Middle East

The Middle East is a term for regions in southwestern Asia and part of northeastern Africa. The term has no formally defined boundaries; its meaning varies depending on who uses it and for what purpose. It most commonly encompasses Egypt, Sudan (sometimes), the Arabian Peninsula, Iraq, the Levant (Syria, Lebanon, Jordan, Palestine, Israel), Turkey, and Iran.

The region contains highly arid lands and important waterways including the Nile, Tigris and Euphrates rivers, and strategic sea passages such as Suez, Bab el-Mandab, and Hormuz. The region's oil and gas reserves play a major role in global energy markets.

Name and origin

The name 'Middle East' originated from a European perspective that divided lands into the Far East, Middle East, and Near East, with reference to Europe. It is therefore a term rooted in European geography. In Arabic it is called 'al-Sharq al-Awsat'. Some prefer alternative terms such as 'Southwest Asia' to avoid the European perspective.

History

The region saw the emergence of some of the earliest civilizations: ancient Egypt, Sumer, Babylon, Assyria, and Persia. Judaism, Christianity, and Islam also originated there. In later centuries it was ruled by various empires, the last major one being the Ottoman Empire, which collapsed after World War I. Subsequently new states were established, some passing through British and French administration.

People and languages

The most widely spoken languages are Arabic, Persian, and Turkish; Kurdish, Hebrew, and various smaller languages are also present. Islam is the predominant religion, with both Sunni and Shia branches, and Christian, Jewish, Druze, and other communities with long histories also exist.

Politics and economics

The region's economy relies heavily on energy exports, particularly from Gulf states. Some governments seek to diversify their economies through trade, investment, and tourism. Politically, the region experiences ongoing disputes, including the Israeli–Palestinian conflict, internal wars, and competition among regional powers. Global powers also have interests at stake.