Turkey is a little larger than Texas. It bridges two continents: Europe and Asia The Asian part of Turkey is called Asia Minor. Three rivers separate the European and Asian parts: Bosporus Sea of Marmara Dardanelles Together they are called the Turkish Straits. TURKEY

Anatolia is in the center of Turkey. It is a plateau rimmed by mountains. Pontic Mtns. border on the north Taurus Mountains border on the south Severe earthquakes occur often in Northern Turkey. Lowland plains curve along Turkey’s three coasts. TURKEY

Anatolian Plateau has hot, dry summers and cold, snowy winters. Coastal areas have a Mediterranean climate, hot, dry summers and mild, rainy winters. Many people are farmers. Raise livestock Crops: cotton, tobacco, fruits, nuts, wheat, barley TURKEY

Turkey is seeking to join the European Union. Rich mineral resources: Coal, copper, iron Industries: Oil refining, textiles (clothing) Tourism: Beaches, historic sites TURKEY

Population: 71.2 million Religion: Islam Language: Turkish (Also Kurdish and Arabic) Kurdish spoken by Kurds-an ethnic group that makes up of 20% of the population 70% of population live in cities/towns Istanbul is largest city with 9 million people Only city in the world located on two continents TURKEY’S PEOPLE

Istanbul is known for palaces, museums, and mosques Major trading center Ankara is Turkey’s capital TURKEY’S PEOPLE

Istanbul was a Greek port called Byzantium 2,500 years ago. It was later named Constantinople, after a Roman emperor. Was the capital of the Byzantine Empire for 1,000 years. HISTORY & CULTURE

Many people descendants of Turks-people who migrated to Turkey in the 900s. The Ottomans (one group of Turks) conquered Constantinople and renamed the city to Istanbul. Istanbul was capital of the Ottoman Empire. World War I led to the break up of the Ottomans. Kemal Atatürk was Turkey’s first president. Introduced political and social changes Modernized Turkey HISTORY & CULTURE

Turkey began to see itself as Asian and European. During the 1990s, secular groups struggled for control of the government. Traditional Turkish art can be seen throughout the country: colored tiles, woven carpets, decorated books Folk music blends with traditional and modern styles. Recently produced films highlighting social and political issues. HISTORY & CULTURE

South of Turkey Part of many empires, but gained independence in 1946 Since the 1960s, one political party has controlled the government. Does not allow many political freedoms Land includes: Fertile coastal plains and valleys along the Mediterranean SYRIA

Mountains run north and south Keeps moist sea winds from reaching eastern part Syrian desert covers the eastern portion Main economic activity is agriculture Corn, wheat, and fruit Govt. built dams on Euphrates River Provide water for irrigation, hydroelectric power Has reserves of oil, which is their main export SYRIA

Population: 17.5 million Half live in rural areas Bedouins-nomadic desert peoples who have a traditional way of life Damascus is the capital and is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world Founded as a trading center 4,000 years ago Mostly Arab Muslims THE SYRIANS

Many mosques and palaces in city Hospitality is major way of life Group meals Common foods: Lamb, flat bread, and bean dishes THE SYRIANS

Half the size of New Jersey Most densely wooded of all Middle Eastern countries 60% of population works in service industries Crops: Citrus fruits, vegetables, grains, olives, and grapes Shrimp is harvested in the Mediterranean LEBANON

Population: 4.2 million 88% lives in cities Capital: Beirut (largest city) “Paris of the East” Still rebuilding after civil war from Civil war between Christians and Muslims 70% of population are Muslims Refugees fled country, economy destroyed LEBANESE PEOPLE

Israel invaded Lebanon after civil war Withdrew troops in 2000 Arabic is most widely spoken language French is also an official language Foods reflect a blend of Arab, Turkish, and French influences LEBANESE PEOPLE

Lacks water resources Irrigated farmland lies in Jordan River valley Crops: Wheat, fruits, and vegetables Desert home to bedouins Tent-dwellers, raise livestock Lacks energy resources Many people work in service and manufacturing JORDAN

Population: 5.5 million Mostly Arab Muslims 1 million are Palestinian refugees Capital: Amman (largest city) 1900s-Ottoman Empire controlled Jordan Gained independence in 1946 Constitutional monarchy Elected leaders run countries, king is head of state PEOPLE & GOVT.

King Hussein I ruled Jordan Blended country’s traditions with modern ways King Abdullah I is current king Son of Hussein I PEOPLE & GOVT.