Chapter 8

The Eastern Mediterranean

Section 4

Damascus – capital and believed to be the oldest continuously inhabited city in the world

Part of Ottoman Empire in 1500s

After WW1, controlled by France

Became independent in the 1940s

1971-2000 led by dictator, Hafiz al-Assad

Assad died in 2000, his son, Bashar, elected president

Bashar’s goal is to improve the economy

Socialist

Textiles, food products and chemicals are important manufactured goods

Small deposits of oil and natural gas

Rich in iron ore, basalt, and phosphates

Population of more than 18 million90% Arab, other 10% Kurds and Armenians74% Sunni Muslim16% Druze and Alawites, religion related to

Islam10% ChristianSmall Jewish communities in some cities

Small, mountainous country on the Mediterranean coast

After WW1, controlled by France

Gained independence in 1940s

Muslim groups – Sunni, Shia, and Druze

1970s – 1990 fighting began between Lebanese groups

Beirut – the capital city was badly damaged

Industries include food processing, textiles, cement, chemicals, and jewelry making

Short history full of conflict

Few resources

Powerful neighbors

Created after WW1 under British control

1940s became fully independent

Nomadic or semi-nomadic life

1952-1999 ruled by King Hussein

Many are BedouinsBedouins – Arabic-speaking nomads who

mostly live in the deserts of Southwest AsiaProduces phosphates, cement, and potashTourism and banking are growing industriesEconomic aid from oil-rich Arab nations and

United StatesAmman – capital and largest city