u5 Flashcards
Which region is NOT part of the ‘MIDDLE EAST’?
East Asia
The Middle East typically includes North Africa, West Asia, and South West Asia.
Which is NOT a climate trait of the Middle East?
Arctic
Common climate traits of the Middle East include Mediterranean, continental, and dry grassland.
What HUMAN-MADE feature has contributed greatly to the RED SEA becoming one of the world’s busiest waterways?
Suez Canal
The Suez Canal connects the Mediterranean Sea to the Red Sea.
In which writing system was the poem known as the EPIC OF GILGAMESH created?
Cuneiform
Cuneiform is one of the earliest known writing systems, developed by the Sumerians.
What do the DEAD SEA & CASPIAN SEA have in common?
Landlocked
Both seas are surrounded by land and do not connect to the world’s oceans.
What are the five duties required of followers of Islam called?
Pillars of Islam
The Pillars of Islam are fundamental acts of worship and practice in Islam.
What event triggered the invasion of Israel by ARAB countries in 1948?
Arab Israeli War
The war followed the declaration of the state of Israel.
Which present-day country occupies much of Ancient Mesopotamia?
Iran
Ancient Mesopotamia is primarily located in modern-day Iraq, but parts extend into Iran.
The scarcity of what resource has shaped the history of the Middle East?
Water
Water scarcity has led to conflicts and shaped civilizations in the region.
What horrific event during WW2 spurred the movement for a Jewish State?
Holocaust
The Holocaust highlighted the need for a safe haven for Jews.
What religion is practiced by most people in North Africa?
Islam
Islam is the dominant religion in North African countries.
Which North African country has the MOST diversified economy?
Morocco
Morocco’s economy includes agriculture, mining, and tourism.
What is the term given to Muslims who want a government that follows a STRICT Islamic fundamentalist interpretation of the laws of Islam?
Islamists
Islamists advocate for political systems based on Islamic law.
What are Islam’s two main branches?
Sunni and Shia
Sunni and Shia represent the two primary sects within Islam.
Evaluate if the following statement is TRUE / FALSE: Turkey has coasts on the Mediterranean & Black seas.
True
Turkey is bordered by the Mediterranean Sea to the south and the Black Sea to the north.
Evaluate if the following statement is TRUE / FALSE: Israel controls the West Bank & East Jerusalem.
True
Israel has administrative control over these areas.
Evaluate if the following statement is TRUE / FALSE: By 800 AD, Islam had extended all the way into France.
False
Islam had not reached France by 800 AD; it spread into parts of Spain.
Evaluate if the following statement is TRUE / FALSE: The Red Sea is one of the world’s busiest waterways.
True
The Red Sea is crucial for maritime trade, particularly via the Suez Canal.
Evaluate if the following statement is TRUE / FALSE: The Ottoman Empire was formally dissolved after WW2.
True
The Ottoman Empire was officially dissolved in 1922, but its effects lingered post-WW2.
Evaluate if the following statement is TRUE / FALSE: Arabs comprise the largest ethnic group in Southwest Asia.
True
Arabs are the predominant ethnic group in Southwest Asia.
Evaluate if the following statement is TRUE / FALSE: Egypt controls the important Suez Canal.
True
Egypt has sovereignty over the Suez Canal, a vital trade route.
What two traits describe a Mediterranean climate?
Wet and warm
Mediterranean climates are characterized by dry summers and wet winters.
How much oil is found in this region?
113.2 billion metric tons
The Middle East is one of the richest regions in terms of oil reserves.
What is the world’s largest sand sea called?
Rub’ al Khali
Also known as the Empty Quarter, it is located on the Arabian Peninsula.
