Warm up: Create a new page in your notebook and label it as NB#23 Land of N. Africa and S.W. Asia

Sahara Desert World’s largest desert- Covers most of Northern Africa Droughts (lack of rain for long periods of time) have expanded the desert Overgrazing-Animals at the edge of the desert eat too much vegetation.

Nile River World’s longest river Early Egyptian civilization started around the river 90% of Egypt’s population lives around the Nile

Natural Resources Over 60% of the world’s oil comes from this region Many of these nations depend on the income from selling the oil. If nations stop buying oil, their countries collapse. o To fix this some countries are investing in agriculture (farming) and fisheries.

Aral Sea World’s 4 th largest inland Sea For years the water level was shrinking when the Soviet Union ( now called Russia) diverted water to irrigate their crops

Anatolia Surrounded by the Black Sea, Aegean Sea, and Mediterranean Sea. The Taurus Mountains are located in the southern part of the peninsula.

Tigris and Euphrates Rivers Known as Mesopotamia “The land between the Rivers”. Located in Iraq. Civilization turned from hunting/gathering to farming due to the rich soil from the rivers

Mini Simulation Issue: Anatolia Project: Diverting a river’s flow for irrigation of crops or for hydroelectric power Problem: Turkey is a poor country and needs this dam for electricity and farming. Syria and Iraq and interest groups oppose the project. Scenario: You are a member of a mediation group that will help decide whether Turkey can keep it’s project or if it needs to be dismantled. You may also decide to modify the project. Goal: To understand how unequal distribution of resources creates conflict and to find fair solutions.

In your mediation group Task: Have one person read the Pros and Cons aloud to your group. Agree on a course of action as a mediation group. Vote if needed. Work as a group, but each person should complete the writing portion on the back. Keep your paper when finish, we’ll discuss your group’s decision if time permits. And remember, mediation does work… Mini Simulation