The Middle East:The Middle East:North Africa & North Africa & Southwest AsiaSouthwest Asia

The Land and ClimateThe Land and Climate

Desert climate dominate the region.Desert climate dominate the region. Covers ½ of the Middle East.Covers ½ of the Middle East. Major desert areas:Major desert areas:

• Sahara:Sahara: largest desert in the world (3.5 largest desert in the world (3.5 million sq. mi.); in northern Africa.million sq. mi.); in northern Africa.

• Rub’al-Khali (Empty Quarter)Rub’al-Khali (Empty Quarter): : (250,000 sq. mi) located on the Arabian (250,000 sq. mi) located on the Arabian PeninsulaPeninsula

Rain falls a few times each year.Rain falls a few times each year. Temperatures in summer can reach Temperatures in summer can reach

120°F in the day and 30°F at night. 120°F in the day and 30°F at night. Frost occurs often during the winter. Frost occurs often during the winter.

Springs, where water rises naturally Springs, where water rises naturally from cracks in rocks, have formed from cracks in rocks, have formed oases.oases.

Surface water is rareSurface water is rare• Nile River:Nile River: longest river in the world longest river in the world

(4187 mi.). It flows from south to north (4187 mi.). It flows from south to north because the elevation in the south is because the elevation in the south is higher than in the north.higher than in the north.

• Tigris River in IraqTigris River in Iraq• Euphrates River in IraqEuphrates River in Iraq

Nile River

AgricultureAgriculture

Despite the climate, agriculture is a Despite the climate, agriculture is a major occupation in the area.major occupation in the area.

Fertile soils are found only in river Fertile soils are found only in river valleys, on high plateaus, and in a valleys, on high plateaus, and in a few oases.few oases.

Overuse and overgrazing has led to Overuse and overgrazing has led to countries conserving soil and plant countries conserving soil and plant resources.resources.

Most agriculture is subsistence Most agriculture is subsistence agriculture.agriculture.

Barley and wheat are important Barley and wheat are important grains. Citrus fruits, olives, figs, nuts, grains. Citrus fruits, olives, figs, nuts, and grapes are grown on the and grapes are grown on the Mediterranean coast.Mediterranean coast.

Irrigation first developed in the Irrigation first developed in the Middle East.Middle East.• Most is small scale in which water is Most is small scale in which water is

diverted into a small canal leading diverted into a small canal leading directly to a field.directly to a field.

• Deep wells also Deep wells also

provide provide

irrigation.irrigation.

Natural ResourcesNatural Resources OilOil is the region’s richest mineral is the region’s richest mineral

resource.resource.• Middle East contains 60% of the world’s oil Middle East contains 60% of the world’s oil

reserves.reserves.• Main deposits lie along the shores of the Main deposits lie along the shores of the

Persian Gulf and in Iraq.Persian Gulf and in Iraq. Economies of the oil-exporting countries Economies of the oil-exporting countries

rise and fall with the price of oil.rise and fall with the price of oil. These countries have joined with other oil-These countries have joined with other oil-

rich countries around the world to form the rich countries around the world to form the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC)Countries (OPEC)..

Israel is considered the only Israel is considered the only developed country in the region developed country in the region because it does not depend upon because it does not depend upon only one resource for its income.only one resource for its income.• Though the oil-rich countries have high Though the oil-rich countries have high

incomes, it is limited incomes, it is limited

mainly to oil-refining.mainly to oil-refining.

Middle East also contains 50% of the Middle East also contains 50% of the world’s natural gas reserves.world’s natural gas reserves.

Morocco is a leading producer of Morocco is a leading producer of phosphate (chemical used in phosphate (chemical used in fertilizers).fertilizers).

EthnicityEthnicity

Main ethnicityMain ethnicity – Arab – Arab

IsraelIsrael – Jewish – Jewish

IranIran – Persian – Persian

TurkeyTurkey – Refer to themselves as – Refer to themselves as Turks not ArabsTurks not Arabs

LanguageLanguage

Main languageMain language – Arabic – Arabic

IsraelIsrael - Hebrew - Hebrew

IranIran - Farsi - Farsi

Middle Eastern Middle Eastern ReligionsReligions

The Middle East is the birthplace The Middle East is the birthplace of 3 world religions.of 3 world religions.

All are similar in 3 waysAll are similar in 3 ways• All are monotheistic (one god)All are monotheistic (one god)

• All deal with a covenant between God All deal with a covenant between God and the people.and the people.

• All share the same patriarch: Abraham.All share the same patriarch: Abraham.

JudaismJudaism Flourished between 3500 B.C. and Flourished between 3500 B.C. and

600 B.C. in an area called Palestine.600 B.C. in an area called Palestine. First major religion to center around First major religion to center around

the belief in one god.the belief in one god. Holy Book: Torah (laws of the Old Holy Book: Torah (laws of the Old

Testament)Testament) Followers are called Jews.Followers are called Jews. Israel - 99% JewishIsrael - 99% Jewish

ChristianityChristianity Developed from JudaismDeveloped from Judaism

Based on the teachings of Jesus Christ who is Based on the teachings of Jesus Christ who is believed to be the Son of God by Christiansbelieved to be the Son of God by Christians

Spread during the Roman eraSpread during the Roman era

Split into two parts after the fall of the Roman Split into two parts after the fall of the Roman EmpireEmpire• Eastern Orthodox Church in ConstantinopleEastern Orthodox Church in Constantinople• Roman Catholic Church in RomeRoman Catholic Church in Rome

In the 1500s, the Roman Catholic Church was split In the 1500s, the Roman Catholic Church was split into two parts: Protestantism and Catholicism.into two parts: Protestantism and Catholicism.

Followers are called ChristiansFollowers are called Christians

Holy Book: Bible Holy Book: Bible

(especially New Testament)(especially New Testament)

Lebanon - 50% Lebanon - 50%

ChristianChristian

IslamIslam Dominate religion in the Middle EastDominate religion in the Middle East 2nd largest in the world and fastest 2nd largest in the world and fastest

growinggrowing Founder: Mohammed (571 – 632 A.D.)Founder: Mohammed (571 – 632 A.D.)

• He had a revelation in Mecca about a one god He had a revelation in Mecca about a one god religion and told to preach this to the Arabsreligion and told to preach this to the Arabs

• He was laughed at and forced to flee Mecca.He was laughed at and forced to flee Mecca. This is called the Hejira or “The Flight.”This is called the Hejira or “The Flight.”

• Marks the beginning of the Islamic calendar Marks the beginning of the Islamic calendar 2009 = 1430 AH (After Hejira)2009 = 1430 AH (After Hejira)

He went back to Mecca years later and He went back to Mecca years later and preached.preached.

Full Mohammed

Faceless Mohammed

Holy Book: KoranHoly Book: Koran• Written in Arabic and is said to contain the Written in Arabic and is said to contain the

exact words of Godexact words of God Muslims pray in mosques.Muslims pray in mosques. Worshippers use prayer mats on the floor.Worshippers use prayer mats on the floor. Five Pillars of IslamFive Pillars of Islam

• Must state there is no god but Allah and Must state there is no god but Allah and Mohammed is his prophetMohammed is his prophet

• Prayer: Must pray 5 times daily facing the holy Prayer: Must pray 5 times daily facing the holy city of Mecca. On Fridays at noon, pray at a city of Mecca. On Fridays at noon, pray at a mosque if available.mosque if available.

• Giving of alms (charity) to the poorGiving of alms (charity) to the poor• Fasting: special time is during the month of Fasting: special time is during the month of

Ramadan for the daylight fastRamadan for the daylight fast• Pilgrimage (the Hajj) to Mecca at least once in Pilgrimage (the Hajj) to Mecca at least once in

their lifetime.their lifetime.

Two major types of Muslims:Two major types of Muslims:• ShiaShia– A minority division of Islam – A minority division of Islam

estimated at 10–15%, found mostly in estimated at 10–15%, found mostly in Iran and surrounding countries. They Iran and surrounding countries. They practice a more conservative form of practice a more conservative form of Islam.Islam.

• SunniSunni – The mainstream body of – The mainstream body of Muslims. They are scattered throughout Muslims. They are scattered throughout the world. Sunnis maintain that the world. Sunnis maintain that revelations from God ended with the revelations from God ended with the death of Mohammed.death of Mohammed.

Culture Regions of Culture Regions of the Middle Eastthe Middle East

North AfricaNorth Africa Berbers – indigenous people before Arab invasion.Berbers – indigenous people before Arab invasion.

• 15 million in region today15 million in region today• Mostly farmersMostly farmers

Arabs migrated to north Africa in 600s.Arabs migrated to north Africa in 600s.• Bedouins are Arabic-speaking people who migrated to Bedouins are Arabic-speaking people who migrated to

north Africa from deserts in southwest Asia.north Africa from deserts in southwest Asia.• Nomadic herdersNomadic herders

Water is scarce in the area. Most people live near Water is scarce in the area. Most people live near the coast and around rivers.the coast and around rivers.

Egypt is the key power because of the Suez Canal Egypt is the key power because of the Suez Canal (shipping lane that connects Mediterranean Sea (shipping lane that connects Mediterranean Sea to Red Sea).to Red Sea).

Most people are Sunni Muslims and speak Arabic.Most people are Sunni Muslims and speak Arabic.

East MediterraneanEast Mediterranean Arabs & Jews live in this region.Arabs & Jews live in this region. 7.1 million Israelis7.1 million Israelis

• ½ Israel’s Jews born in Israel½ Israel’s Jews born in Israel• Other ½ immigrated from other places Other ½ immigrated from other places

especially Europeespecially Europe Israel became a country in 1948 Israel became a country in 1948

replacing the country of Palestine.replacing the country of Palestine.• Palestinians (Arabs) did not want Jews in Palestinians (Arabs) did not want Jews in

their country.their country.• Resulting in 6 wars over the yearsResulting in 6 wars over the years

Palestinians are Arabs living in Palestinians are Arabs living in Palestine which is now Israel.Palestine which is now Israel.• Many were displaced and had to live in Many were displaced and had to live in

refugee camps in Arab countries (such refugee camps in Arab countries (such as Syria, Lebanon, and Jordan).as Syria, Lebanon, and Jordan).

• Many refugee camps are becoming Many refugee camps are becoming permanent.permanent.

Most people live along the coast and Most people live along the coast and in Euphrates River Valley.in Euphrates River Valley.

Mostly urban.Mostly urban.• 75% urban in Israel, Jordan, & Lebanon.75% urban in Israel, Jordan, & Lebanon.• 50% urban in Syria & Palestine.50% urban in Syria & Palestine.

Jerusalem, Israel

Petra, Jordan

Lebanon

Arab-Israeli ConflictArab-Israeli Conflict Jews were expelled from their Jews were expelled from their

homeland by the Romans.homeland by the Romans. Late 1800s, Zionists called for a Late 1800s, Zionists called for a

return to Palestine.return to Palestine. After WWII, war broke out.After WWII, war broke out.

• 1947 – United Nations divided Palestine 1947 – United Nations divided Palestine into Jewish and Arab nations.into Jewish and Arab nations.

• 1948 – Jews proclaimed independence.1948 – Jews proclaimed independence.

Next 25 years, six wars with Israel Next 25 years, six wars with Israel victorious in all.victorious in all.

Palestinians want independent state Palestinians want independent state of their own.of their own.

1990s peace talks begin.1990s peace talks begin.• Palestine began to acknowledge Israel Palestine began to acknowledge Israel

and to limit self-rule.and to limit self-rule.• Israeli troop withdraw and begin giving Israeli troop withdraw and begin giving

authority to Palestinians in the West authority to Palestinians in the West Bank and Gaza Strip.Bank and Gaza Strip.

• By 2002, negotiations stall.By 2002, negotiations stall.

2006 – Islamic group, Hamas, won 2006 – Islamic group, Hamas, won elections in the West Bank & Gaza elections in the West Bank & Gaza Strip.Strip.

Hamas opposes Israel’s right to exist Hamas opposes Israel’s right to exist and supports armed attacks on and supports armed attacks on Israeli territory. Israeli territory.

Israeli forces

Hamas forces

The Northeast The Northeast (Turkey, Iran, & Iraq)(Turkey, Iran, & Iraq)

Turks migrated in 1000s from central Asia.Turks migrated in 1000s from central Asia.• Practice Islam & speak TurkishPractice Islam & speak Turkish• About 70 million in populationAbout 70 million in population

Iran, once called Persia, means “land of Iran, once called Persia, means “land of the Aryans.”the Aryans.”• Believe they are descendants of Aryans (Indo-Believe they are descendants of Aryans (Indo-

Europeans who migrated from southern Russia Europeans who migrated from southern Russia around 1000 BC)around 1000 BC)

• Speak Farsi and 90% are Shia MuslimsSpeak Farsi and 90% are Shia Muslims• About 67 million in populationAbout 67 million in population

Majority of people in Iraq are Arab.Majority of people in Iraq are Arab.• Most are Shia Muslims with 35% Sunnis.Most are Shia Muslims with 35% Sunnis.• Arabic is spoken.Arabic is spoken.

Home of ancient civilizations and empiresHome of ancient civilizations and empires• Mesopotamia between the Tigris & Euphrates Mesopotamia between the Tigris & Euphrates

Rivers in modern Iraq.Rivers in modern Iraq.• Phoenicians along the Mediterranean coast.Phoenicians along the Mediterranean coast.• Persian Empire (modern Iran) during the 500s Persian Empire (modern Iran) during the 500s

BC.BC.• Ottoman Empire (centered in modern Turkey) Ottoman Empire (centered in modern Turkey)

lasted for 600 years.lasted for 600 years.

Western Europe controlled the area Western Europe controlled the area by late 1800s.by late 1800s.

Great Britain controlled Iraq until Great Britain controlled Iraq until 1932 and fell into turmoil.1932 and fell into turmoil.

Iran set up a secular (non-religious) Iran set up a secular (non-religious) government in 1979.government in 1979.• Overthrown during the Islamic Overthrown during the Islamic

RevolutionRevolution• Religious clerics came to power and Religious clerics came to power and

continue to dominate Iran.continue to dominate Iran. Oil discovered in the early 1900s.Oil discovered in the early 1900s. OPEC formed in the late 1950s.OPEC formed in the late 1950s.

Turkey

Iraq

Iran

US soldiers in Iraqi market

Arabian PeninsulaArabian Peninsula

Most people live on the coast Most people live on the coast because most of the land is desert.because most of the land is desert.

56% Arab; most are Muslims; some 56% Arab; most are Muslims; some ChristiansChristians

United Arab Emirates United Arab Emirates • Only 15-20% are citizensOnly 15-20% are citizens• Foreign oil workers make up the rest of Foreign oil workers make up the rest of

the population.the population. 50% of Qatar & 60% of Kuwait are 50% of Qatar & 60% of Kuwait are

foreignersforeigners

Local families took control of the peninsula Local families took control of the peninsula around 1750 and formed the United around 1750 and formed the United Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in 1932.Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in 1932.

Kuwait, Bahrain, Qatar, & Yemen had Kuwait, Bahrain, Qatar, & Yemen had treaties with Great Britain for protection in treaties with Great Britain for protection in the 1800s and early 1900s.the 1800s and early 1900s.

Kuwait became independent in mid 1900s.Kuwait became independent in mid 1900s.

UAE formed a group of sheikdoms UAE formed a group of sheikdoms (territories ruled by Islamic religious (territories ruled by Islamic religious leaders) in 1971.leaders) in 1971.

Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, & Oman Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, & Oman became monarchies that follow became monarchies that follow shari’ah (Islamic law) based on the shari’ah (Islamic law) based on the Koran.Koran.

Kuwait & Qatar became Kuwait & Qatar became constitutional emirates which are constitutional emirates which are ruled by emirs (princes).ruled by emirs (princes).

Sheikh Mohammed leads UAE equestrian team to victory

Pres. Obama with Saudi King Abdullah

Qatar Emir with Wife

AfghanistanAfghanistan

AfghanistanAfghanistan

Historically invadedHistorically invaded 1979 – Soviet Union invaded hoping to 1979 – Soviet Union invaded hoping to

spread communism.spread communism.• US, Great Britain, & China provided arms to the US, Great Britain, & China provided arms to the

rebels.rebels.• 1988 – Soviet Union withdrew.1988 – Soviet Union withdrew.

After Soviet withdrawal, the rebel group, After Soviet withdrawal, the rebel group, Mujahadeen, overthrew the government Mujahadeen, overthrew the government creating the Islamic Republic of creating the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan.Afghanistan.

1995 – the Taliban (Islamic military 1995 – the Taliban (Islamic military group) promised to restore order and group) promised to restore order and rose to power.rose to power.• Cracked down on crime and drugsCracked down on crime and drugs• Severely limited women’s rights and Severely limited women’s rights and

used violence to enforce lawused violence to enforce law After 9/11, US attacked and ousted After 9/11, US attacked and ousted

the Taliban.the Taliban.• American forces have worked with the American forces have worked with the

country to stabilize the government.country to stabilize the government.

• 2004 – Hamid Karzai named president in 2004 – Hamid Karzai named president in country’s first successful election.country’s first successful election.