Introduction
From the historical perspective, the Middle East is known as the "cradle of civilizations." Its two major river systems, the Nile Valley in Egypt, and the Tigris-Euphrates in Iraq (ancient Mesopotamia) were the sites of the world's earliest civilizations (e.g. Egyptian, Sumerian, Babylonian and Assyrian). This is where urban life and centralized forms of political organization arose; it is also the birthplace of the world's three major monotheistic religions, Judaism, Christianity and Islam.
The term "Middle East" is generally recognized today to refer to a region that stretches from the Atlantic Ocean in the west to Afghanistan in the east, a distance of approximately 5,600 kilometers. It has a total population of around 300 million people and encompasses the countries of Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia, Libya, Egypt, Israel, Lebanon, Syria, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Bahrain, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, Oman, Yemen, Iraq, Turkey and Iran.
The term "Middle East" is generally recognized today to refer to a region that stretches from the Atlantic Ocean in the west to Afghanistan in the east, a distance of approximately 5,600 kilometers. It has a total population of around 300 million people and encompasses the countries of Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia, Libya, Egypt, Israel, Lebanon, Syria, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Bahrain, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, Oman, Yemen, Iraq, Turkey and Iran.
Chapter Readings and Topics
Ancient History
Chapter 2: Western Asia and Egypt Sec. 1: Civilization begins in Mesopotamia Sec. 2: Egyptian Civilization Sec. 3: New Centers of Civilization Sec. 4: The Rise of New Empires Mythology and Monotheism - Mythology - Zorastorianism - Judaism - Christianity Chapter 6: The World of Islam Sec. 1: The Rise of Islam Sec. 2: The Arab Empire and its Successors Sec. 3: Islamic Civilization Sec. 4: The Culture of Islam |
Modern History
Chapter 15: The Muslims Empires Sec. 1: The Ottoman Empire Sec. 2: The Rule of the Safavids Chapter 25: Nationalism Around the World Sec. 1: Nationalism in the Middle East Chapter 30: Middle East Sec. 2: Conflict in the Middle East |
Assignments
Middle East Mapping AssignmentMapping assignment for the Middle East. Identify and label all the countries, capitals, cities and land forms in the Middle East.
Getting Acquainted with the Middle eastThe First CivilizationsAncient Civilizations of the Middle EastIn this project you and your group will review an ancient civilization of the Middle East and present that information to the class.
Monotheism in the Ancient WorldThe Rise of Islam |
Remaking the Middle EastResponse to imperialismMiddle east Textbook UpdateSustainable Development Goals in the Middle East |