an ancient and modern crossroads
DESCRIPTION
The Middle East. An Ancient and Modern Crossroads. The Middle East. “Middle East” is a term invented by Europeans to describe the geographical region that lies between Europe and distant parts of Asia (what they called the far east). - PowerPoint PPT PresentationTRANSCRIPT
An Ancient and Modern Crossroads
The Middle East “Middle East” is a term invented by Europeans
to describe the geographical region that lies between Europe and distant parts of Asia (what they called the far east).
The “Middle East” is on the continent of Asia but many parts of North Africa have strong cultural and geographic ties with the Middle East.
Consists of Bahrain, Iran, Iraq, Israel, Jordan, Lebanon, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Syria, Turkey, United Arab Emirates (UAE), and Yemen• Palestinian Territories are not a
recognized country.
The Frog & the Scorpion
The Frog & the Scorpion
Captures the Middle East perfectly. Events in the Middle East are often
unpredictable and illogical (just like the story).
The history of this region has contributed to the behaviors it exhibits today and might help explain what the future may hold.
The Middle East is on our daily news, political debates, and a major concern for governments throughout the world.
Why Should We Care?1. It was the Cradle of
Civilization First urban civilizations appeared
along the Tigris and Euphrates Rivers2. Birthplace of 3 major
religions: Judaism , Christianity, Islam
Why Should We Care?3. Terrorism: Copious political and
religious organizations that tend to be radical in nature have evolved in this region.
4. Oil: World’s largest oil reserves: the US, along with other countries of the world, have relied heavily on the Middle East for oil.
Middle East: Geography
The physical geography of the Middle East is varied.PeninsulasPlateausDesertsMountainsRiversSeasStraits
Middle East: Geography
Arabian Peninsula is made up of the Arabian Desert “Empty Quarter” is the largest sand desert
in the world and is found in the southern area.
Water is very hard to find and is very valuable. The little water in the desert is found at oases.
Oasis – a place in a desert where water is available near the surface.
Middle East: Geography
WHY CAN’T WE ALL JUST GET ALONG?
Let’s Read About
IT!
Key Terms Monotheistic
a religion with the belief in one God (examples include Islam, Christianity, and Judaism)
Diaspora a scattered population with a common origin in
a smaller geographic area (i.e. Jews) Anti-Semitism
prejudice, hatred of, or discrimination against Jews
Pogrom a violent riot aimed at massacre or persecution
of an ethnic or religious group, particularly one aimed at Jews
Key Terms The Crusades
military campaigns conducted Catholic Church (Christian) during the Middle Ages, with the goal of restoring Christian control of Jerusalem
Zionism the national movement of Jews that supports
the creation of a Jewish homeland in the territory defined as Israel.
Palestine a geographic region in Western Asia between
the Mediterranean Sea and the Jordan River; also known as the Land of Israel
The Evolution of Palestine
After the Sykes-Picot Agreement; Britain officially took control of Palestine
The Evolution of Palestine
Map showing the areas of Jewish Land Ownership in Mandatory Palestine, 1947 (blue). This information was used during the discussions ahead of the United Nations Partition Plan for Palestine, which carved it into two states – one for Jews and one for Arabs.
The Evolution of Palestine
UN Partition Plan: All areas in green would have been controlled by Palestine. The area outlined in red is Jerusalem and would have been administered by the UN.
The Evolution of Palestine
United Nations Partition for Palestine. Green areas are Arab. This map was valid between the years of 1948-1967.
The West Bank
The Gaza Strip
The Evolution of Palestine
1993 – present
Gamal Nasser, Egypt
Suez Crisis, 1956
After 1967 War
PLO LeaderYasser Arafat
Egyptian President Anwar Sadat
Camp David Accords, 1979
Intifada, 1987
Saddam Hussein
Yitzhak Rabin, Oslo Peace Accords, 1993
Mahmoud Abbas
West Bank Barrier