World Geography

THE MIDDLE EAST

COUNTRIES OF THE REGION: Israel, Jordan, Lebanon, Syria, Iraq, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Bahrain, Qatar, Oman, United Arab Emirates, Yemen, Turkey, Cypress, Iran, and Afghanistan

CROSSROADS/PHYSICAL GEOGRAPHY: Refer to geodata

POPULATION: unevenly distributed; most live near water (A.) along rivers & coastlines (B.) in mountain & plateau regions where climate is cooler; rainfall & vegetation are more abundunt.

IMPORTANT RESOURCES: (A.) crude oil & natural gas: Persian Gulf countries (OPEC)
(B.) water is scarce: rivers=water source in region; drought-resistant plants, drip irrigation & water carriers

THREE WAYS OF LIFE: (A.) farming: little arable land in the region; mostly deserts & mountains (B.) city living-some of the oldest cities in the world. Cradle of civilization: Tigris & Euphrates River Valley. These two major rivers of the region originate in Eastern Turkey and are ancient centers for trade and commerce. Lack of opportunities in rural areas is one reason urban population increases. (C.) nomadic herding: for centuries, small family groups of Arabic nomads called Bedouins have lived in region's deserts herding goats, sheep, and camels/trading & harvestingsalt in some deserts. Highly organized cultures. Moved from place to place. Use knowledge of water sources and seasonal changes to survive. Deserts have wadis (dry river beds) and oases (plural for oasis)- sites where there are underground springs

BIRTHPLACE OF THREE MAJOR RELIGIONS: (A.) Judaism began about 4,000 B.C. (or B.C.E.) People called Jews, who are the descendents of Hebrews. Their Holy Book is the Torah which are the books of the Old Testament of the Bible- first five parchment scrolls are called the Torah. They are not like other religions of time- Monotheistic. Jews lived on Earstern shore of Mediterranean Sea- kingdoms of Israel, 1,000 B.C.E.. Jerusalem is their holiest city and a synagogue is where they worsip. Deity called Yahweh or Jehovah. (B.) Christianity began about A.D. 30 or C.E in the same physical region as Judaism began. Region was known as Palestine named by the Romans for the regional group called the Philistines. Monotheistic based on teachings of Jesus Christ who was born and raised as a Jew. Teachings of Christ were threatening to many people; he was put on trial and crucified in the city of Jerusalem. His followers began a religion. Jerusalem is the holiest city of the Christian people. Their Holy Book is the Bible, Old and New Testaments. Deity is called God. (C.) Islam is the third major monotheistic religion to begin in Middle East. Began in the City of Mecca on Arabian Peninsula around 622 C.E. People are called Muslims, who are the followers of the prophet Mohammed. Original followers adopted Arabic language Mecca and Jerusalem are the holiest cities of Muslims-they believed Mohammed ascended to heaven in the city of Jerusalem. Their Holy Book is the Qu'ran/Koran. It was originally written in Arabic, today it's written in many languages. Archangel Gabriel was said to have told Mohammed. A mosque is an Islamic place of worship. Deity is called Allah.

CULTURE & GOVERNMENT: (A.) Islamic culture and government dominates in countries of Southwest Asia except Israel. Islamic religion has 2 major sects- Sunni ( 85-90%) and Shiite/Shia (10-15%). Muslims are expected to live by the Five Pillars of Islam. Basic principles of the Five Pillars:

1. Shahadah: declaration and affirmation of faith in Allah (speaking their faith)
2. Salah: obligatory prayers performed 5 times a day, facing the city of Mecca.
3. Zakat: giving of charity and alms to the poor.
4. Ramadan: Muslims fast or abstain from food and drink from first light until sundown during the 9th month.
5. Hajj: religious pilgrimmage to Mecca where Muslims fill their religious duty.

GOVERNMENT: Many Islamic countries have autocratic rulers were the ruler in the government has absolute power or authority. Many countries have strict governments based on Religious Law called a theocracy, a government ruled by a religious leader under strict religious law.

CULTURE FACTORS: Men over 21 can vote; women cannot vote, Restriction for worman (purdah)

Women cannot...

• drive cars in many countries
• marry outside their religion
• CAN get a divorce but children usually remain with their father
• women must be covered with traditional dresses such as an Abaya, Chador, or Burqa when outside their home or must cover their hair with a traditional Hajib
• MUST be accompanied by a family member when they're outside.
• MUST become citizens of their husbands' countries

Women can...

• inherit money
• use birth control
• go to school