Yazd Historic City: Ancient city with stunning mud-brick architecture.Ī modern, wealthy, and diverse country with many sights, including:īurj Khalifa: Tallest building in the world. Naqsh-e Jahan Square: Beautiful square with stunning Islamic architecture.Ĭaspian Sea Resorts: Seaside resorts with beautiful beaches. Persepolis: Ancient capital of the Persian Empire. Iran has a rich cultural history dating back thousands of years, including: Pamukkale Thermal Pools: Natural hot springs with stunning white terraces.Ĭappadocia: Otherworldly landscape with cave dwellings and hot air balloons. Hagia Sophia: Stunning Byzantine architecture and Islamic mosaics.īlue Mosque: Iconic mosque with intricate tilework and domes. Red Sea Resorts: Crystal-clear waters and vibrant coral reefs.Ī country in Eurasia, with incredible historic sites, including: Luxor Temple: Ancient temple with impressive hieroglyphics.Ību Simbel Temples: Massive rock-cut temples built by Ramses II. Pyramids of Giza: Ancient wonders of the world. Tel Aviv Beaches: Sandy beaches with a vibrant nightlife.ĭead Sea: Salt lake with healing properties.Īn ancient civilization on the Nile River, with fascinating historic sites, including: Masada: Ancient fortress with stunning desert views. Jerusalem Old City: Holy site for Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. IsraelĪ small country in the Middle East, rich in culture, including: From ancient ruins that offer a glimpse into the region's rich history to modern cities that showcase its bustling contemporary culture, there is something for everyone. The Middle East is a region that has a lot to offer to tourists, with a wide variety of attractions that cater to different interests. As such, they have been classified as “transition countries” due to their connection to two distinct areas.

Other countries in Africa, namely Sudan and Tunisia, lie at the boundary of the Middle East and North Africa, with many of their cultural practices and backgrounds being heavily influenced by both regions. Instead, their position on the world map allows them to fall under the jurisdiction of South or Central Asia.Īdditionally, areas like the Gaza Strip and West Bank have long been contested between Palestinian and Israeli politics, as well as other partially recognized states in the Middle East that have had close historic ties with Asian countries, such as India or other nations from Southeast Asia. It should be noted that although countries like Afghanistan, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Pakistan, and select other Levant countries do share a similar cultural heritage and historic importance, they are not actually categorized as “Middle Eastern” countries. The entire region is home to a diverse range of landscapes, including deserts, mountains, and coastal plains. Several countries also border the Persian Gulf, namely, Iran and Saudi Arabia. It is bordered by multiple oceans and seas: the Mediterranean Sea to the west, the Red Sea to the south, the Caspian Sea to the east, and the Arabian Peninsula to the south. The Middle East is situated at the crossroads of Europe, Asia, and Africa. The region has also been the site of numerous conflicts and wars throughout history, including the Crusades, World War I, and the Gulf War. Throughout history, the Middle East has been marked by numerous power changes, with many different empires vying for control over the region, like the Ottoman Empire. It is home to some of the oldest civilizations in the world, including Mesopotamia (modern-day Iraq), Persia (modern-day Iran), and Egypt. The Middle East has a rich and complex history that spans thousands of years. Test your regional knowledge with our arts and culture quiz on Middle Eastern Mythological Creatures!Ĭlick on a country for a more detailed map, or try our map index. If you want to discover more in-depth information on the Middle East as a region, check out our Profiles of Middle Eastern Countries! Overall, the Middle East is a fascinating and complex region with a rich cultural heritage. Some major conflicts include World War I, World War II, the Arab-Israeli Wars, the Iran-Iraq War, and the Persian Gulf Wars. The region is also known for its political tensions, including conflicts related to religion, resources, and borders. The Middle East has a rich history and is known for its contributions to art, science, and literature. The region is characterized by its diverse landscapes, including deserts, mountains, and coasts. It is home to several countries that are culturally, historically, and religiously significant. The Middle East is a region that spans parts of Western Asia and North Africa.

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