Geography and Religion of the Middle East

TABLE OF CONTENTS

01

THE MIDDLE EAST

02

ANCIENT EMPIRES

03

RELIGIONS OF THE REGION

THE MIDDLE EAST

01

A PICTURE IS WORTH A THOUSAND WORDS

●The Middle East is a region of immense
diversity, encompassing various
languages, religions, cultures, and
political systems.

●It has played a crucial role throughout history due to its strategic location at the crossroads of Europe, Asia, and Africa, as well as its abundant natural resources, including oil and gas.

THE MIDDLE EAST

●The region has also been marked by
significant geopolitical tensions,
conflicts, and challenges, including
territorial disputes, religious conflicts,
and struggles for political power.

●However, it is also home to rich cultural
heritage, ancient civilizations, and
vibrant communities that have
contributed great things to human
history.

THE MIDDLE EAST

● The term "Middle East" typically refers to a region that spans southwestern Asia and northeastern Africa.

● It is often characterized by its geopolitical, cultural, and historical significance.

● While there isn't a universally agreed-upon definition of the Middle East, it generally includes the countries to the right?

WHAT IS THE MIDDLE EAST?

MIDDLE EAST MAP

TURKEY

SAUDI ARABIA
On the Arabian
Peninsula

SUMMARY OF ANCIENT EMPIRES

02

Babylonian King,

Hammurabi created the

laws of Sumer

HITTITES

PERSIANS

Defeated by Alexander

the Great

ASSYRIANS

Learned to make iron

from the Hittites

BABYLON

PHOENICIANS

SUMERIANS

Taught iron-making to

the Assyrians

Excellent sailors and
creator of an alphabet

First empire

ANCIENT EMPIRES

ACHIEVEMENT

LOCATION

Phoenicians

created an alphabet, excellent sailors

Modern Syria,
northern Israel

Sumerians

Hittites

to make iron

ANCIENT EMPIRES

Cuneiform, 1st known empire

Present day Turkey

Baghdad, Present day Iraq

RELIGIONS
OF THE
REGION

03

HOLY BOOK

HOLIDAYS

KEY PEOPLE

Christianity
(Christians)

Christmas, Easter

Jesus

Judaism
(Jews)

Torah, The Prophets, The Writings

Quran

Abraham

Islam

(Muslims)

Eid al-Fitr, Ramadan

Mohammad

RELIGIONS OF THE REGION

Bible

Hanukkah, Shabbat

2.38 Billion

That’s the number of Christians in the world today

WORLD MAP

BUDDHISM & HINDUISM

JUDAISM, ISLAM & CHRISTIANITY