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.
Chapter 17: Eastern MediterraneanTURKEY
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
Chapter 17: Eastern MediterraneanTURKEY
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
Chapter 17: Eastern MediterraneanTURKEY
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
Chapter 17: Eastern MediterraneanTURKEY
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
Chapter 17: Eastern MediterraneanTURKEY
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.
Chapter 17: Eastern MediterraneanTURKEY
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.
Chapter 17: Eastern MediterraneanISRAEL
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
Chapter 17: Eastern MediterraneanISRAEL
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
Chapter 17: Eastern MediterraneanISRAEL
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!!
Chapter 17: Eastern MediterraneanISRAEL
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
Chapter 17: Eastern MediterraneanISRAEL
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
Chapter 17: Eastern MediterraneanISRAEL
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
Chapter 17: Eastern MediterraneanISRAEL
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
Chapter 17: Eastern MediterraneanISRAEL
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
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.
Chapter 17: Eastern MediterraneanSYRIA, LEBANON, JORDAN
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
Chapter 17: Eastern MediterraneanSYRIA, LEBANON, JORDAN
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
Chapter 17: Eastern MediterraneanSYRIA, LEBANON, JORDAN
Ancient Syria Ruins of
ancient Roman trading centers
Chapter 17: Eastern MediterraneanSYRIA, LEBANON, JORDAN
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
Chapter 17: Eastern MediterraneanSYRIA, LEBANON, JORDAN
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
Chapter 17: Eastern MediterraneanSYRIA, LEBANON, JORDAN
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
Chapter 17: Eastern MediterraneanSYRIA, LEBANON, JORDAN
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
Chapter 17: Eastern MediterraneanSYRIA, LEBANON, JORDAN
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
Chapter 17: Eastern MediterraneanSYRIA, LEBANON, JORDAN
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.
Read Chapter 18, Section 1 and complete the notes independently.
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.
Chapter 18: Arabian Peninsula, Iraq, & IranARABIAN PENINSULA
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
Chapter 18: Arabian Peninsula, Iraq, & IranARABIAN PENINSULA
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.
Chapter 18: Arabian Peninsula, Iraq, & IranARABIAN PENINSULA
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
Chapter 18: Arabian Peninsula, Iraq, & IranARABIAN PENINSULA
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.
Chapter 18: Arabian Peninsula, Iraq, & IranARABIAN PENINSULA
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
Chapter 18: Arabian Peninsula, Iraq, & IranARABIAN PENINSULA
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
Chapter 18: Arabian Peninsula, Iraq, & IranARABIAN PENINSULA
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
Chapter 18: Arabian Peninsula, Iraq, & IranARABIAN PENINSULA
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
Chapter 18: Arabian Peninsula, Iraq, & IranARABIAN PENINSULA
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
Chapter 18: Arabian Peninsula, Iraq, & IranARABIAN PENINSULA
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
Chapter 18: Arabian Peninsula, Iraq, & IranARABIAN PENINSULA
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
Chapter 18: Arabian Peninsula, Iraq, & IranARABIAN PENINSULA
Oil in Saudi Arabia Read pages 444-445 in text book Complete the worksheet.
Oil Kingdom: Part One Oil Kingdom: Part Two
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.
Chapter 18: Arabian Peninsula, Iraq, & IranIRAQ
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
Chapter 18: Arabian Peninsula, Iraq, & IranIRAQ
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
Chapter 18: Arabian Peninsula, Iraq, & IranIRAQ
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
Chapter 18: Arabian Peninsula, Iraq, & IranIRAQ
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.
Chapter 18: Arabian Peninsula, Iraq, & IranIRAQ
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
Chapter 18: Arabian Peninsula, Iraq, & IranIRAQ
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
Chapter 18: Arabian Peninsula, Iraq, & IranIRAQ
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
Chapter 18: Arabian Peninsula, Iraq, & IranIRAQ
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.
Chapter 18: Arabian Peninsula, Iraq, & IranIRAN
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.
Chapter 18: Arabian Peninsula, Iraq, & IranIRAN
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.
Chapter 18: Arabian Peninsula, Iraq, & IranIRAN
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
Chapter 18: Arabian Peninsula, Iraq, & IranIRAN
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
Chapter 18: Arabian Peninsula, Iraq, & IranIRAN
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.
Read Chapter 19, Section 1 and complete the notes independently.
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.
Chapter 19: Central AsiaHISTORY & CULTURE
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.
Chapter 19: Central AsiaHISTORY & CULTURE
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
Chapter 19: Central AsiaHISTORY & CULTURE
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
Chapter 19: Central AsiaHISTORY & CULTURE
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
Chapter 19: Central AsiaHISTORY & CULTURE
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
Chapter 19: Central AsiaHISTORY & CULTURE
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
Chapter 19: Central AsiaHISTORY & CULTURE
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