Chapter 17 – The Eastern Mediterranean Chapter 18 – The Arabian Peninsula, Iraq, and Iran Chapter 19 – Central Asia

Southwest and Central Asia

Chapter 17 – The Eastern MediterraneanChapter 18 – The Arabian Peninsula, Iraq, and IranChapter 19 – Central Asia

Chapter 17: Eastern Mediterranean

Turkey Syria Cyprus Lebanon Israel Jordan

Chapter 17: Eastern MediterraneanPHYSICAL GEOGRAPHY

The Eastern Mediterranean, a region with a dry climate and valuable resources, sits in the middle of three continents.

Read Chapter 17, Section 1 and complete the notes independently.

Chapter 17: Eastern MediterraneanTURKEY

Many sites in Turkey reflect the country’s long and diverse cultural history. Throughout the country you will find the ruins of ancient Greek temples and Roman palaces. You can also see magnificent early Christian buildings and art, as well as palaces and mosques of Ottoman rulers.


8000 years ago – early farming villages

Invasions Romans ▪ Byzantium became Constantinople▪ Major trade route between Europe and

Asia▪ Later became capital of Byzantine

Empire Seljuk Turks (1000s AD)▪ Central Asia nomads

Ottoman Turks (1453)▪ Made Constantinople their capital


Ottoman Empire 1500s-1600s – Very powerful Territory included northern Africa,

southwestern Asia, and southeastern Europe

WW1, the Ottomans fought on the losing side and lost most of their territories.

Military officers then took over▪ Mustafa Ataturk – Later Kemal Ataturk

(Father of Turks)▪ Created the democratic nation of Turkey▪ Moved the capital to Ankara▪ Changed Constantinople to Istanbul


Modern Turkey Kemal Ataturk▪ 1st president of Turkey▪ Modernized Turkey▪ Separated all aspects of Islam from Turkey’s

government▪ Closed Islamic schools▪ Turkish people encouraged to wear Western dress

and adopt surnames Banned the “fez” hat and required European-

styled hats Women urged to stop wearing veils

▪ Women encouraged to vote, work, and hold office▪ Replaced the Arabic alphabet with the Latin

alphabet

▪ Adopted the metric system


People Mostly ethnic Turks Kurds are the largest minority and make up 20%

Culture Reflects Ataturk’s changes ▪ He created a cultural split between Turkey’s urban

middle class and rural villagers▪ Most middle class Turks have much in common with the

European middle class▪ Rural Turks are more traditional.

Islam strongly influences their attitudes on matters (role of women in society)

Food: ▪ Olives, vegetables, cheese, yogurt, and

bread▪ Kababs – grilled meats on a skewer


Turkey Today Istanbul – Turkey’s largest city &

economic bridge to Europe Government▪ Legislature is called the National Assembly▪ President and Prime Minister share power

▪ Most people are Muslim, but Turkey is a secular state▪ Religion is kept separate from government.▪ Example: the religion of Islam allows a man to

have up to four wives, but by Turkish law a man is permitted to have just one wife

▪ Currently, Islamic political parties are trying to increase Islam’s role in Turkish society.


Economy Member of the European Union Increased trade with Europe Includes modern factories as well as farming and craft-

making▪ Industries – textile and clothing, cement, and electronics▪ 40% of the labor force works in agriculture▪ Grains, cotton, sugar beets, hazelnuts

Resources Oil, coal, iron ore Water – very valuable▪ PROBLEM: Turkey has spent billions on building dams to

increase water supply, causing restricted water flow to neighboring countries

Chapter 17: Eastern MediterraneanISRAEL

Modern Israel was formed in 1948. Since then immigrants from many parts of the world have made the population of Israel very diverse. Many Jews emigrated to Israel from Russia and Eastern European countries.


History Home to 3 of the world’s major religions▪ Judaism, Christianity, and Islam

Holy Land ▪ Hebrews – ancestors of the Jews▪ Established kingdom of Israel 3000 years ago▪ Covered the same area as modern day Israel

▪ Romans – conquered “Palestine” in 60s BC ▪ After many revolts, the Romans forced the Jews

top leave. This was called the Diaspora.

▪ Arabs – conquered “Palestine” in 600s▪ 1000s-late 1200s – Crusades▪ Conquered city of Jerusalem▪ Eventually Crusaders pushed out▪ Part of the Ottoman Empire▪ Then under British control after WW1


Creation of Israel Zionism▪ 1948 Jewish leaders

declared Palestine the nation of Israel

▪ Arab Palestinians living in Palestine and the Arab countries surrounded Israel were opposed to this and invaded.

▪ Very short war with Israel defeating the Arab armies

▪ Many Palestinians fled to neighboring countries.

▪ Disputes continue to occur


Israel today Continuing problems with neighboring

countries Government

Prime Minister and parliament called the Knesset

Strong military▪ At 18 – most men and women must serve at

least one year Economy

Modern and diverse High-tech equipment and diamonds for

export Increased food production by irrigating

farmland Tourists!!


Israel Today Most of the population lives in

cities▪ Tel Aviv – 2 Million people

80% are Jewish, the rest mostly Arab▪ ¾ of Israeli Arabs are Muslim, some

are Christian Jewish population from all over

the world – few arrive speaking Hebrew▪ Government offers language classes▪ Languages include Hebrew and

Arabic – both official languages


Israel Today Culture▪ Holidays▪ Sabbath – holy day (Saturdays)▪ Yom Kippur (fall)▪ Passover (spring)

▪ Food▪ Important part of Jewish culture▪ Kosher

No pork or shellfish No mixing of meat and milk

products

▪ Rural Settlements▪ 100,000 Israeli Jews live in

Kibbutzim


Palestinian Territory▪ 1967 – Six Day War: Israel

captured Gaza, the West Bank, and East Jerusalem

▪ Since then – fights have been constant

Gaza▪ Small, crowded coastal area▪ No resources – citrus fruit is

grown in irrigated fields▪ Unemployment▪ Many travel to Israel to work

West Bank▪ 2.4 million▪ Rural area but has 3 large

cities▪ Economy based on agriculture▪ Currently home to Jewish

settlements that Palestinians consider an invasion of their land

▪ Constant tension between Arabs and Israelis


Palestinian Territory East Jerusalem▪ Israel’s capital▪ Holy sites to Jews,

Christians, and Muslims

▪ Different neighborhoods

▪ Palestinians claimed it as their capital, but it was annexed by Israel in 1980

▪ Israel moved its capital here from Tel Aviv even though this is not recognized by most countries


Future of Territories 1990s, Israel agreed to turn

over parts of the territories to the Palestinians

The Palestinian Authority agreed to work for peace

In 2005, Israel transferred Gaza to the P.A.

Some Israelis concerned that withdrawing from the territories leaves them open for attack

Ongoing terrorism continues.

2013 article March 2014 Israeli News

http://www.cnn.com/2013/06/26/world/meast/israel-settlement-kerry/index.html

http://www.israelinewsnow.com/

Chapter 17: Eastern MediterraneanSYRIA, LEBANON, JORDAN

The histories of Lebanon, Syria, and Jordan have been tangled together since the countries gained independence in the 1940s. Syria is a large nation with a strong military that has often dominated Lebanon’s political life. Other conflicts in the region have also spilled over into Lebanon.


Syria Damascus – Capital and

oldest continuously inhabited city in the world. ▪ Leading regional trade

center Part of the Ottoman

Empire in 1500s France controlled Syria

after WW1 Became independent in

1940s


Syria’s History & Government 1971-2000 – dictator Hafiz al-Assad

Increased the size of the military in order to match Israel’s military strength and protect his rule

2000 – Bashar (son of al-Assad) was elected president. Seven year term, 2007 – re-elected Goal: to improve the economy

Socialist government Country owns oil refineries, large

electrical plants, railroads, and some factories

Key manufactured goods: textiles, food products, and chemicals

Small deposits of oil and natural gas Rich in iron ore, basalt, and phosphates


Ancient Syria Ruins of

ancient Roman trading centers


Syria’s People Population of 18 million 90% Arab, other 10%

are Kurds and Armenians

74% are Sunni Muslim, 16% Druze and Alawites, 10% are Christian. Some small Jewish communities


Lebanon Small mountainous country Mediterranean coast

Lebanon’s History Ottoman Empire Different ethnic minority

groups and religious groups settled here

After ww1 – France controlled Gained independence in 1940s French influence▪ Arabic is official language▪ Many Lebanese also speak French


Lebanon’s People Arab Divided by religion –

Muslim or Christian which are further divided▪ Muslims – Sunni, Shia, and

Druze▪ Christians – Maronites are

largest of the Christian groups in the country

Muslims are the majority religious group in Lebanon


Lebanon’s Civil War & Today After independence – Christians

and Muslims shared power▪ Certain government positions were

held by different religious groups▪ Example: President was always a

Maronite Cooperation broke down, tensions

mounted Many Palestinian refugees flooded

into Lebanon Ethnic and religious groups armed

themselves and fights broke out 1970s – 1990 Beirut – capital, badly damaged Industry – food processing,

textiles, chemicals, cement, and jewelry-making


Jordan Short history full of conflict Few resources Powerful neighbors

History & Government Created after WW1 Controlled by British and named

Arab prince as the monarch 1940s – fully independent Population was small▪ Nomadic or semi-nomadic life▪ Many Palestinian Arab refugees

moved here 1952-1999 King Hussein ruled Democratic reforms in the

1990s


Jordan’s People & Resources Many are Bedouins – Arabic

speaking nomads who mostly live in the deserts of SW Asia

Resources – phosphates, cement, and potash

Farmers grow fruits, vegetables and raise sheep and goats

Water shortage is a concern Banking and tourism are

important Relies on economic aid from

oil-rich Arab nations and the US Amman – largest city and

capital

Chapter 18: Arabian Peninsula, Iraq, & Iran

Saudi Arabia Bahrain Qatar UAE Yemen Oman Iran Iraq

Chapter 18: Arabian Peninsula, Iraq, & IranPHYSICAL GEOGRAPHY

The Arabian Peninsula, Iraq, and Iran make up a mostly desert region with very valuable oil resources.


Chapter 18: Arabian Peninsula, Iraq, & IranARABIAN PENINSULA

Most countries of the Arabian Peninsula share three main characteristics: Islamic religion and culture, monarchy as a form of government, and valuable oil resources.

Oman and all the countries of the Arabian Peninsula have valuable resources. The largest country, and the one with the most influence in the region, is Saudi Arabia.


Saudi Arabia▪ Largest of the countries▪ Major religious and cultural center▪ One of the region’s strongest economies.

People and Customs▪ Nearly all are Arabs and speak Arabic▪ Culture is strongly influenced by Islam▪ Islam ▪ A religion founded in Saudi Arabia by

Muhammad▪ Islam is based on submitting to God and on messages Muslims

believe God gave to Muhammad▪ These messages are written in the Qur’an, the holy book of

Islam


Saudi Arabia Islam▪ Shia Muslims – believe

that true interpretation of Islamic teaching can only come from certain religious and political leaders called imams.

▪ Sunni Muslims – believe in the ability of the majority of the community to interpret Islamic teachings

▪ 85% of Saudi Muslims are Sunni.


Saudi Arabia Islam influences culture Modesty▪ Men – wear a long, loose

shirt, cotton headdress held in place with a cord.

▪ Women – black cloak and veil in public.

Limit women’s activities▪ Rarely can be in public

without her husband or male relative

▪ Cannot drive ▪ Can own and run

businesses


Saudi Arabia Government▪ Monarchy – ruled by

the Saud family since 1932

▪ Most officials are relatives of the king

▪ No elected legislature▪ Local officials are

elected , but only men are allowed to vote.


Saudi Arabia Economy▪ Based on oil▪ World’s largest oil reserves▪ Leading exporter of oil▪ Influential member of OPEC▪ Oil has made Saudi Arabia

wealthy▪ Large middle class▪ Free education and health care▪ Challenges: ▪ Much of the food has to be

imported▪ Freshwater for farming is scarce▪ Desalination plants are expensive▪ High unemployment rate

Many choose to study religion instead of technical subjects


Kuwait Oil discovered in 1930s▪ Very rich

1990 Iraq invaded to attempt to control the oil▪ Persian Gulf War▪ US and other countries

defeated Iraq▪ Destruction to oil fields

Government ▪ Royal family▪ Elected legislature 1992▪ Only men from certain families

could vote ▪ 15% of the population

▪ Women recently gained the right to vote


Bahrain Group of islands in

Persian Gulf Monarchy with

legislature Rich country (oil

rich) Most live in big,

modern cities Oil started to run

out in the 1990s Major industries

now: banking and tourism


Qatar Small peninsula on

the Persian Gulf Powerful monarch 2003 – people voted

to approve a new constitution that would give more power to elected officials

Wealthy country Economy relies on

oil and natural gas


United Arab Emirates Consists of 7 tiny

kingdoms Profits from oil and

natural gas – RICH Modern, comfortable

lifestyle UAE depends on

foreign workers More foreign workers

than citizens


Oman Southeastern part

of Arabian Peninsula

Economy based on oil

Does not have the great oil wealth of other countries

Government attempting to develop new industries


Yemen Southwestern part

of the Arabian peninsula

Elected government Corruption Oil discovered in

1980s Oil and coffee

generate much of the income

Poorest country on the peninsula


Oil in Saudi Arabia Read pages 444-445 in text book Complete the worksheet.

Oil Kingdom: Part One Oil Kingdom: Part Two

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GP6DhKGDzek

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D1t4ue-WmlU

Chapter 18: Arabian Peninsula, Iraq, & IranIRAQ

The world’s first civilization was located in Iraq. Thousands of years ago people known as Sumerians settled in Mesopotamia – a region that is part of Iraq today.

Iraq, a country with a rich culture and natural resources, faces the challenge of rebuilding after years of conflict.


Early Civilization Sumerians – 3000 BC Persians - 500s BC Alexander the Great 331 BC 600s – Arabs▪ Gradually converted to Islam

1500 – Ottoman Empire During WW1 – Great Britain

took over 1932 – kingdom of Iraq▪ Set up pro-Britain ruler

1950’s – group of Iraqi army officers overthrew this government


Saddam Takes Power 1968 – the Baath Party

took control 1979 – Saddam Hussein

became leader▪ Harsh leader▪ Controlled media▪ restricted personal

freedoms▪ Killed an unknown number

of political enemies


Invasions Iraq invaded Iran▪ 1980-1988 (Iran-Iraq War)▪ Iranians fought back▪ Both countries were seriously

damaged and many people died Iraq invaded Kuwait▪ 1990 (Persian Gulf War)▪ Iraq wanted to gain control of the

region’s oil▪ Other concerns: ▪ Iraq’s supply of weapons of mass

destruction Chemical weapons Biological weapons


War and Its Effects 1991 – alliance of countries forced

Iraqis out of Kuwait▪ Persian Gulf War (6 weeks)

Saddam, remained in power, did not accept at the UN terms for peace.

UN placed an embargo on Iraq▪ The economy suffered

Two rebellions in Iraq▪ Shia Muslims & Kurds▪ Brutally “put down”

UN forced Iraq to end all military activity▪ Required military inspectors to go in and

make sure all weapons of mass destruction were destroyed

Iraq later refused to cooperate completely.


War and Its Effects 10 years after Persian Gulf ▪ 9-11

Tensions increased between US and Iraq▪ US believed that Iraq aided the

terrorists 2003 – President GW Bush ordered

US forces to attack Iraqi targets.▪ Within a few weeks, the Iraqi army was

defeated and Saddam’s government was ended.

▪ Saddam went into hiding – but found 8 months later

Saddam was arrested for his crimes. ▪ He was sentenced to death. ▪ Mini Biography

http://www.biography.com/people/saddam-hussein-9347918/videos


People & Culture Ethnic Groups▪ Arabs and Kurds▪ Arabs make up more than 75%

Official language – Arabic (spoken by Arabs)

▪ Kurds make up 15-20% Farmers and live in large

northern region Speak Kurdish and Arabic

Religion▪ Plays a large role▪ Nearly all are Muslim▪ 2 branches – Shia and Sunni▪ 60% are Shia and live in the

south▪ 35% are Sunni and live in the

north


Iraq Today Slowly rebuilding▪ New government▪ Recovering economy

Baghdad ▪ Severely damaged▪ Lack of electricity and

running water▪ US helped them restore

this▪ Rebuilding homes,

businesses and schools


Iraq Today 2005 January - first election to

choose members of the National Assembly▪ Goal: draft a new constitution

Recovering economy▪ 1970s – it was the world’s second

larges oil exporter▪ Other resources – fertile soils,

irrigation from the Tigris and Euphrates – grow barley, cotton, and rice

Future –▪ Rebuilding of schools, hospitals, roads▪ Creating a free and prosperous

society

Chapter 18: Arabian Peninsula, Iraq, & IranIRAN

Islam is a huge influence on government and daily life in Iran.

Like Iraqis, Iranians have a proud and ancient history. While most people living in the Arabian Peninsula and Iraq are Arabs, the majority of Iranians are Persian. They have a distinct culture and language.

The early history of Iran includes the Persian Empire and a series of Muslim empires.


Persian Empire 500s BC Center for art and learning▪ Known for paintings, carpets,

metalwork, and architecture▪ Persepolis – walls and statues

throughout the city glittered with gold, silver, and precious jewels

Later conquered by several Muslim empires▪ Converted to Islam▪ Retained their Persian culture▪ Beautiful mosques with colorful

tiles and large domes.


Shah and Islamic Revolution 1921 – Iranian military officer

took control and proclaimed himself “shah”

In 1941 – his son took control▪ Ally with USA and GB▪ Goal: to modernize Iran▪ Unpopular with Iranians

1978 – revolution▪ Overthrew the shah and attacked

the U.S. Embassy in Tehran – the capital of Iran.

▪ Took Americans hostage▪ More than 50 Americans were held

by force for over a year.


Iran Today Different than many other cultures of

Southwest Asia▪ More than half are Persians ▪ Speak Farsi, the Persian language

People and Culture▪ 68 million people▪ Largest populations, very young▪ Ethnically diverse

▪ Persians, Azerbaijanis, Kurds, Arabs, and Turks

▪ Religion▪ Most are Shia Muslims▪ Only 10% Sunni Muslim▪ Christianity, Judaism, or other religions

▪ Celebrate Islam holy days and Persian New Year “Nowruz”

▪ Close-knit families and respect for elders ▪ Food – rice, bread, vegetables, fruits,

lamb, and tea


Iran Today Government has called for the

destruction of Israel▪ Supported terrorist groups in other

countries Has shown signs of adopting

democratic reforms to improve economy and rights for women

2005 – Iran elected Mahmoud Ahmadinejad president▪ Wants Iranians to follow strict Islamic law▪ Peaceful relationship with US is uncertain▪ Many European countries are concerned

about nuclear weapons▪ Threat to world security

▪ US walks out at UN

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GfZWcxbfLF8


Iran Today Economy ▪ Huge oil reserves –

among the larges in the world

▪ Wealthy▪ Woven carpets▪ Agriculture – employs

one-third of the Iranian workforce

Government▪ Theocracy –

government ruled by religious leaders

▪ Ayatollahs – supreme power

▪ Government does have an elected president and parliament

Chapter 19: Central Asia

State Standards 17.C.3a – Explain how human activity is

affected by geographic features 17.C.3b – Explain how patterns of resources

are used throughout the world 17.D.3b – Explain how interactions of

geographic factors have shaped present conditions

18. A.3 – Explain how language, literature, the arts, architecture and traditions, contribute to the development and transmission of culture

Chapter 19: Central Asia

Kazakhstan Uzbekistan Turkmenistan Afghanistan Tajikistan Kyrgyzstan

Chapter 19: Central AsiaPHYSICAL GEOGRAPHY

Central Asia, a dry, rugged, landlocked region, has oil and other valuable mineral resources.


Chapter 19: Central AsiaHISTORY & CULTURE

The countries of Central Asia share similar histories and traditions, but particular ethnic groups give each country a unique culture.

Crossroads for traders and invaders, each leaving their own influence on the region.


Trade Best trade route between India and

Europe ran through Afghanistan Best route between Europe and China

ran through the rest of Central Asia. 100 BC – merchants travelled along

China route to trade European gold and wool for Chinese spices and silk ▪ Called the Silk Road▪ Trade cities like Samarqand and Bukhara

grew rich 1500 – Europeans discovered sailing

to East Asia through the Indian Ocean. Trade declined and the region became

poor and more isolated.


Invasions Many groups came to the region because

of the location along the Silk Road Turkic-speaking nomads 500s Arabs – 700s▪ Islam▪ Built beautiful mosques▪ Influenced styles of art and architecture

Mongols – 1200s▪ Destroyed many cities & irrigation systems

with violent attacks▪ Eventually supported literature and the arts at

Samarqand▪ Empire crumbled and others moved in the

region▪ Turkmens▪ Uzbeks▪ Kazakhs


Russian and Soviet Rule Russia - Mid 1800s▪ Built railroads▪ Expanded cotton and oil production▪ Were resented by people

Soviet Rule – after Russian Revolution in 1917▪ Wanted to weaken resistance▪ Divided the land into republics▪ Banned religious practices▪ Encouraged ethnic Russians to move into

these areas▪ Made others move onto government owned

farms▪ Built huge irrigation projects to help cotton

production Soviet Union collapsed in 1991, former

republics became independent countries


Culture Traditional Lives▪ Raise horses, cattle, sheep,

and goats▪ Many herders live as

nomads – moving herds from mountain pastures to lowland pastures

▪ Nomadic lifestyle more common in Kyrgyzstan

▪ Yurts – movable round house made of wool felt mats hung over a wood frame▪ Symbol of nomadic heritage and

are put up for special events


Culture People, Languages & Religion

▪ Ethnic Groups▪ Turkic - Larger ethnic group made up of

smaller ethnic groups Kazakh Kyrgyz Turkmen Uzbek

▪ Ethnic Russians

▪ Language▪ Each ethnic group speaks own language

– but most countries speak more than one language

▪ Russians established their own language as the official language for business and government. Also introduced the Cyrillic alphabet

used to write Russian▪ Many countries use Latin alphabet to

write English▪ Afghanistan uses own alphabet to write

Pashto


Culture Religion▪ Traders and conquerors▪ Arabs (Islam)▪ Central Asia’s main language

▪ Christianity ▪ Most of the region’s Christians

belong to the Russian Orthodox Church

During Soviet era – government closed or destroyed more than 35,000 religious buildings (mosques, religious schools) Since 1991, many have been

re-opened


I can..▪ Name some of the groups that have influenced

Central Asia over the years.▪ Describe some of the changes each group has

brought to the region of Central Asia.

Chapter 19: Central AsiaCENTRAL ASIA TODAY

Central Asian countries are mostly poor, but are working to create stable governments and sound economies.

A history of invasions and foreign rule has made an impact. Because of years of fighting and changes in the region, many countries face similar issues in building stable governments and strong economies.

Chapter 19: Central AsiaCENTRAL ASIA TODAY Afghanistan

Current situation the result of a long war with the Soviet Union in the 1980s.

Soviets left in 1989 – but turmoil continued

Mid-1990s – Taliban took control▪ Radical Muslim group▪ Took over most of the country including

capital of Kabul Taliban▪ Strict interpretation of Islamic teachings to

rule▪ Limited the role of women in society ▪ Forced to wear veils and not work outside

the home▪ Banned all music and dancing

Most Muslims sharply disagree with these policies, but the group remained in power for several years

Chapter 19: Central AsiaCENTRAL ASIA TODAY Afghanistan

Taliban▪ Terrorist attacks on 9-11▪ Osama bin-Laden▪ US and British troops attacked

Taliban and al Qaeda targets and toppled the government

Changes▪ Government has new

constitution▪ Men & women can vote▪ Constitution requires half of

the appointees to the national assembly must be women

▪ Threats of violence to new government.

Since the end of the Taliban Rule…1. Afghanistan has a new

constitution and an elected president

2. Many people are registered to vote.

3. Afghanistan’s rules are written and accessible to citizens for the first time.

4. New clinics and trained doctors provide more people with access to health care.

5. Women can work outside the home.

6. Girls can attend school.

Chapter 19: Central AsiaCENTRAL ASIA TODAY Kazakhstan

First part of Central Asia to be conquered by Russia▪ Strong Russian influence▪ 1/3 are ethnic Russians▪ Kazakh and Russian are both official

languages Economy▪ Manufacturing▪ Tied to Soviet Union before, now

growing steadily▪ Valuable oil reserves and quick

adaptation to the free market▪ Richest country in Central Asia

Governments▪ Stable, democratic republic▪ Elected president and parliament▪ 1998 moved capital from Almaty to

Astana (now closer to Russia)

Chapter 19: Central AsiaCENTRAL ASIA TODAY Kyrgyzstan

Kyrgyz – “Forty clans”▪ Clan membership an important part

of social, political, and economic life▪ Many follow nomadic traditions▪ Farmers – fertile soils allow mix of

irrigated crops and dryland farming▪ Most important industry, but does

not provide much income Economy▪ Low standard of living, but economy

is strengthening▪ Tourism▪ Muslim pilgrimage site

Lake Issyk-Kul Government▪ Stable in past▪ Protests in 2005 of unfair elections

Chapter 19: Central AsiaCENTRAL ASIA TODAY Tajikistan

Struggling to overcome problems▪ Mid 1990s – Communist

government fought a group of reformers calling for a democracy & groups calling for government ruled by Islamic law

▪ Signed peace treated in 1997▪ NOW: Republic with an elected

president Civil war damaged the

economy▪ Industrial and agricultural

production declined▪ Still relies on cotton farming for

much of its income▪ Only 5-6% of land is arable

Chapter 19: Central AsiaCENTRAL ASIA TODAY Turkmenistan

President holds all power▪ Voted president for LIFE by the

parliament▪ Even named a month of the year

after himself Government supports Islam and

ordered schools to teach Islamic principles. ▪ Views Islam with caution – does not

want it to become a political movement

Economy based on oil, gas, and cotton▪ Half of country is cotton fields▪ Farming is possible because it has

the longest irrigation channel in the world.

Chapter 19: Central AsiaCENTRAL ASIA TODAY Uzbekistan

Largest population Largest cities Bukhara and

Samarqand▪ Famous for mosques and

monuments Government▪ President holds all political

power▪ US has criticized the government

for not allowing political freedom or respecting human rights

Economy▪ Closely controlled by

government▪ Based on oil, gold, and cotton▪ Growing slowly, but stable

Chapter 19: Central AsiaCENTRAL ASIA TODAY Issues and Challenges

Environment▪ Shrinking of the Aral Sea▪ Winds take dry seafloor

(dust, salt, and pesticides) hundreds of miles away

▪ Fishing towns are now miles from shore

▪ Overuse of chemicals on crops to increase production▪ Ruined farmland

▪ War Practice damage▪ Soviets tested nuclear bombs ▪ People suffer from poor

health from radiation

Chapter 19: Central AsiaCENTRAL ASIA TODAY Issues and Challenges

Economy▪ Reliance on one crop – cotton▪ Suitable farmland is limited▪ Focus on cotton has not

encouraged countries to develop manufacturing

▪ Slow development of oil and gas reserves▪ Outdated equipment, lack of

funds, poor transportation

Politics▪ Lack of political stability▪ Dissatisfaction leads to violence▪ Terrorist threats from political

groups within their own country

Documents

Chapter 17 – The Eastern Mediterranean Chapter 18 – The Arabian Peninsula, Iraq, and Iran Chapter 19 – Central Asia