Section 1: Natural Environments Section 2: History and Culture CHAPTER 19 The Persian Gulf and Interior Section 1: Natural Environments Section 2: History and Culture Section 3: The Region Today

Question: What factors influence the climate of Southwest Asia? SECTION 1 Natural Environments Question: What factors influence the climate of Southwest Asia?

Factors Influencing Southwest Asia’s Climate SECTION 1 Natural Environments Factors Influencing Southwest Asia’s Climate • dry climates • lack of water • clear skies • plants adapted to dry conditions High Pressure • humidity at mountain peaks • rainfall on mountains • trees in mountain regions Orographic Effect • westerlies • bring winter rains • cyclonic storms Winds • cooler temperatures in highlands • resorts in mountains • skiing in Iran Elevation

SECTION 2 History and Culture Question: How have various peoples and empires affected the history and culture of countries in Southwest Asia?

Cultures of Southwest Asia SECTION 2 History and Culture Arabs • largest ethnic group in entire region • Arabic language dominant • Islam Persians • Farsi language • dominant Iranian society, hold most important positions Cultures of Southwest Asia Kurds • Muslim • in Iran, Iraq, Syria, Turkey • desire self-rule • language related to Farsi Pashtun • largest ethnic group in Afghanistan • speak Pashtu language • several small tribes

Question: What activities drive the economy of the region? SECTION 3 The Region Today Question: What activities drive the economy of the region?

The Region Today SECTION 3 Oil Production Agriculture Nomadic herding Traditional crafts Manufacturing • 8.25 million barrels a day • economies modernized by oil wealth •oil-related manufacturing • mostly subsistence • barley, wheat grown • livestock– sheep, goats, cattle • farms in river valleys • commercial farming near cities; citrus fruits, dates, grapes, olives with irrigation • import food • tend herds of camels, goats and sheep • make handicrafts • increased settling in towns due to lack of grazing land • wool rugs • use local materials and traditional designs • building materials • food products • oil refining, chemical manufacturing • household supplies

Chapter Wrap-Up CHAPTER 19 1. In what ways has the plant life of the region adapted to the conditions there? 2. Why has Mesopotamia been such an attractive target for invasion throughout history? 3. What is the major language spoken in Iran? In Iraq, Afghanistan, and Saudi Arabia? 4. How changes are taking place in the traditional rural economy and culture of the region? 5. What are two important factors accounting for Saudi Arabia’s influence in world affairs today?