Middle East
From YourTravelGuide
The Middle East is an undefined term used to encompass countries in Southwest Asia, and northern Africa. Coined by the British around the turn of the twentieth century, the term became popular, but drew much criticism due to the lack of definition.
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[edit] Introduction
[edit] Current Events
[edit] History
The Middle East was the first site of agriculture, thus making it the first site of human society. The fact that the Garden of Eden is located between the Tigris and Euphrates rivers; it is also the birthplace of civilization.
The history of the Middle East goes back to ancient times. It has always been a strategic and economic center concerning world relationships. Areas near the Persian Gulf have high quantities of crude oil, making it an area with vast riches and international power. Political and religious unrest has plagued this area for hundreds of years. Wars still remain today, causing much world attention and tension.
The modern Middle East began after World War I. The once powerful Ottoman Empire, a Turkish state that once held all of the Middle East, much of southeastern Europe and North Africa, was allied with the beaten Central powers. At this time, the empire was delegated into a number of new states. The formation of Israel, in 1948, the parting of European nations, particularly Britain and France and an increased American influence also helped in establishing today’s Middle East.
[edit] Culture
[edit] Religion
The Middle East is the center for most world religions, making it a quite volatile region. Religious wars have been fought since the beginning of time. Hostilities over borders wax and wane, keeping a lot of the region in a state of uncertainty. Factions in certain religions, (particularly the Muslim community) disagree often. Since many Middle Eastern governments are created with religious beliefs in mind, wars rage on.
[edit] Oil, oil, oil
Another topic of controversy in the Middle East comes from their vast reserves of crude oil. Production of the oil began in 1945, and made the Middle East economically and strategically powerful in the late twentieth century. Oil reserves, particularly in Saudi Arabia and Iran, are the largest in the world. Oil has created some of the world’s richest men, and the international community dependent on these small countries. Efforts are now being made to devise alternative fuels so that dependency is not so prevalent, among other reasons.
[edit] Geography
[edit] Countries
- Bahrain
- Egypt
- Iran
- Iraq
- Israel
- Jordan
- Kuwait
- Lebanon
- Oman
- Qatar
- Saudi Arabia
- Sudan
- Syria
- Turkey
- United Arab Emirates
- Yemen
[edit] Transport
[edit] Get There
[edit] Get Around
[edit] See
Although the Gulf War continues in the Middle East, there are many areas prime for traveling.
- Turkey, with its European influences, has a majestic coastline and the thriving urban city of Istanbul.
- Dubai, the newest of the seven emirates of the United Arab Emirates, draws a major portion of its income from tourism. This major shipping port in the Middle East is expanding rapidly, and attracting more and more people to live due to an abundance of jobs, a fantastic climate and seaside paradise.
- Israel is home to the Christian, Jewish and Muslim religions. Biblical history abounds within the confines of the country. Annual pilgrimages bring in tens of thousands of religious followers.
[edit] Highlights
[edit] World Heritage Sites
[edit] Egypt
Memphis and its Necropolis is the last standing member of the Seven Wonders of the World. The capital of the Old Kingdom of Egypt, it has exceptional monuments representing the great architectural feats of the ancients, including: pyramids, tombs, mastabas and temples.
The Saint Catherine Area is home to the oldest functioning monastery. It was built in the sixth century and is situated at the base of Mount Herob, where the Old Testament tells us Moses received the Stone Tablets. Early Christian manuscripts are housed within the walls of this exquisite Byzantine architecture. A strong mountain, containing religious and archeological sites and monuments, gives the monastery a wonderful backdrop.
[edit] Israel
Masada is in the Judaean Desert, overlooking the Dead Sea, and is the ancient fortress of King Herod the Great. It is a prime example of early Roman Empire architecture. It stands as a symbol of ancient Israel as they stood against their enemies, the Roman Army in 73 AD. The castle, its forts and camps are the most complete Roman siege work surviving today. Not only is it a representation of the ancient Jewish culture, it also symbolizes the ongoing human struggle between liberty and oppression.
[edit] Jordan
Petra is situated between the Red Sea and the Dead Sea. Inhabitants go back to prehistoric times in this Nabataean caravan city. Petra is half-built, half-carved rock, surrounded by a mountain peppered with passageways and gorges. Once a major crossroad between Syria, Egypt and Arabia, the site is now considered to be one of the world’s most famous archeological sites.
