Political Geography and Countries of the Middle East
The Middle East is often called the "cradle of civilization" because it is where some of the earliest human civilizations began. Today, the Middle East includes 18 nation states and stretches from the Mediterranean Sea to the Persian Gulf and from the Arabian Peninsula to Central Asia.
One of the largest nations in the Middle East is Iran. The country is home to some of the world's earliest civilizations, including the Elamites, the Medes, and the Achaemenid Empire, famously ruled by Cyrus the Great.
The Achaemenid Empire expanded to become one of the largest empires in history, extending from the Balkans to the Indus Valley.
After the Muslim conquest of the region under the Rashidun Caliphate, Iran became a center of Islamic learning and scholarship. Today, Iran has its capital in Tehran and features an authoritarian government that has drawn criticism for its human rights violations.
In the heart of the Fertile Crescent lies Iraq. Baghdad, the capital, has witnessed the rise and fall of several empires. The city was founded as the capital of the Abbasid Caliphate in 762 CE and had since seen occupation by the Seljuk Empire in the 11th century, the Mongol invasion in 1258, the Ottoman Empire in the 16th century, and British occupation after World War I.
Israel, situated at the crossroads of Europe, Asia, and Africa, is a land steeped in religious, historical, and geopolitical significance. Jerusalem, the capital claimed by Israel, is revered as a holy city by Jews, Christians, and Muslims alike, making it a focal point of contention and coexistence.
Nestled in the Southern Levant region sits Jordan, a country known for its ancient ruins, stunning landscapes, and warm hospitality. Amman, the capital, blends modernity with tradition, serving as a hub of commerce, culture, and diplomacy in the region.
Kuwait, a small but wealthy nation on the Arabian Peninsula, is renowned for its oil reserves and flourishing economy. Kuwait City, the capital, boasts modern architecture, luxurious shopping malls, and a thriving cultural scene amidst its desert surroundings.
Lebanon, often called the "Switzerland of the Middle East" due to their snow-capped destinations and discrete financial industry, is known for its cosmopolitan cities, Mediterranean cuisine, and rich history. Beirut, the capital, is a bustling metropolis that has overcome years of conflict, emerging as a center for arts, culture, and nightlife.
Oman, located on the southeastern coast of the Arabian Peninsula, is renowned for its stunning landscapes, ancient forts, and souks (marketplaces). Muscat, the capital, reflects Oman's rich maritime heritage and commitment to modernization while preserving its cultural identity.
Palestine is situated in the Eastern Mediterranean and is known for its historical significance and ongoing Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The United Nations officially recognized the State of Palestine as an observer state in November 2012. East Jerusalem holds deep religious and cultural significance for Palestinians, embodying their aspirations for statehood and self-determination. However, the majority of Palestine has been considered under Israeli control, especially after Israel responded to Hamas in 2023 with an invasion of the Gaza Strip.
Qatar, a small but affluent Gulf state, is known for its modern skyline, luxury shopping, and ambitious development projects. Doha, the capital, serves as a major hub for business, education, and culture in the region, attracting visitors and expatriates from around the world.
Saudi Arabia, the largest country in the Arabian Peninsula, is renowned for its vast deserts and historical religious sites. The country holds immense religious significance, particularly in Islam, as it is home to the two holiest cities in Islam: Mecca and Medina.
Mecca is considered the holiest city in Islam and is the birthplace of the Prophet Muhammad. The Prophet Muhammad's tomb is located in Medina's Masjid al-Nabawi (the Prophet's Mosque), making it the second holiest site in Islam after Mecca. Riyadh, the capital, is a dynamic metropolis that blends traditional Saudi culture with modernity, serving as the political and financial center of the kingdom.
However, the Saudi government has drawn criticism for its absolute monarchy with its King as both the head of state and government.
Syria, also situated at the crossroads of Asia, Africa, and Europe, is known for its ancient cities and tumultuous history. Damascus, the capital, is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world, and occupied a strategic location on the Silk Road, serving as a crucial hub for trade and commerce between the Mediterranean world, the Arabian Peninsula, and Central Asia.
Turkey, a transcontinental country bridging Europe and Asia, is known for its rich history and diverse cultures. Turkey has historical significance as a pivotal player in the geopolitics of the region, shaping its culture, politics, and society over the centuries. The country has played a major part in the Byzantine Empire, Seljuk Empire, Ottoman Empire, as well as being a central theater of conflict in World War I. Ankara, the capital, is a bustling city that serves as the political and administrative center of Turkey, complementing the cultural and economic dynamism of Istanbul, the country's largest city.
The United Arab Emirates (UAE), a federation of seven emirates on the Arabian Peninsula, is renowned for its modern cities, luxurious amenities, and thriving economy. Abu Dhabi, the capital, is a cosmopolitan metropolis that serves as the political, cultural, and economic hub of the UAE, alongside Dubai, a global center for finance, tourism, and innovation.
Yemen, located at the southern tip of the Arabian Peninsula, is known for its ancient history that ties it with the Kingdom of Sheba. The Kingdom of Sheba flourished around the 10th century BCE, and was known for its wealth, trade, and advanced civilization. The legendary Queen of Sheba, mentioned in religious texts such as the Bible and the Quran, is believed to have ruled over this kingdom. Sana'a, the capital, is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world, boasting unique architecture, teeming markets, and a storied past amidst facing challenges of conflict and instability in recent years.