6 THEMES OF THE MIDDLE EAST
THEME 1: OIL
The Middle East contains about 65% of the world’s oil reserves. Saudi Arabia is the #1 oil country in the world.
Saudi Arabian Oil Port
THEME 2: ARID
Most of the Middle East has a very arid climate. Saudi Arabia contains the Rub-AlKhali, the largest continuous sand desert in the world. Many Middle Eastern countries have to trade profits from oil for increased water supplies.
Desert oasis in libya
THEME 3: ARAB WORLD
Most Middle Easterners are Arabs. Others, however, are Persians, Turks, Hebrews, etc. Most people in the Middle East speak Arabic. Most architectural styles in the Middle East are Arabic styles.
Arab architecture
The Middle East is the birthplace of three major monotheistic world religions. Judaism Christianity Islam
THEME 4 3 WORLD RELIGIONS
3 Monotheistic religions
THEME 5: ISLAM
Most people in the Middle East are Muslims. Many governments in the Middle East follow Islamic principles.
Islamic women worship
THEME 6: CONFLICT
The Middle East has seen many times of conflict. The Jewish State of Israel has caused conflict for the last 50 years (Israeli-Palestinian Conflict). The Bible has reference to the future Battle of Armageddon.
Arab israeli conflict