regional map 2 southwest asia & north africa north africa and southwest asia this region is often...

Regional Map

2 Southwest Asia & North Africa

North Africa and Southwest Asia This region is often called the Middle East. This is a term that is left over from the European colonial period and reflects a eurocentric view of the world. Why is this not right? The correct term Southwest Asia, will be used here even though it creates problems because we tend to include China, India, and Japan. Also, there is a problem regarding the incorporation of Saudi Arabia or Israel. Egypt is clearly more related to Syria or Iraq than those nations are to Korea or Vietnam. Geographically Egypt belongs to Africa. The nations north of the Sahara Desert share many similarities with the "Middle East" but relatively few with their neighbors in Sub-Saharan Africa.

North Africa and Southwest Asia From the political geographer's point of view, this region constitutes a shatter belt, that is, a fragmented region, coveted by outside powers, where the dangers of confrontation are great, the stakes are high, and the dangers of escalating conflict all too real. Conflict has been more or less endemic to this region throughout recorded history. Several flash points continue to persist down to the present time. Despite its diversity, this region constitutes a unit because of: a. the dominance of dry climates and b. the Islamic (Moslem or Muslim) religion. Islam is the principal religion in all countries except: Israel, where Judaism prevails; Lebanon, where ancient forms of Christianity are of major importance.

SW Asia vs. the U. S. Latitude Lines

North Africa and Southwest Asia: Place and Times The regions history includes Fertile Crescent and Egyptian civilizations, the birth of three major religions, and the spread of Muslim empires.

Ancient Mesopotamia and the Fertile Crescent Fertile Crescent ecologically diverse zone that stretches through the fertile hill country of northern Syria into IraqFertile Crescent ecologically diverse zone that stretches through the fertile hill country of northern Syria into Iraq Region called Fertile Crescent due to its shape and the fertile soil that exists there.Region called Fertile Crescent due to its shape and the fertile soil that exists there.

Water and Life: Rural Settlement Patterns Fertile Crescent Region is early hearth of agricultural domesticationFertile Crescent Region is early hearth of agricultural domestication Domestication process in which plants and animals were purposefully selected and bred for their desirable characteristics; it began in this region 10,000 years agoDomestication process in which plants and animals were purposefully selected and bred for their desirable characteristics; it began in this region 10,000 years ago Pastoral Nomadism Traditional form of subsistence agriculture based on seasonal movement of livestockTraditional form of subsistence agriculture based on seasonal movement of livestock Transhumance seasonal movement of livestock from winter to summer pasturesTranshumance seasonal movement of livestock from winter to summer pastures

Nomadic Lifestyles Many people in North Africa and the Middle East still live a nomadic lifestyle. Nomads live on the Arabian peninsula and in the Sahara Desert. Nomads usually have herds of camels or sheep and live in oases for short periods of time.

A Long Urban Legacy City life began in Mesopotamia (Eridu & Ur 3500 B.C.), and Egypt (Memphis & Thebes 3000 B.C.)City life began in Mesopotamia (Eridu & Ur 3500 B.C.), and Egypt (Memphis & Thebes 3000 B.C.) Rise of trade centers around 2000 B.CRise of trade centers around 2000 B.C Hammurabiancient Mesopotamian emperor, ruled 17921750 B.C. MesopotamiaGreek for land between the rivers Covers area of Iraq, parts of Syria, Turkey

A Culture Based on Writing Cuneiform Cuneiformone of first systems of writing, developed by Sumerians - used to write lists, records, histories, religious beliefs, science Most Sumerians cannot write; scribes trained to keep records City-States Sumeriansfirst inhabitants form city-states around 3000 B.C. City-statecity and areas it controls Three challenges influence development of city-states: - high walls protect from hostile invaders - irrigation canals provide water to area with little rainfall - allow safe trading of grain, dates, cloth for stones, metals, timber

Ancient Egypt The civilization of the ancient Egyptians developed in response to both its desert environment and the flooding waters of the Nile River.

Ancient Egypt and the Nile The River in the Sand Greek historian Herodotus calls Egypt the gift of the Nile Most of Egypt is desert, which discourages invaders - Nile is called the river in the sand Egyptians, farmers plan their year around Nile flooding - but cannot predict amount of flooding each year - low floods limit crops; high floods destroy fields, homes Taming the Nile Build canals to carry water from river to dry areas Strengthen riverbanks to prevent overflow Use Nile to travel between cities; build boats, harbors, ports Nile made trade profitable, removed need for many roads The Niles Gifts Nile mud used for pottery, bricks Papyruspaperlike material from papyrus plant found in Nile marshes

The Great Builders The Pyramids Idea of afterlife important to life, culture Build huge temples, monuments, pyramids four triangular sides Pyramids built as afterlife palaces for pharaohskings Materials and Labor Pyramids built with large blocks of stone, capped with gold Builders use hieroglyphicswrite with pictographs for words, sounds All families help with dangerous work, as laborers, food providers

Southwest Asia and the Birthplace of Three Major Religions Three major monotheistic religions began in Southwest Asia. A.Judaism B.Christianity C.Islam http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WEbSIn PEGaY

Jerusalem Jerusalem is sacred to three religions. A.Judaism - Western Wall B.Christianity - Church of the Holy Sepulchre C.Islam - Dome of the Rock

Christianity Jesus Christ was Jewish. He preached that he was the son of God. He taught that anyone can reach salvation through faith. His teachings were collected in the first four books of the New Testament. He was crucified, but according to his followers he rose from the dead.

Church of the Holy Sepulcher

21 Modern Religions (Fig. 7.21)

Judaism Abraham and the Origin of Judaism Yahweh and Abraham Hebrews, first monotheists, believe Yahweh spoke to Abraham - has him leave Mesopotamian Ur, settle in Canaan (now Israel) Abrahams descendants are Jews; religion is Judaism

Judaism Historically, Jewish people lived in the area of modern day Israel. They had a kingdom called Judea and built a temple on the temple mount in Jerusalem. The temple held the ark of the covenant and the ten commandments.

Judaism Some of the major beliefs of Judaism are: A.Monotheism - There is one god who is all powerful and all knowing. B.God made a special covenant or agreement with Abraham, who is the father of the Jewish people. C.God revealed his laws through Moses and the Ten Commandments.

Temple Mount The temple was destroyed by the Babylonians and later rebuilt. It was destroyed again by the Romans and the only remaining section is called the Western Wall or Wailing Wall. This is a sacred place in Judaism. (Jerusalem, 4000 years in 5 minutes) http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature= player_embedded&v=2mR2W43t6tI http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature= player_embedded&v=2mR2W43t6tI

26Globalization & Diversity: Rowntree, Lewis, Price, Wyckoff THE WESTERN WALL

Islam Islam is a monotheistic religion that developed in Saudi Arabia in the early 600s. Islam is directly related to Judaism and Christianity. Islam was founded by the Prophet Muhammed who lived from 570 to 632 in Saudi Arabia.

Dome of the Rock

Islam The five pillars or central teachings of Islam are: A.A statement of faith B.Prayer (five times a day in the direction of Mecca) C.Charity D.Pilgrimage to Mecca at least once in your lifetime (called the Hajj) E.Fasting (during the month of Ramadan)

Islam The teachings of Muhammed were collected into a book called the Koran. Muslims worship in buildings called mosques. It is forbidden to make pictures or statues of Allah or Muhammed so most mosques are decorated with ornate tile work or passages from the Koran. One of the five pillars is a pilgrimage to Mecca (or Makkah) in Saudi Arabia which was the birth place of Muhammed.

Islam Early major religious split divided Islam - still exists Shiites current name of group that favored passing power on within Muhammads own family Sunnis current name of group that favored passing power through established clergy; emerged victorious Modern Religious Diversity Muslims majority, except for in Israel and Cyprus Sunni (73%); Shiites (23%) dominant in Iran, southern Iraq, Lebanon, Sudan, and Bahrain

Diffusion of Islam (Fig. 7.19)

THE CRUSADES A Quest for the Holy Land

Crusades A long series or Wars between Christians and Muslims They fought over control of Jerusalem which was called the Holy Land because it was the region where Jesus had lived, preached and died

Causes of the Crusades Muslim Turks captured Jerusalem from the Byzantine Empire Muslims stopped Christians from Visiting Holy Land Christian pilgrims were attacked Byzantine Empire feared attack on Constantinople

The Call to Arms Pope Urban II called for the defeat of the Turks, returning the Holy Land to the Christians

Who Answered the Call? Feudal Lords Knights Peasants

The First Crusade (1096-1099) Peasant army Untrained Lacked military equipment Many killed by Muslim Turks Knights Succeeded in capturing Jerusalem

Second Crusade (1147-1149) After victory many Christians went back home. The Turks eventually took back much of the territory. King of France and Emperor of Germany sent troops to stop the Turks. German and French invaders were beaten badly by a more organized Muslim defense.

Second Crusade (1147-1149)

Third Crusade (1189-1192) King Richard I of England (Richard the Lionheart) fought Salah al-Din for Jerusalem Both armies weakened by fighting Stalemate outside city walls peace treaty

Crusades Continue Through 1200s Several more crusades attempted with no victories for the Christians Childrens crusade, - 30,000 soldiers - many of them under 12 years old Never made it to the Holy Land

Colonialism The Colonial LegacyThe Colonial Legacy European colonialism came late to the regionEuropean colonialism came late to the region Widespread European colonialism after WWI Many political boundaries set by colonial powers Imposing European PowerImposing European Power French in Algeria since 1800, later in Tunisia, Morocco, Syria and LebanonFrench in Algeria since 1800, later in Tunisia, Morocco, Syria and Lebanon Britain in Arabian Peninsula and Persian Gulf by 1900Britain in Arabian Peninsula and Persian Gulf by 1900 Suez Canal British-engineered canal linking Mediterranean and Red seas in 1869 British instrumental in establishing Saudi Arabia (Lawrence of Arabia) Italians in Libya, Spanish in MoroccoItalians in Libya, Spanish in Morocco Turkey, Iran (Persia) never occupiedTurkey, Iran (Persia) never occupied

Colonialism Cultural landscape dominated by both history and colonial powers new landscapes neo-colonial in nature Urban & rural landscape very different Islamic, Jewish, & Christian Symbolism creates unique and contested landscapes Colonial Influence Italy France British

Colonialism Legacy of Colonialism Plantation Agriculture (particularly cotton in Sudan & Egypt) Uneven Development Extremely Rich & Poor countries co-exist Even within nations, such as Israel, uneven development has been devastating Uneven Resource Distribution of Natural Resources oil producing nations have little water nations with access to water have little in terms of wealth producing resources

Colonialism Decolonization and Independence Europeans began to withdraw prior to WWII.Europeans began to withdraw prior to WWII. By 1950 most countries are independentBy 1950 most countries are independent Algeria gained independence in 1962Algeria gained independence in 1962

Palestine The central issue in the Middle East today is the conflict over Palestine. In 1948, the United Nations partitioned Palestine into two countries, Israel a Jewish state, and Palestine, a Muslim state.

Palestine Question First Aliyah sparks modern Zionist Movement when Jews escape European persecution during 1880s and settle in Palestine 1947UN Partitions Palestine in Jewish & Palestinian Sectors 1948 War of Independence Unite Jewish & Arab Sectors 1949 Jewish State DeclaredIsrael (1948) 1967 Six Day War Unite Sinai, Golan, Gaza, & West Bank 1973 Yom Kippur War Israel Occupies more of Sinai & Golan 1979 Camp David Accords to return Sinai to Egypt 1993 White House Handshake begins process of Palestinian Self Rule

Palestine Israel occupied Palestine (Gaza Strip and West Bank). In 1967, Israel occupied part of Syria called the Golan Heights after a brief war. Palestinians are fighting for an independent country. Over the years some Palestinian groups have resorted to terrorism.

Palestine In 1993, direct negotiation between Israel and the Palestinians yielded results. On September 12, 1993, Israel and the Palestinians signed a peace agreement, in Washington D.C. According to these agreements, Israel and the Palestinian Liberation Organization (PLO) recognized each others right to exist. In addition, the Israelis gave the Palestinians a limited autonomy in the Gaza Strip and the area surrounding the town of Jericho in the West Bank. These agreements were implemented in May, 1994, with the transfer of power from Israeli to Palestinian control.

Current Conflicts

OIL!!!!! Oil is certainly the most important resource of North Africa and southwest Asia. Deposits are concentrated around the Persian Gulf. It is the most economically important export of the realm. During the period 1994-1996, on average, these countries together produced 28.0 percent of the world total output. Saudi Arabia ranked as the worlds leading producer with 13.1 percent followed by: Iran with 5.8 percent; the United Arab Emirates with 3.6 percent; Kuwait with 3.3 percent; and Libya with 2.2 percent (Table 6.2). Additional detailed statistics on the worlds leading oil countries are shown in Table 6.3. In 1997, the world estimates in petroleum reserves were 1,160,069,500,000,000 barrels.

OIL!!!!! The Geography of Fossil Fuels Oil unevenly distributed in the area Saudi Arabia, Iran, U.A.E., Libya, Algeria contribute significantly to oil production, while Morocco and Sudan have few developed petroleum reserves This region has 7% of the worlds population; holds 68% of the worlds proven petroleum reserves Regional Economic Patterns Higher-Income Oil Exporters Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Qatar, Bahrain, U.A.E. Cultural landscape reshaped because of oil wealth Not all benefit rural Shiite Muslims and foreign workers

Oil!!!!! Regional Economic Patterns (cont.) Lower-Income Oil Exporters Algeria: oil and natural gas are its top exports; but political instability remains a problem Iran: has huge oil reserves, but long war with Iraq (1980-90), and withdrawal from world trade under fundamentalist government have lowered living standards Prospering Without Oil Israel has highest living standard in the region Turkey has a diversified economy; has seen growth

Sharia Law Body of Islamic religious law Legal framework within which the public and some private aspects of life are regulated There is no strictly static codified set of laws of sharia. Sharia is more of a system of how law ought to serve humanity, a consensus of the unified spirit.

Rights of Women in Saudi Arabia Able to attend universities (separated from men) Work in female only occupations Can keep their own name when married Property protected Cannot drive Must wear hajib Can only marry a Muslim Can only divorce if granted by the man or approved by court Cannot talk to men outside their family Gained right to vote in 2004

FAQ Do tourists or American women have to follow these laws? In some instances. It is not necessary for women to wear hajib, but most women will take one along in order to avoid harassment by the religious police. If foreign women are accused of a crime, they are subject to similar punishments as native women.

(Jerusalem, 4000 years in 5 minutes) http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=play er_embedded&v=2mR2W43t6tI http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=play er_embedded&v=2mR2W43t6tI (Destination North Africa) http://www.watchknowlearn.org/Video.aspx? VideoID=2191&CategoryID=500 http://www.watchknowlearn.org/Video.aspx? VideoID=2191&CategoryID=500 (Rulers of the Middle East Map Progression) http://www.mapsofwar.com/ind/imperial- history.html http://www.mapsofwar.com/ind/imperial- history.html

regional map 2 southwest asia & north africa north africa and southwest asia this region is often...

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