Middle East and North Africa Flashcards
What is Middle East?
Middle East is a transcontinental region centred on Western Asia, Turkey (both Asian and European), Egypt (mostly in North Africa) and Arabian Peninsula
Which countries are part of The Middle East?
1) Saudi Arabia
2) Bahrain
3) Cyprus
4) Egypt
5) Iraq
6) Iran
7) Israel
8) Palestine
9) Yemen
10) Jordan
11) Qatar
12) Kuwait
13) Lebanon
14) Oman
15) Syria
16) Turkey
17) United Arab Emirates
What is Mashriq and Magreb?
Mashriq (sunrise) refers to the eastern part of the Arab world. It generally includes the following countries: Iraq, Syria, Lebanon, Jordan, Palestine, Egypt.
Maghreb (sunset) refers to the western part of the Arab world. It includes the following countries: Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia, Libya, Mauritania.
Key Differences
Geography: The Mashriq is in the eastern part of the Arab world, while the Maghreb is in the west.
Cultural Influences: The Mashriq is more influenced by the historical civilizations of Mesopotamia, the Levant, and Egypt, whereas the Maghreb has a significant Berber influence and a history intertwined with the Mediterranean and sub-Saharan Africa.
Language Dialects: Arabic dialects spoken in the Mashriq and the Maghreb can be quite different, with the Maghrebi Arabic dialects (such as Moroccan, Algerian, and Tunisian Arabic) often being more influenced by Berber languages and French, while Levantine and Egyptian Arabic are more influenced by historical and regional languages like Aramaic and Coptic.
What is Levant?
a historical geographical term referring to a large area, consisting of the countries lying on the east, Asian coast of the Mediterranean Sea. This area includes today’s countries: Syria, Jordan, Lebanon, Israel and the Palestine.
Who is considered to be an Arab person?
Arabs are considered to be people who simultaneously:
- speak one of the Arabic dialects and consider it their language “natural”;
- consider as their historical and cultural heritage, those cultural elements, which, after the 7th century, are associated with Islam;
- they identify themselves as Arabs.
People of Middle East
Berbers are indigenous people of North Africa, particularly in Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia, Libya, Mali, and Niger. They have their own languages, collectively known as Berber or Tamazight, and a rich cultural heritage that predates Arab arrival in the region. They are known for their traditional music, dance, and crafts.
Kurds
Kurds are an ethnic group primarily found in the mountainous regions spanning southeastern Turkey, northern Syria, northern Iraq, northwestern Iran, and southwestern Armenia. They speak Kurdish languages and have a distinct cultural identity. Kurds have a long history of striving for autonomy and recognition, with significant Kurdish populations seeking independence or greater autonomy within their respective countries.
Jews
Jews are members of an ethnoreligious group originating from the ancient Hebrews of the Middle East. Judaism is their traditional faith. Jewish culture is rich in traditions, festivals, and a strong emphasis on community and learning.
Copts
Copts are the native Christian people of Egypt, who belong to the Coptic Orthodox Church of Alexandria, one of the oldest Christian denominations. They maintain a distinct religious and cultural identity within the predominantly Muslim country. Coptic language, derived from ancient Egyptian, is used in their liturgy.
Nubians
Nubians are an ethnolinguistic group indigenous to the region along the Nile River, which is now southern Egypt and northern Sudan. They have a distinct cultural and historical heritage, with their own languages (Nobiin, Dongolawi) and traditions. Nubian history is marked by the powerful ancient kingdoms of Kush and Nubia.
Indians
Indians are the people of India, a diverse country in South Asia with a multitude of ethnicities, languages, religions, and cultures. Major languages include Hindi, Bengali, Telugu, Marathi, Tamil, and many others. India is known for its rich cultural heritage, including traditions in art, music, dance, and cuisine.
Pakistanis
Pakistanis are the people of Pakistan, a South Asian country with diverse ethnic groups. Major languages include Urdu, Punjabi, Sindhi, Pashto, and Balochi. Pakistan’s culture is influenced by its Islamic heritage and a rich history that includes ancient civilizations like the Indus Valley.
Turks
Turks are the people of Turkey, a country that bridges Eastern Europe and Western Asia. They primarily speak Turkish and share a cultural heritage that includes influences from the Ottoman Empire, Seljuk Empire, and ancient Anatolian civilizations. Modern Turkish culture is a blend of traditional and contemporary influences.
Persians
Persians are an ethnic group primarily found in Iran, where they constitute the majority population. They speak Persian (Farsi) and have a rich cultural heritage that includes contributions to literature, art, philosophy, and science. Persian culture has a profound influence on the broader region, historically known as Persia.
Which Middle East countries have the highest population?
1) Egypt- 85,3 mln
2) Algieria- 38,1 mln
3) Sudan- 34,9 mln
Which Middle East countries have the highest rate of natural increase? 1975-2001
1) United Arab Emirates- 6,7%
2) Qatar- 4,8%
3) Saudi Arabia- 4,4%
lowest- Lebanon 0,9%
Which Middle East countries have the highest rate of natural increase? 2001-2015
1) Yemen- 3,6%
2) Oman- 2,7%
3) Mauretania- 2,7%
lowest- Tunisia 1%
Which Middle East country has the highest population growth? And which one has the lowest?
Libya- 4,9%
Lebanon- 0%
Architecture of Middle East
Medina
A Medina refers to the old, walled section of a city found in many North African and Middle Eastern regions. It typically features narrow, winding streets, residential quarters, and historical buildings. Medinas are often the heart of ancient cities, showcasing traditional urban layouts that prioritize communal and pedestrian spaces.
Souqs
A Souq (or souk) is a traditional market or bazaar found in Middle Eastern and North African cities. Souqs are often bustling, vibrant places with a labyrinth of stalls and shops selling a wide variety of goods, including spices, textiles, jewelry, and crafts. They are central to the economic and social life of the city, often located near mosques and other important public spaces.
Mosques
Mosques are places of worship for Muslims, characterized by architectural elements such as domes, minarets, and courtyards. The design often includes intricate geometric and arabesque patterns, calligraphy, and tile work. The interior typically has a large prayer hall oriented towards Mecca, with a mihrab indicating the qibla direction.
Riads/hotels
A Riad is a traditional Moroccan house or palace with an interior garden or courtyard. Riads are typically two or more stories tall and feature inward-facing rooms that open onto the central courtyard, providing privacy and a serene environment. They often include decorative elements such as zellige (mosaic tilework), carved wood, and stucco.
Dubai- the modern city of the Middle East
Key Architectural Themes
Modernity and Innovation: Dubai’s architecture embraces cutting-edge design and engineering, with many buildings featuring futuristic aesthetics and advanced technologies.
Luxury and Opulence: Many structures are designed to cater to high-end lifestyles, with luxurious materials and finishes, expansive interiors, and exclusive amenities.
Waterfront Development: The city leverages its coastal location, with many developments focusing on maximizing waterfront views and access, contributing to the city’s appeal as a tourist and residential destination.
1) Burj Khalifa: The tallest building in the world, standing at 828 meters.
2) Burj Al Arab: An iconic luxury hotel designed to resemble a billowing sail, located on its own artificial island.
3) Jumeirah Beach Residence (JBR)
4) Dubai Mall is one of the largest shopping malls in the world, located next to the Burj Khalifa. It features over 1,200 retail outlets, numerous dining options, and entertainment attractions such as the Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo, an Olympic-sized ice rink, and the VR Park.
5) Palm Jumeirah is an artificial archipelago in the shape of a palm tree. Other notable artificial islands include The World Islands, a collection of man-made islands shaped like a map of the world, and Bluewaters Island, home to the Ain Dubai, the world’s largest observation wheel.
6) Dubai Marina meticulously planned waterfront district characterized by its impressive skyline of high-rise residential, commercial, and hospitality buildings
Dubai Mall Policy
1) No kissing or over displays of affection
2) alcohol licence (you can buy alcohol only with a special card)
