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Overview
The Middle East and Central Asia are regions of the world that have a rich history of religious, political, and economic change which have lead to growth as well as conflict. Colonialism, the World Wars, and the Cold War have been instrumental in the creation of post-colonial borders and anti-western tension. Visitors to the region will want to pay close attention to political and cultural obstacles, dietary and clothing taboos, and their rich history and architecture.
The Middle East or Southwest Asia can be defined as the area between the Mediterranean Sea and the Persian Gulf. Turkey, with its focal point of Istanbul, has been considered part of the Middle East by Europeans. The land on the eastern shores of the Mediterranean Sea is frequently referred to as the Levant and is often included as a part of the Middle East. Technically, the term Middle East only includes the five countries of Israel, Lebanon, Jordan, Syria, and Iraq, but in common practice Middle East refers to all of Southwest Asia. Central Asia includes the “stan” countries from Kazakhstan to Afghanistan, in the region between China and the Caspian Sea. The suffix stan, meaning “land of,” is a common suffix for country names in Central Asia. Afghanistan is the only country of Central Asia that was not officially a part of the former Soviet Union.
Map of The Middle East
Suggested Research Links for the Middle East
In this section you will find website links to additional resources to help enhance your research. Your research for your assignments are not limited to the resources that we provide. Please expand your research above and beyond this list.
CIA World Factbook
- https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/
- The World Factbook is a reference resource produced by the Central Intelligence Agency with almanac-style information about the countries of the world.
Lonely Planet – Middle East
- https://www.lonelyplanet.com/middle-east
- Lonely planet is the largest travel travel guide book publisher in the world.
Rough Guides – Middle East
- http://www.roughguides.com/destinations/middle-east/
- Rough guides is a “tell it like it is” travel guide with contemporary writing and up-to-date information.
Travel and Leisure Online
- http://www.travelandleisure.com/
- This travel site offers world news, travel tips, guides and information on the top destinations of the world. This resource also includes articles, videos, guides to lodging and restaurants.
Weather and Climate
- https://weather.com/
- Resource to local weather from around the world.
BBC Online
- http://www.bbc.co.uk/religion/religions/
- This resource offers a brief description of the major religions of the world.
Wandering Earl – Travel Blog
- http://wanderingearl.com/
- A personal travel blog that describes his adventures from traveling the world.
Eating Around the World
- http://globaltableadventure.com/
- Over 650+ food recipes from around the world!
Travel Channel
- http://www.travelchannel.com/interests/travel-tips
- On this resources you will find tricks and tips on how to be a safe traveler. Topics include packing, lodging and transportation.
Vagabrothers
- https://www.youtube.com/user/vagabrothers
- Two brothers travel around the world on a budget and create video blogs to explore the world and its people.