1. The Eastern Mediterranean Unit 4

3. The People: Ethnicity Israel: 80% Jewish Syria: 90% Arab Lebanon: 95% Arab Jordan 98% Arab

4. Density and Distribution

5. Most People live along coastal plains Euphrates River Valley Mostly Urban 75% in Israel, Jordan, Lebanon 50% in Syria and Palestine Tel Aviv-Jaffa Beirut, Tripoli Damascus: Oldest settled city in the world

6. History and Government Monotheism: One God Jerusalem Significant to Judaism, Christianity and Islam Share certain beliefs

7. Judaism Oldest Monotheistic Faith Obedience to God’s Laws Creation of a Just Society The Old Testament The Torah

8. Christianity Christ centered religion New Testament Jerusalem is sacred because of its connection to Christ

9. Islam 610 A.D. Muhammad- People should turn away from sin Seen as the last in a line of prophets including Abraham and Jesus Biggest Cultural Influence in Eastern Mediterranean

10. Culture: Religion Israel: Mostly Jewish, some Christian, some Muslim. The Rest of the Area: Islam Shia Branch: Syria and Lebanon Sunni Branch: All other Areas

11. Independence and Conflict Area Controlled by Europe by 1800s Independence because of WWII. Lebanon: 1943 Syria and Jordan: 1946 Israel becomes a country in 1948

12. Arab-Israeli Conflict Zionists: Jews calling for a return to Palestine 1947: UN Decides to Divide Palestine into an Israeli and an Arab State 1948: Israel becomes an independent state 6 Wars in next 25 years Concern for Security 1948 and 1967, Israel gains land.

13. Israeli-Palestinian Conflict Palestinians flee to other lands: Refugees Palestinians want an Independent State Currently limited-self rule 2006 Hamas wins elections Supports armed attacks on Israeli Territory

14. Culture: Language Israel: Hebrew Palestine, Syria, Lebanon, Jordan: Arabic

15. Culture Education: Free, mandatory 76-96% literacy rates Health Care: Government Owned Hospitals Art: Architecture. Inspiration from religion. Translated ancient writings into Arabic