History, Geography and Culture of the Middle East

Historical Understandings of the Middle East

The Middle East Many people refer to this

region as the Middle East because of its location.

For centuries empires and kingdoms have fought for control of these lands.

One reason is the location-whoever held control of the region influenced trade.

Trade=$$$$$$$

Trade Routes

Climates in the Middle East

A large majority of the Middle East is desert and semi arid.

Desert

How Does Location Affect Population?

Name three geographic

features that might affect population.

Where do you predict the

most people will live???

How Would Water & Rainfall affect the Middle East????

Water & Access Determine Where People Live in the Middle East!

People and crops

need WATER!!!

How does land and water affect travel?

How People Make a Living????

Between 10%-35% of all the people make a living in agriculture.

Between 65% and 90% are involved in services and industry.

Why is the Middle East so low in agriculture and high in services and industry?

How climate affects Agriculture

Huge portions of the Middle East cannot be farmed without water.

Israel uses desalination plants.

What is desalination?

How does Oil Affect the Middle East? Many people

make a living in oil processing.

People live near water or places with job opportunities.

Oil and Everyday LifeOil is used in many everyday objects -

more than you may have ever imagined.

http://www.priweb.org/ed/pgws/uses/uses_home.html

Copy in Your Notebook

Three Religions Evolve-Judaism

Jews recognize Abraham as the father of their faith.

Believe that there is only one god named Yahweh (monotheism).

They worship in temples and synagogues.

The Torah, their holy text is the first five books of the bible.

They believe they are Gods chosen and the land he promised them is Israel.

Christianity Begins

Around the 1st century, a Jewish teacher named Jesus founded Christianity.

Jesus claimed to be the promised Messiah and son of god.

After his death the religion was spread throughout parts of Asia, Africa and Europe.

Jerusalem is a important site for Christianity, there is the Church of the Holy Sepulcher where Jesus was to have been crucified.

Islam

Emerged in the 7th century, Muhammad claimed that the angel Gabrielle spoke to him and revealed Gods will.

Many of the poor were impressed with Muhammad’s messages –he called for social justice and equality for all.

Rich and powerful merchants and leaders saw him as a threat.

In 622 Muhammad and his followers fled Mecca concerned for their safety and went to Medina

Muhammad related Gods messages for 23 years before he died.

Five Pillars of Islam

There is one God and his name is

Allah

Pray 5 times a

day

Donate money to the poor

Fast during

Ramadan

Hajj to Mecca

NotesJudaism Christianity Islam

Began by Abraham father of two sons-and two ethnic groupsBelieve they are gods CHOSENMONOTHEISTIC (one god)Yahweh is god, study the Torah and TalmudWorship in temple or synagogueWestern Wall in Jerusalem is holy locationObserve Yom Kipper, Hanukah and other holidays

Based on the teachings of JesusMONOTHESTIC-one godWorship in churchBible is holy textChurch of the Holy Sepulcher is holy to Christians and is thought to be located on the hill of Calvary.Observe Christmas, Easter, and other holidays

Muhammad is the founder and prophet. Angel Gabrielle spoke to him.Worship in mosque, very plan, no clergyQur’an is the holy textBelief in the 5 pillars-one god, prayer, fasting, hajj. Helping the poorMonotheistic-one god and Allah is his name

How did Religions Spread???

The Ottoman Empire

The Ottoman Empire began in Turkey around1299 AD.

The Turks rose to power when the Byzantine Empire declined.

Osman was the first Ottoman Sultan (ruler of a Muslim state)

Growth

The Ottoman Empire grew fast by taking over many regions.

Soon it was one of the largest empires in the world ruling over many Middle East and European regions.

Constantinople became the capital and was one of the largest cities of its time. It was a center for culture, art and education.

Golden Age of Ottoman Empire

From 1512 until 1520 the Ottoman Empire spread with strong rulers Selim the 1st and his son Suleiman.

The Ottoman empire was dedicated to art, writing, architecture, music, medicine, astrology and mathematics.

When Suleiman died in 1566, he had expanded the empire and was the best known Muslim leader in the world.

More on the Ottoman Empire

From 1520 to 1566 Suleiman I ruled the Ottoman Empire.

He was called “Suleiman the Magnificent” by Christians, and “The Lawgiver” by the Muslims.

He published a code of laws that established justice throughout his empire.

His chief architect Sinan, transformed Christian Constantinople into a Islamic capital. Sinan created famous mosques all over the empire.

As long as Suleiman ruled the empire it was the richest and most powerful in Europe and SW Asia.

How the Ottomans Affected the Region

As the Ottomans conquered new lands they spread the Islamic culture.

They controlled trade routes and became powerful-trade spread ideas and goods.

Many European groups were afraid of the Ottomans and looked for new trade routes.

This opened discovery of new lands.

The Fall of the Ottomans

In 1566 with the death of Suleiman, the empire declined.

Many wars hurt the empire and they lost land, men and power.

Sometimes the empire was called the “Sick man of Europe” showing that the empire was dying.

Ottomans in the 20th Century

Ottoman Empire sided with Germany in WWI against the Allied powers of the United States, England, France and Russia.

They won only one battle-the battle of Gallipoli.

They lost their lands and empire after the war. The Treaty of Serves split the Ottoman Empire and the lands were ruled by mandate.

Mandate-rule of another country by agreement of nations.

A New Land

In 1923, the Republic of Turkey was created after being granted their freedom from Britain.

Turkey was one of the first members of the UN.

Today they are an ally of the United States and have a secular government. The country is primarily Islamic.

Notes on Ottoman Empire

Ottoman Empire

Began in 1299 with Osman the Sultan

Ottomans were Turks and were

ruled by Sultans or Kings

Grew fast, became large

powerful empire

Many sultans were educated and interested in

education, art and music.

Ottomans affected trade, spread of

Islam and culture in region.

Empire fell due to war, loss of land and

people.

When empire fell after WW l the lands were divided at the Treaty of Serves

Today Turkey is a republic, secular country that is

primarily Islamic.