Most Western definitions of the "Middle East" define the region as "nations in Southwest Asia, from Iran to Egypt". However, North African nations without Asian links, such as Libya, Tunisia, Egypt and Morocco, are increasingly being called North African as opposed to Middle Eastern. On TravelBlog, we use a slightly narrower definition for The Middle East - the area stretching from the Bosphorus (Turkey) to Afghanistan, and the Red Sea.
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| Map Of Middle East |
The Middle East is a region that encompasses a variety of countries primarily in Western Asia and parts of North Africa. Here are some key points about the Middle East:
Geography
Countries: The Middle East includes countries such as Saudi Arabia, Iran, Iraq, Israel, Jordan, Lebanon, Syria, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Yemen, Egypt (often included due to its location and political ties), and Turkey (partially).
Water Bodies: Significant water bodies include the Persian Gulf, the Red Sea, the Mediterranean Sea, and the Arabian Sea.
Deserts: The region is known for its vast deserts, including the Arabian Desert and the Syrian Desert.
History
Ancient Civilizations: The Middle East is often referred to as the "Cradle of Civilization" due to the early development of human societies in Mesopotamia (modern-day Iraq), Ancient Egypt, and the Levant.
Religions: The region is the birthplace of several major world religions, including Judaism, Christianity, and Islam.
Empires: Historically, the region has seen numerous empires such as the Persian Empire, the Roman Empire, the Byzantine Empire, the Ottoman Empire, and various Caliphates.
Culture
Languages: Arabic is the most widely spoken language, but other languages such as Persian (Farsi), Turkish, Hebrew, and Kurdish are also significant.
Cuisine: Middle Eastern cuisine is known for dishes like hummus, falafel, kebabs, shawarma, and a variety of spices and herbs.
Traditions: Cultural traditions vary widely but often include rich music, dance, literature, and art forms, with significant influences from Islamic practices.
Economy
Oil and Gas: The Middle East is a major global supplier of oil and natural gas, with countries like Saudi Arabia, Iran, Iraq, and the UAE playing pivotal roles in the energy sector.
Diverse Economies: While oil and gas dominate many economies, there is also significant trade, finance, tourism, and agriculture in the region.
Politics
Conflicts: The region has experienced numerous conflicts, including the Arab-Israeli conflict, the Iran-Iraq War, the Gulf Wars, and the Syrian Civil War.
Governance: There is a wide range of political systems, from monarchies (Saudi Arabia, Jordan) to republics (Turkey, Iran) and parliamentary democracies (Israel).
International Relations: The Middle East holds significant geopolitical importance, influencing global politics, security, and economic policies.
Modern Issues
Arab Spring: A series of uprisings in the early 2010s that led to significant political changes in countries like Tunisia, Egypt, Libya, and Syria.
Human Rights: Issues such as gender equality, freedom of speech, and political repression are prominent in various countries.
Economic Diversification: Efforts are ongoing in many countries to diversify their economies away from oil dependency, focusing on sectors like technology, tourism, and renewable energy.
List Of Countries In Middle East
Here is a list of countries commonly considered part of the Middle East:
Bahrain
Cyprus
Egypt (transcontinental, primarily in North Africa)
Iran
Iraq
Israel
Jordan
Kuwait
Lebanon
Oman
Palestine (Gaza Strip and West Bank)
Qatar
Saudi Arabia
Syria
Turkey (transcontinental, partially in Southeast Europe)
United Arab Emirates (UAE)
Yemen
Some definitions of the Middle East also include countries in North Africa, such as Libya and Sudan, and others might include Afghanistan and Pakistan due to cultural and political ties.
Attraction in Middle East
The Middle East is home to many historical, cultural, and natural attractions. Here are some of the top attractions in the region:
Egypt
Pyramids of Giza - The iconic ancient pyramids and the Sphinx near Cairo.
Luxor - The site of the ancient city of Thebes, with temples and the Valley of the Kings.
Turkey
Hagia Sophia - A former Byzantine church and mosque, now a museum in Istanbul.
Cappadocia - Known for its unique rock formations and hot air balloon rides.
Ephesus - Ancient ruins of a Roman city, including the Temple of Artemis.
Israel
Jerusalem - A city with significant religious sites for Judaism, Christianity, and Islam, including the Western Wall, Church of the Holy Sepulchre, and Al-Aqsa Mosque.
Dead Sea - The lowest point on earth, famous for its high salt content and therapeutic mud.
Jordan
Petra - An ancient city carved into rose-red cliffs, often called the "Rose City."
Wadi Rum - A desert landscape known for its stunning rock formations and Bedouin culture.
United Arab Emirates
Burj Khalifa - The world's tallest building, located in Dubai.
Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque - A magnificent mosque in Abu Dhabi with stunning architecture.
Saudi Arabia
Mecca - The holiest city in Islam, where millions of Muslims go for the Hajj pilgrimage.
Madain Saleh - An ancient Nabatean archaeological site.
Iran
Persepolis - The ceremonial capital of the Achaemenid Empire.
Isfahan - Known for its beautiful Islamic architecture, including the Naqsh-e Jahan Square and Shah Mosque.
Lebanon
Beirut - The capital city known for its vibrant nightlife and cultural heritage.
Baalbek - Home to ancient Roman temple ruins.
Oman
Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque - A stunning mosque in Muscat.
Wadi Shab - A beautiful canyon with clear blue pools and waterfalls.
Qatar
Museum of Islamic Art - A museum in Doha showcasing Islamic art from three continents over 1,400 years.
Souq Waqif - A traditional market in Doha.
Bahrain
Qal'at al-Bahrain - An ancient archaeological site and former capital of the Dilmun civilization.
Al Fateh Grand Mosque - One of the largest mosques in the world.
Kuwait
Kuwait Towers - Iconic structures symbolizing modern Kuwait.
Grand Mosque - The largest mosque in Kuwait.
These attractions offer a glimpse into the rich history, culture, and natural beauty of the Middle East.
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