TURKEY, SYRIA, LEBANON, JORDAN

Turkey is a little larger than Texas.It bridges two continents: Europe and AsiaThe Asian part of Turkey is called Asia Minor.Three rivers separate the European and Asian parts:

BosporusSea of MarmaraDardanelles

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 northTaurus 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 livestockCrops: cotton, tobacco, fruits, nuts,

wheat, barley

TURKEY

Turkey is seeking to join the European Union.Rich mineral resources:

Coal, copper, ironIndustries:

Oil refining, textiles (clothing)Tourism:

Beaches, historic sites

TURKEY

Population: 71.2 millionReligion: IslamLanguage: Turkish (Also Kurdish and Arabic)

Kurdish spoken by Kurds-an ethnic group that makes up of 20% of the population70% of population live in cities/townsIstanbul 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 mosquesMajor trading centerAnkara 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 changesModernized 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 booksFolk music blends with traditional and modern styles.Recently produced films highlighting social and political issues.

HISTORY & CULTURE

South of TurkeyPart of many empires, but gained independence in 1946Since the 1960s, one political party has controlled the government.

Does not allow many political freedomsLand includes:

Fertile coastal plains and valleys along the Mediterranean

SYRIA

Mountains run north and southKeeps moist sea winds from reaching

eastern partSyrian desert covers the eastern portionMain economic activity is agriculture

Corn, wheat, and fruitGovt. built dams on Euphrates River

Provide water for irrigation, hydroelectric powerHas reserves of oil, which is their main export

SYRIA

Population: 17.5 millionHalf live in rural areasBedouins-nomadic desert peoples who have a traditional way of lifeDamascus is the capital and is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world

Founded as a trading center 4,000 years agoMostly Arab Muslims

THE SYRIANS

Many mosques and palaces in cityHospitality is major way of life

Group mealsCommon foods:

Lamb, flat bread, and bean dishes

THE SYRIANS

Half the size of New JerseyMost densely wooded of all Middle Eastern countries60% of population works in service industriesCrops:

Citrus fruits, vegetables, grains, olives, and grapes

Shrimp is harvested in the Mediterranean

LEBANON

Population: 4.2 million88% lives in citiesCapital: Beirut (largest city)

“Paris of the East”Still rebuilding after civil war from 1975-

1991Civil war between Christians and Muslims

70% of population are MuslimsRefugees fled country, economy destroyed

LEBANESE PEOPLE

Israel invaded Lebanon after civil warWithdrew troops in 2000

Arabic is most widely spoken languageFrench is also an official language

Foods reflect a blend of Arab, Turkish, and French influences

LEBANESE PEOPLE

Lacks water resourcesIrrigated farmland lies in Jordan River valleyCrops:

Wheat, fruits, and vegetablesDesert home to bedouins

Tent-dwellers, raise livestockLacks energy resourcesMany people work in service and manufacturing

JORDAN

Population: 5.5 millionMostly Arab Muslims1 million are Palestinian refugees

Capital: Amman (largest city)1900s-Ottoman Empire controlled JordanGained independence in 1946Constitutional monarchy

Elected leaders run countries, king is head of state

PEOPLE & GOVT.

1952-1999 King Hussein I ruled JordanBlended country’s traditions with

modern waysKing Abdullah I is current king

Son of Hussein I

PEOPLE & GOVT.