Cultural Geography of North Africa Ch 18 section 1

Countries of North Africa Egypt Egypt Morocco Morocco Algeria Algeria Tunisia Tunisia Libya Libya

Ethnic Groups of North Africa Lots of Europeans along the coastal regions Lots of Europeans along the coastal regions Indigenous people to North Africa before Arab invasions were the Berbers Indigenous people to North Africa before Arab invasions were the Berbers Most of the 15 million exist today as farmers Most of the 15 million exist today as farmers Previously they were pastoral nomads Previously they were pastoral nomads Mostly found in Atlas Mts and in Sahara Mostly found in Atlas Mts and in Sahara The other principal ethnic group is the Arab people The other principal ethnic group is the Arab people First migrated from Arabian Peninsula in 600s First migrated from Arabian Peninsula in 600s Most passed through Egypt and many settled there Most passed through Egypt and many settled there The nomadic bedouin (BEHDOOIHN) came from the deserts of the Arabian Peninsula and can still be found herding in the Sahara desert near oases The nomadic bedouin (BEHDOOIHN) came from the deserts of the Arabian Peninsula and can still be found herding in the Sahara desert near oases

Europeans in North Africa Morocco, Algeria, and Tunisia have had the most continuous contact with Europe Morocco, Algeria, and Tunisia have had the most continuous contact with Europe French, Spanish Muslims, Romans and Jews have all influenced the culture of N. Africa. French, Spanish Muslims, Romans and Jews have all influenced the culture of N. Africa.

Population Distribution Because its scarce availability of water is the main influence of where people settled in N. Africa Because its scarce availability of water is the main influence of where people settled in N. Africa People settle along seacoasts and in river deltas People settle along seacoasts and in river deltas 90% of people in Egypt live along the Nile making it the most densely populated region of the world 90% of people in Egypt live along the Nile making it the most densely populated region of the world Areas with LARGE populations Areas with LARGE populations Casablanca, Morroco Casablanca, Morroco Algiers, Algeria Algiers, Algeria Tunis, Tunisia Tunis, Tunisia Tripoli in Libya Tripoli in Libya Cairo in Egypt which is it’s the primate city and dominates social and cultural life in the country Cairo in Egypt which is it’s the primate city and dominates social and cultural life in the country

Rapid Urbanization Urban areas of North Africa are rapidly growing Urban areas of North Africa are rapidly growing In some cases it is happening too quickly to to support enough jobs, housing, or to develop infrastructure In some cases it is happening too quickly to to support enough jobs, housing, or to develop infrastructure

Buzz Word Infrastructure basic urban necessities needed to function right basic urban necessities needed to function right Includes streets, traffic signs, education, sanitation, power and water lines, prisons, mail service Includes streets, traffic signs, education, sanitation, power and water lines, prisons, mail service

History and Government of North Africa The Sahara and Nile River Valley has influenced culture here The Sahara and Nile River Valley has influenced culture here Location near Europe and Southwest Asia has made it vulnerable to numerous migrations and invasions over the years Location near Europe and Southwest Asia has made it vulnerable to numerous migrations and invasions over the years European, Arab, and Berber influences exist here. European, Arab, and Berber influences exist here.

Earliest Peoples years ago years ago Hunters and gathers Hunters and gathers By 6000 BC farming communities had developed By 6000 BC farming communities had developed These people were among the first to domesticate plants and animals. These people were among the first to domesticate plants and animals.

Egyptian Civilization 6000 years ago developed in fertile Nile River valley 6000 years ago developed in fertile Nile River valley Annual floods from Nile deposited rich soils on the floodplain Annual floods from Nile deposited rich soils on the floodplain During dry season they used sophisticated irrigation systems to water groups and could grow 2 crops each year During dry season they used sophisticated irrigation systems to water groups and could grow 2 crops each year Created 365 day calendar Created 365 day calendar Built impressive pyramids as tombs for their rulers Built impressive pyramids as tombs for their rulers invented a form of picture writing called hieroglyphics invented a form of picture writing called hieroglyphics

Arab Invaders in the 600s From Arabian Peninsula From Arabian Peninsula In Algeria and Morocco the Berbers assimilated and became like the Arabs In Algeria and Morocco the Berbers assimilated and became like the Arabs In Tunisia there was more resistance In Tunisia there was more resistance

Exiles from Spain in the 1400s Many Jewish and Muslim exiles came in 1400s Many Jewish and Muslim exiles came in 1400s Settled in Morocco and Spain Settled in Morocco and Spain

Ottoman Empire in the 1500s Took over in Algeria Took over in Algeria Gave them freedom in 1800s Gave them freedom in 1800s

European Conquests and Rule in the 1800s European colonial rule also affected people and cultures in N. Africa. European colonial rule also affected people and cultures in N. Africa. Geometric boundaries were created Geometric boundaries were created Often follow straight lines and do not account for natural and cultural features Often follow straight lines and do not account for natural and cultural features Exist b/t Libya, Egypt, and Algeria Exist b/t Libya, Egypt, and Algeria Drawn by European nations Drawn by European nations Created conflict b/t the new countries because local practices of govt were not the same as European ideas about governing Created conflict b/t the new countries because local practices of govt were not the same as European ideas about governing

Rise of Nationalism in the 1800s A well educated urban middle class trained in European ways developed in N. Africa A well educated urban middle class trained in European ways developed in N. Africa These people adopted ideas about nationalism These people adopted ideas about nationalism This is the belief that ethnic groups have the right to their own independent country This is the belief that ethnic groups have the right to their own independent country People began to demand self rule People began to demand self rule

Gaining Independence in the 1900s Egypt gained independence from the UK in 1922___. It contains the SUEZ CANAL (important shipping lane that connects Med Sea to Red Sea across Eypgt)__which makes it a key regional power and is also an important center for Arab nationalism__. Egypt gained independence from the UK in 1922___. It contains the SUEZ CANAL (important shipping lane that connects Med Sea to Red Sea across Eypgt)__which makes it a key regional power and is also an important center for Arab nationalism__. Algeria gained independence from France in 1962 after strong nationalist movement led to civil war in mid-1900s___. Describe life there since. Algeria gained independence from France in 1962 after strong nationalist movement led to civil war in mid-1900s___. Describe life there since. Has developed resources and increased standard of living Has developed resources and increased standard of living A civil war in 1990s killed over 100,000 people A civil war in 1990s killed over 100,000 people Other countries also gained independence in the 1950s and 1960s. Other countries also gained independence in the 1950s and 1960s. Libya won independence from Italy__in 1951 but was then ruled by a strong Western friendly monarchy__. In 1969 who overthrew it and still rules the oil rich country today?a coup led by Colonel Muammar al Qaddafi and he rules the oil rich country still Libya won independence from Italy__in 1951 but was then ruled by a strong Western friendly monarchy__. In 1969 who overthrew it and still rules the oil rich country today?a coup led by Colonel Muammar al Qaddafi and he rules the oil rich country still Tunisia __separated from France in 1956 and Morrocco__won independence from France in 1956__ and is today a constitutional monarchy. Tunisia __separated from France in 1956 and Morrocco__won independence from France in 1956__ and is today a constitutional monarchy.

Culture of North Africa What cultures shaped the lives of the people in N. Africa?(442) What cultures shaped the lives of the people in N. Africa?(442) Indigenous, Arab and European cultures Indigenous, Arab and European cultures

Religion What religion did the Arabs bring when they invaded N. Africa? Islam Most belong to the Sunni branch which believs that the leadership should be in the nads of the Islamic community at large What religion did the Arabs bring when they invaded N. Africa? Islam Most belong to the Sunni branch which believs that the leadership should be in the nads of the Islamic community at large Describe some of their practices. Describe some of their practices. Worship 5 times a day Worship 5 times a day A muezzin (or crier) calls the faithful to prayer from the minaret or tower of each local mosque (church) A muezzin (or crier) calls the faithful to prayer from the minaret or tower of each local mosque (church) Following the movements of the imam(prayer leader) they bow and kneel touching their foreheads to the ground in the direction of the holy city of Makkah (Mecca) in Saudi Arabia Following the movements of the imam(prayer leader) they bow and kneel touching their foreheads to the ground in the direction of the holy city of Makkah (Mecca) in Saudi Arabia

Language The Arabic __language is also the region’s main language. Many non-Mulsim learned it in order to read the Quran (the holy book) and so the language spread as well as the religion The Arabic __language is also the region’s main language. Many non-Mulsim learned it in order to read the Quran (the holy book) and so the language spread as well as the religion

Education Most young people attend school Most young people attend school it is free enrollment it is free enrollment Increasing literacy rates Increasing literacy rates Vary widely Vary widely 52% in Morocco 52% in Morocco 82% in Libya (higher sol with oil) 82% in Libya (higher sol with oil)

Healthcare Has also improved in recent decades Has also improved in recent decades People often go to govt owned hospitals People often go to govt owned hospitals Doctor shortages mean limited care for rural people Doctor shortages mean limited care for rural people

Arts Egyptians built pyramids as tombs for royal dead Egyptians built pyramids as tombs for royal dead Weaving, embroidery, and metalwork influenced by Islam Weaving, embroidery, and metalwork influenced by Islam Most popular form of music in Algeria is rai=various instruments and poetic lyrics. Most popular form of music in Algeria is rai=various instruments and poetic lyrics.

Cultural Geography of Eastern Mediterranean Ch 18 section 2

Countries in Eastern Mediterranean Israel Israel Lebanon Lebanon Syria Syria Jordan Jordan

Effected Population of Eastern Mediterranean Migration Migration Claims to ancestral homes Claims to ancestral homes Boundary disputes Boundary disputes Religion: millions are either Araba or Jews Religion: millions are either Araba or Jews

Arabs Ancestor from Arabian Peninsula Ancestor from Arabian Peninsula Share similar customs Share similar customs Speak Arabic (originated from Arabian Pen) Speak Arabic (originated from Arabian Pen) Usually are followers of Islam (Muslim) Usually are followers of Islam (Muslim)

Jews Speak Hebrew Speak Hebrew Practice Judaism Practice Judaism About a million are in Israel (Israelis) About a million are in Israel (Israelis) Can trace their heritage to the Israelites Can trace their heritage to the Israelites lived in Canaan which today is part of both Israel and Lebanon lived in Canaan which today is part of both Israel and Lebanon believe that GOD had given the area as a permanent homeland believe that GOD had given the area as a permanent homeland Wars, forced exile, persecution and trade forced the Jews to settle in other countries Wars, forced exile, persecution and trade forced the Jews to settle in other countries

BW: Cultural Identity Something that connects you to other people or places Something that connects you to other people or places in this region religion links both the Jews and the Arabs to their ancestral home! (Israel) in this region religion links both the Jews and the Arabs to their ancestral home! (Israel) In 1948 Israel was re-created and given to the Jews In 1948 Israel was re-created and given to the Jews The Arabs in the region think did not want it in the territory that had been THEIR homeland for 100s of years The Arabs in the region think did not want it in the territory that had been THEIR homeland for 100s of years Many Arabs live in what is now a territory of Israel called Palestine & some have had to move to Syria, Lebanon, and Jordan because of the many wars. Many Arabs live in what is now a territory of Israel called Palestine & some have had to move to Syria, Lebanon, and Jordan because of the many wars.

Population Distribution Most people live along coastal plains and in Euphrates River Valley cause of dry desert climate Most people live along coastal plains and in Euphrates River Valley cause of dry desert climate Small land areas, lack of water and large numbers = some of highest pop densities in SW Asia Small land areas, lack of water and large numbers = some of highest pop densities in SW Asia Lebanon 941 per sq mile Lebanon 941 per sq mile This area is predominately urban. This area is predominately urban.

Immigration to Israel HUGE since 1948 HUGE since 1948 Now at over one million Jews Now at over one million Jews Increase in 1989 when Soviet Union allowed people to leave Increase in 1989 when Soviet Union allowed people to leave Jews from over 100 other countries (diverse culture) Jews from over 100 other countries (diverse culture)

History and Government of Eastern Mediterranean Eastern Mediterranean is like a bridge between Europe, Africa, and Asia Eastern Mediterranean is like a bridge between Europe, Africa, and Asia Also is home to the 3 major world religions Also is home to the 3 major world religions

Early Civilizations One of the oldest and most continuously settled cities in the world is Damascus, Syria. One of the oldest and most continuously settled cities in the world is Damascus, Syria. This area was an important commercial trade center by 3000 BC This area was an important commercial trade center by 3000 BC 100s of thousands of people lived in this Jewish (Semitic) empire by 2400 BC. 100s of thousands of people lived in this Jewish (Semitic) empire by 2400 BC.

World Religions 3 major religions began in eastern Mediterranean: 3 major religions began in eastern Mediterranean: Judaism Judaism Christianity Christianity Islam Islam All believe in one god All believe in one god Jerusalem is holy city to all three Jerusalem is holy city to all three

Judaism One of oldest faiths One of oldest faiths Ancient Israelites were first to create the kingdom of Israel with Jerusalem as its capital Ancient Israelites were first to create the kingdom of Israel with Jerusalem as its capital Teaches obedience to gods laws and creation of a just society Teaches obedience to gods laws and creation of a just society Holy book is called the Torah (Old testament to Christians) Holy book is called the Torah (Old testament to Christians) Original followers were called the Hebrews and now are called Jews Original followers were called the Hebrews and now are called Jews

Christianity 30 ad in land of Israel 30 ad in land of Israel Jewish guy named Jesus began preaching and gathered followers Jewish guy named Jesus began preaching and gathered followers Taught that those who put faith in him and followed teaching would go to heaven after death Taught that those who put faith in him and followed teaching would go to heaven after death After death of Jesus new religion was created on his life and teachings called Christianity After death of Jesus new religion was created on his life and teachings called Christianity Holy Bible=Old Testament and New Testament Holy Bible=Old Testament and New Testament

Islam 610 AD 610 AD revelations of God came to Muhammad in Mecca in Ar. Pen revelations of God came to Muhammad in Mecca in Ar. Pen he began preaching for people to turn from sin and worship one true God he began preaching for people to turn from sin and worship one true God followers claimed that he was last in line of prophets followers claimed that he was last in line of prophets By 700s spread into parts of Europe and N Africa By 700s spread into parts of Europe and N Africa Effects way dress and politics Effects way dress and politics The mosque=house of worship where Muslims pray The mosque=house of worship where Muslims pray Islamic empires in this region rose and fell as centuries passed. Islamic empires in this region rose and fell as centuries passed.

European Conquests/Rule in the 1800s Region’s economic development was limited by its physical geography Region’s economic development was limited by its physical geography Western European nations took over areas to control minerals, wood and coal to fuel their industrial revolution Western European nations took over areas to control minerals, wood and coal to fuel their industrial revolution

Gaining Independence Around time of WWII (1940s) Around time of WWII (1940s) Lebanon France in 1943 Lebanon France in 1943 Syria from France in 1946 Syria from France in 1946 Algeria from France Algeria from France Jordan from British in 1946 Jordan from British in 1946

Re-creation of Israel Jews had settled into communities scattered all over the world after being kicked out of their homeland (Israel) by the Romans Jews had settled into communities scattered all over the world after being kicked out of their homeland (Israel) by the Romans Weren’t treated well where they settled) Weren’t treated well where they settled) In the late 1800 many Zionists began to call for a return to their homeland In the late 1800 many Zionists began to call for a return to their homeland Problem it was now Palestine and Arabs lived there and considered it their homeland Problem it was now Palestine and Arabs lived there and considered it their homeland British was still in control of it in the early 1900s British was still in control of it in the early 1900s After WWII, fighting broke out b/t Jews, Arabs, and British force. After WWII, fighting broke out b/t Jews, Arabs, and British force. The UN decided in 1947 to divide Palestine into a Jewish State and a Arab state The UN decided in 1947 to divide Palestine into a Jewish State and a Arab state Once British got out Jews claimed Israel independent in 1948 Once British got out Jews claimed Israel independent in 1948

Fighting b/t the Israelis and the Palestinians Six wars fought over next 25 years Six wars fought over next 25 years Israelis are the Jews and want Arabs out Israelis are the Jews and want Arabs out Palestinians are the Arabs and many want to return home and have an independent state of their own Palestinians are the Arabs and many want to return home and have an independent state of their own By 1990s Palestinians were getting closer to limited self rule and acknowledging Israel’s right to exist. By 1990s Palestinians were getting closer to limited self rule and acknowledging Israel’s right to exist. Israel was removing troops and handing control of the West Bank and Gaza Strip to the Palestinians. Israel was removing troops and handing control of the West Bank and Gaza Strip to the Palestinians. Peace stalled in Peace stalled in The chairman of the Palestine Liberation Organization 2004 died in 2004 and the Islamic group the Hamas won election sin 2006 in the West Bank and Gaza Strip. The chairman of the Palestine Liberation Organization 2004 died in 2004 and the Islamic group the Hamas won election sin 2006 in the West Bank and Gaza Strip. The Hamas oppose Israel and supported armed attacks on Israeli territory The Hamas oppose Israel and supported armed attacks on Israeli territory (map page 446) (map page 446)

Culture of Eastern Mediterranean

Religion The majority of people who practice Islam follow the Sunni branch of religion The majority of people who practice Islam follow the Sunni branch of religion Though Arabs in Syria and Lebanon follow the Shia Though Arabs in Syria and Lebanon follow the Shia Followers of Judaism and Christianity make up _only a small % of the population. Followers of Judaism and Christianity make up _only a small % of the population. Most Jews live in Israel Most Jews live in Israel Large groups of Christians live in Lebanon and Syria but are still a minority. Large groups of Christians live in Lebanon and Syria but are still a minority. Family life usually includes extended family an often involves religious worship Family life usually includes extended family an often involves religious worship During Ramadan, Muslims fast during daylight hours. During Ramadan, Muslims fast during daylight hours.

Dress Western style dress is becoming more common in the area especially among Christian and Jewish Western style dress is becoming more common in the area especially among Christian and Jewish Most Muslims dress modestly with some women wearing a veil over face and completely cover their hands and feet. Most Muslims dress modestly with some women wearing a veil over face and completely cover their hands and feet.

Language Hebrew is spoken in Israel Hebrew is spoken in Israel Primary language in all other areas is Arabic Primary language in all other areas is Arabic English is also spoken in some areas. English is also spoken in some areas.

Education Compulsory and free Compulsory and free Literacy rates vary from 76% in Syria to 96% in Israel Literacy rates vary from 76% in Syria to 96% in Israel

Healthcare Healthcare has improved recently Healthcare has improved recently hospitals are often govt owned hospitals are often govt owned

Arts For thousands of years the peoples of this area expressed themselves through arts and architecture For thousands of years the peoples of this area expressed themselves through arts and architecture Artists and writers later found inspiration in religion Artists and writers later found inspiration in religion Muslim scholars write about Islamic achievements and translated Greek writings into Arabic Muslim scholars write about Islamic achievements and translated Greek writings into Arabic Later works added European knowledge about the ancient world. Later works added European knowledge about the ancient world. Syrian arts and scholarly works rivaled those of Mesopotamia and influenced Roman culture and thought Syrian arts and scholarly works rivaled those of Mesopotamia and influenced Roman culture and thought

Cultural Geography of the Northeast Chapter 18 section 3

The countries in the Northeast Turkey Turkey Iraq Iraq Iran Iran

Original Settlers Migrated from Central Asia and the Arabian Peninsula Migrated from Central Asia and the Arabian Peninsula Languages and customs connect with their ancestral homes Languages and customs connect with their ancestral homes Religion of Islam is a dominant aspect of these cultures Religion of Islam is a dominant aspect of these cultures

the Turks Occupied for past 8000 years the Peninsula of Anatolia (present day Turkey) by many peoples Occupied for past 8000 years the Peninsula of Anatolia (present day Turkey) by many peoples Turks migrated there in 1000 Ad from Central Asia Turks migrated there in 1000 Ad from Central Asia One group the Ottoman Turks later built the Ottoman Empire which ruled much of the eastern Med world for more than 600 years One group the Ottoman Turks later built the Ottoman Empire which ruled much of the eastern Med world for more than 600 years Must practice Islam and speak Turkish language Must practice Islam and speak Turkish language Their cultures blend Turkish, Islamic and Western elements Their cultures blend Turkish, Islamic and Western elements

Iran Almost 67 million people Almost 67 million people Once called Persia Once called Persia Has been invaded numerous times over the centuries. Has been invaded numerous times over the centuries. Speak Farsi (Persian) Speak Farsi (Persian) 90% practice the Shia branch of Islam 90% practice the Shia branch of Islam

Iraq The majority of people living in Iraq are Arabs The majority of people living in Iraq are Arabs Most are Shia Muslims and about 35% are Sunni Muslims. Most are Shia Muslims and about 35% are Sunni Muslims. Arabic is most common language spoken. Arabic is most common language spoken.

The Kurds Lived for over 2000 years in the mountainous border areas of Turkey, Iraq, and Iran. Lived for over 2000 years in the mountainous border areas of Turkey, Iraq, and Iran. Most are Sunni Muslims Most are Sunni Muslims Speak Kurdish language related to Farsi Speak Kurdish language related to Farsi Customs and dress differ from the those of the Arabs Customs and dress differ from the those of the Arabs Have no country of their own but often participate in efforts to win self rule but are repeatedly crushed by Turkish and Arab rulers Have no country of their own but often participate in efforts to win self rule but are repeatedly crushed by Turkish and Arab rulers

Population Turkey and Iran have about 70 million people Turkey and Iran have about 70 million people Iraq 29 million Iraq 29 million Majority live in large cities or towns Majority live in large cities or towns Most of population of Iraq lives in the area that stretches from Baghdad to the Persian Gulf Most of population of Iraq lives in the area that stretches from Baghdad to the Persian Gulf Population density is higher in Turkey than in Iran. Population density is higher in Turkey than in Iran.

Large Urban Areas Istanbul, Turkey Istanbul, Turkey Tehran, Iran Tehran, Iran Baghdad, Iraq Baghdad, Iraq

Problem in many cities Becoming overcrowded due to number of migrating there in search of better life Becoming overcrowded due to number of migrating there in search of better life

How some are dealing with problems with infrastructure Installing traffic control systems Installing traffic control systems Improving public transportation Improving public transportation In Iran are moving some govt offices to various towns and villages away from capital of Tehran and improving services in outlying areas to slow Tehran’s grow In Iran are moving some govt offices to various towns and villages away from capital of Tehran and improving services in outlying areas to slow Tehran’s grow

History and Government

Mesopotamia area between the Tigris and Euphrates Rivers area between the Tigris and Euphrates Rivers Sumerian Civilization developed here Sumerian Civilization developed here Mastered farming by growing crops year round and using canals to irrigate them. Mastered farming by growing crops year round and using canals to irrigate them. Advances in math and engineering Advances in math and engineering Created a code of law. Created a code of law. Kept records using writing system called cuneiform wedged shaped symbols written on clay tablets. Kept records using writing system called cuneiform wedged shaped symbols written on clay tablets.

Phoenician civilization Began along the eastern Mediterranean coast around 3000 BC. Began along the eastern Mediterranean coast around 3000 BC. Traded widely across the Sea Traded widely across the Sea Developed revolutionary new alphabet in which letters stood for sounds that formed the basis for many modern alphabets Developed revolutionary new alphabet in which letters stood for sounds that formed the basis for many modern alphabets

Persian Empire Extended across the region in the 500s BC. Extended across the region in the 500s BC. great achievement was building qanats: underground canals so that the water would not evaporate and could go from mts to their farmlands great achievement was building qanats: underground canals so that the water would not evaporate and could go from mts to their farmlands

Ottoman Empire Lasted for 600 years and was centered in present day Turkey. Lasted for 600 years and was centered in present day Turkey. Included Northern Africa, western Asia, and southeastern Europe Included Northern Africa, western Asia, and southeastern Europe Came to an end during WWI Came to an end during WWI The country of Turkey was established out of its center in 1923 and is now a candidate to join the EU The country of Turkey was established out of its center in 1923 and is now a candidate to join the EU

European Control in the 1800s Controlled large areas in the late 1800s. Controlled large areas in the late 1800s. Areas won independence from them in the 1900s Areas won independence from them in the 1900s

1900s Independence Iraq Iraq Britain controlled it till 1932 Britain controlled it till 1932 Since then it has experienced periods of turmoil including recent the Gulf War and the recent Iraq War with the US Since then it has experienced periods of turmoil including recent the Gulf War and the recent Iraq War with the US Iran Iran Borders Iraq on eastern side of the Zagros Mts which provided a physical boundary. Borders Iraq on eastern side of the Zagros Mts which provided a physical boundary. Its people have experienced lots of political and social upheavals as well. Its people have experienced lots of political and social upheavals as well. The Islamic Revolution occurred in 1979 clerics (religious leaders) came to power and continue to dominate the country’s politics. The Islamic Revolution occurred in 1979 clerics (religious leaders) came to power and continue to dominate the country’s politics.

Early 1900s: the Oil Era Overtime the wells produced a large quantity and came under the control of regional powers__. Overtime the wells produced a large quantity and came under the control of regional powers__. In the late 1950s OPEC (Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries) was created In the late 1950s OPEC (Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries) was created Members are Iran, Iraq, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Venezuela Members are Iran, Iraq, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Venezuela OPEC regulates the production of oil in order to keep prices high OPEC regulates the production of oil in order to keep prices high In 1973 OPEC placed embargoes on many nations when it got mad about war b/t Arabs and Israelis In 1973 OPEC placed embargoes on many nations when it got mad about war b/t Arabs and Israelis

Culture

RELGION The most populous religious group in both Iraq and Iran are the Shia Muslims (believe ruler of nations should descend from Muhammad) The most populous religious group in both Iraq and Iran are the Shia Muslims (believe ruler of nations should descend from Muhammad) In Turkey the majority who practice Islam are Sunni Muslims(believe rulers should be followers of Muhammad; most are this branch) In Turkey the majority who practice Islam are Sunni Muslims(believe rulers should be followers of Muhammad; most are this branch)

LANGUAGE Most people in Iraq speak Arabic Most people in Iraq speak Arabic In Iran the people speak Farsi (Persian) In Iran the people speak Farsi (Persian) In Turkey Turkish In Turkey Turkish Kurds speak language similar to Farsi Kurds speak language similar to Farsi

EDUCATION Education is required through grade 6 in Iraq Education is required through grade 6 in Iraq Education is required through grade 8 in Turkey. Education is required through grade 8 in Turkey. The literacy rate is 80% in Iran The literacy rate is 80% in Iran The literacy rate is 86% in Turkey The literacy rate is 86% in Turkey Before the Islamic Revolution in 1979 less than 50% of Iranians could read or write but since then efforts have been made to reform education from a secular to a religious focus. Before the Islamic Revolution in 1979 less than 50% of Iranians could read or write but since then efforts have been made to reform education from a secular to a religious focus.

HEALTHCARE Healthcare in this sub region varies Healthcare in this sub region varies Iraq is struggling to rebuild its hospitals since the Persian Gulf War in 1991 Iraq is struggling to rebuild its hospitals since the Persian Gulf War in 1991 In Iran and Turkey, hospitals are govt owned but suffer from doctor shortages in rural areas In Iran and Turkey, hospitals are govt owned but suffer from doctor shortages in rural areas

ARTS Early civilizations of this sub region created sculptures, fine metalwork and large buildings. Early civilizations of this sub region created sculptures, fine metalwork and large buildings. In Mesopotamia, the Sumerians built ziggurats: which are large mud bricked temples shaped like pyramids and rose above flat landscape there. In Mesopotamia, the Sumerians built ziggurats: which are large mud bricked temples shaped like pyramids and rose above flat landscape there. Literature is based on strong oral traditions, epics and poetry. Literature is based on strong oral traditions, epics and poetry. Iran is famous for its rugs handmade of fine wools Iran is famous for its rugs handmade of fine wools

Essay Questions Describe at least two problems that exist when an infrastructure is not built properly because of rapid urbanization. (2 pts each) Describe at least two problems that exist when an infrastructure is not built properly because of rapid urbanization. (2 pts each) Explain, briefly, what all the drama in Israel is about. (include the groups involved and what they don’t agree on)(6 pts) Do you think this will ever be settled?(2 pts) Explain why or why not. (3 pts) Explain, briefly, what all the drama in Israel is about. (include the groups involved and what they don’t agree on)(6 pts) Do you think this will ever be settled?(2 pts) Explain why or why not. (3 pts) Explain two things that the majority of nations of this region have in common regarding their cultural geography. (3 pts each) Explain two things that the majority of nations of this region have in common regarding their cultural geography. (3 pts each)