vs. Religious Group Station An ethnic group is a group of people who share cultural ideas and beliefs that have been a part
More informationRise and Spread of Islam
Rise and Spread of Islam I. Byzantine Regions A. Almost entirely Christian by 550 CE B. Priests and monks numerous - needed much money and food to support I. Byzantine Regions C. Many debates about true
More informationOTTOMAN EMPIRE Learning Goal 1:
OTTOMAN EMPIRE Learning Goal 1: Explain what was significant about the organization of the Ottoman Empire and describe the impact the Ottomans had on global trade. (TEKS/SE s 1D,7D) STUDY THE MAP WHAT
More informationUNIT 3 -CHAPTER 9: THE ISLAMIC WORLD AND AFRICA
UNIT 3 -CHAPTER 9: THE ISLAMIC WORLD AND AFRICA INTRODUCTION In this chapter you will learn about developments in the Middle East and Africa during the post-classical era. ESSENTIAL QUESTIONS What are
More information6th Grade - Chapter 4 Mesopotamia. Sumerians & Mesopotamian Empires
6th Grade - Chapter 4 Mesopotamia Sumerians & Mesopotamian Empires Lesson 1: The Sumerians The Sumerians made important advances in areas such as farming and writing that laid the foundation for future
More information