History and Geography of the Middle East Historical Understandings of the Middle East

The Middle East or Crossroads of the World Many people refer to this region as the Middle East because of its location. For centuries empires and kingdoms have fought for control of these lands. One reason is the location- whoever held control of the region influenced trade. Trade=$$$$$$$ Trade Routes

Lack of Water-Shrinking Supply Fresh water is a precious resource in the Middle East. About 5% of the worlds population lives here, but less than 1% of the world’s fresh water is available to the people. Many nations are using what little water for drinking and irrigation Many nations have built dams for hydroelectricity. Hydroelectricity is created when water runs through a dam. The electricity is stored and used by the locals. Dam: man made or natural barrier to block water. This is a dam-not in the ME

Unequal Distribution of Water Some nations have more access than others. Many nations are in conflict over access to fresh water like Israel and Jordan. Saudi Arabia and Israel has limited ground water and uses desalination as well. Desalination=removing salt from sea water.

Climates in the Middle East A large majority of the Middle East is desert and semi arid. This means has little rain. There are 2.8 million square miles of desert. For the last 50 years, residents have been leaving the nomadic life to work in cities. Who knows what a nomad is? A nomad is a person who makes their living raising herding animals or making skins, products or other household goods or items. Their homes move on the backs of animals like camels Desert

How Does Location Affect Population? People live near water as a requirement of life. Major cities are built near water. Few people continue to live in the desert as nomads today.

How Would Water & Rainfall affect the Middle East???? Since water is critical, locations with more rain, generally have a better life. Agriculture is generally found near water or sources of irrigation. Irrigation-a way to move water to areas where crops are growing.

How climate affects Agriculture Huge portions of the Middle East cannot be farmed without water. Israel uses desalination plants. What is desalination?

Water & Access Determine Where People Live in the Middle East! People and crops need WATER!!! How does land and water affect travel?

Transportation in the Middle East Some nations are modernizing and building roads and highways. 1 in 4 persons owns a car. Buses, railroads and airports are becoming common. Bicycles, donkeys and by foot are still used by some in rural areas.

Oil Brings Employment Between 10%-35% of all the people make a living in agriculture. Between 65% and 90% are involved in services and industry. Traditional ways of life are disappearing as the oil industry grows

How does Oil Affect the Middle East? Most people make a living in oil processing. That is taking crude oil and making it into petroleum and other goods without impurities People live near water or places with job opportunities. Nations WITH oil have a better standard of living than those WITHOUT.

Oil and Everyday Life Oil is used in many everyday objects - more than you may have ever imagined.

History of the Middle East Middle East dates back 4000 years before Christ. The Tigris and Euphrates River valley was called Mesopotamia and the Fertile Crescent It is considered the birthplace of civilization.

Sumerians and Others Many tribes settled here and formed city-states. The Sumerians built the first empire-they were created with many medical and academic creations. This region had loosely developed borders and was conquered over time by many others including the Assyrians and Persians.

Three Religions Evolve-Judaism Jews recognize Abraham as the father of their faith. Believe that there is only one god named Yahweh (monotheism). They worship in temples and synagogues. The Torah, their holy text is the first five books of the bible. They believe they are Gods chosen and the land he promised them is Israel. Yahweh –name of their/Jewish god. Monotheism –one god, polytheism-many gods

Christianity Begins Around the 1 st century, a Jewish teacher named Jesus founded Christianity. Jesus claimed to be the promised Messiah and son of god. After his death the religion was spread throughout parts of Asia, Africa and Europe. Jerusalem is a important site for Christianity, there is the Church of the Holy Sepulcher where Jesus was to have been crucified. A sepulcher is a burial chamber

Islam Emerged in the 7 th century, Muhammad claimed that the angel Gabrielle spoke to him and revealed Gods will. Many of the poor were impressed with Muhammad’s messages –he called for social justice and equality for all. Rich and powerful merchants and leaders saw him as a threat. In 622 Muhammad and his followers fled Mecca concerned for their safety and went to Medina Muhammad related Gods messages for 23 years before he died.

Five Pillars of Islam There is one God and his name is Allah Pray 5 times a day Donate money to the poor Fast during Ramadan Hajj to Mecca There is one god know as Allah, they fast during Ramadan (sun up to sun down), they give alms to the poor, make a hajj or pilgrimage to Mecca once in their lifetime and pray five -times a day.

Notes JudaismChristianityIslam Began by Abraham-father of two sons-and two ethnic groups Believe they are god’s CHOSEN MONOTHEISTIC (one god) Yahweh is god, study the Torah and Talmud Worship in temple or synagogue Western Wall in Jerusalem is holy location Observe Yom Kippur, Hannukah and other holidays Based on the teachings of Jesus MONOTHESTIC-one god Worship in church Bible is holy text Church of the Holy Sepulcher is holy to Christians and is thought to be located on the hill of Calvary. Observe Christmas, Easter, and other holidays Muhammad is the founder and prophet. Angel Gabrielle spoke to him. Worship in mosque, very plain, no clergy Qur’an is the holy text Belief in the 5 pillars-one god, prayer, fasting, hajj. Helping the poor Monotheistic-one god and Allah is his name

How did Religions Spread??? They spread by conquest and word of mouth. Many disciples of religions would preach throughout the Middle East about their beliefs.

The Ottoman Empire The Ottoman Empire began in Turkey around1299 AD. At one time, this empire was six times the size of Texas. Osman was the first Ottoman Sultan (ruler of a Muslim state) Empire is defined as a large body of land, with many cities ruled by a single leader.

Growth The Ottoman Empire grew fast by taking over many regions. Soon it was one of the largest empires in the world ruling over many Middle East and European regions. Constantinople became the capital and was one of the largest cities of its time. It was a center for culture, art and education.

Golden Age of Ottoman Empire From 1512 until 1520 the Ottoman Empire spread with strong rulers Selim the 1 st and his son Suleiman. The Ottoman empire was dedicated to art, writing, architecture, music, medicine, astrology and mathematics. When Suleiman died in 1566, he had expanded the empire and was the best known Muslim leader in the world.

More on the Ottoman Empire  From 1520 to 1566 Suleiman I ruled the Ottoman Empire.  He was called “Suleiman the Magnificent” by Christians, and “The Lawgiver” by the Muslims.  He published a code of laws that established justice throughout his empire.  His chief architect Sinan, transformed Christian Constantinople into a Islamic capital. Sinan created famous mosques all over the empire.  As long as Suleiman ruled the empire it was the richest and most powerful in Europe and SW Asia.

How the Ottomans Affected the Region As the Ottomans conquered new lands they spread the Islamic culture. They controlled trade routes and became powerful-trade spread ideas and goods. Many European groups were afraid of the Ottomans and looked for new trade routes. This opened discovery of new lands.

The Fall of the Ottomans In 1566 with the death of Suleiman, the empire fell apart. Many wars hurt the empire and they lost land, men and power. Sometimes the empire was called the “Sick man of Europe” showing that the empire was dying.

Ottomans in the 20 th Century Ottoman Empire sided with Germany in WWI against the Allied powers of the United States, England, France and Russia. They won only one battle-the battle of Gallipoli. They lost their lands and empire after the war. The Treaty of Serves split the Ottoman Empire and the lands were ruled by mandate. Mandate-rule of another country by agreement of nations. Treaty is a agreement. For example they may decide to work out a disagreement and put it on paper. It is usually written and signed.

European Partitioning ( to divide) of the Middle East After WW I France & Britain wanted immediate control and drew up borders that helped them. They paid no attention to cultures, tribes or religious preference. Some groups were left without a land like the Kurds. The stage was set for the conflict in the Middle East.

The Middle East Before and After Up until 1922After 1923

A New Land In 1923, the Republic of Turkey was created after being granted their freedom from Britain. Turkey was one of the first members of the UN. Today they are an ally of the United States and have a secular government. The country is primarily Islamic. Secular=government and religion are separate. The US is secular, people may practice whatever religion they prefer.