• Unit 8: North Africa and Southwest Asia

    The area of North Africa and Southwest Asia is vast, but its three regions of North Africa, Southwest Asia, and the Turkestan region of Central Asia share many traits. The countries in the North African region include those bordering the Mediterranean Sea and the Red Sea, from Morocco to Sudan. It borders the Atlantic Ocean, the Sahara Desert, and the African Transition Zone. Egypt has territory in both Africa and Asia by way of the Sinai Peninsula. The region of Southwest Asia includes Turkey, Iran, the Middle East, and the Arabian Peninsula. The land on the eastern shores of the Mediterranean Sea is frequently referred to as the Levant, and is often considered to be part of the Middle East. Central Asia, also referred to as Turkestan, includes the "-stan" countries from Kazakhstan to Afghanistan. The suffix "-stan" means "land of". Afghanistan is the only country of Central Asia that was not officially a part of the former Soviet Union.

    We begin this unit by looking at the three physical and cultural traits the countries of the realm have in common: climate, natural resources, and Islam. We will also look at the availability and control of fresh water, which is one of the cornerstones of the region. We will then analyze the differences and similarities between the three most prevalent monotheistic religions in the region. Finally, we will study the at major conflicts in the region throughout history.

    Completing this unit should take you approximately 5 hours.

    • Upon successful completion of this unit, you will be able to:

      • identify basic physical and cultural traits that countries in North Africa and Southwest Asia have in common;
      • explain how the events of the 2011 Arab Spring have affected North Africa and Southwest Asia;
      • summarize the origins the three major monotheistic religions of North Africa and Southwest Asia;
      • describe the origin of the African Transition Zone and why it is important;
      • explain the division between the West Bank, the Gaza Strip, and Israel;
      • describe the physical features of the Arabian Peninsula;
      • describe the main economic activities of each country within the Arabian Peninsula;
      • describe the types of governments found in the Arabian Peninsula;
      • describe women's rights and circumstances in the countries of the Arabian Peninsula; and
      • explain the divisions between each of the major branches of Islam.

    • MapCheck: North Africa and Southwest Asia

    • 8.1: Introducing North Africa and Southwest Asia

    • 8.2: Muhammad and Islam

      • Muhammad and Islam URL

        This section introduces the life of Muhammad and the origins of Islam. It also identifies, compares, and contrasts the three major monotheistic religions in North Africa and Southwest Asia, and discusses how fundamentalism has influenced the debate around religious and secular states.

      • Faith versus Tradition in Islam Page

        Watch this video, which describes cultural practices and the Islamic faith.

    • 8.3: North Africa and the African Transition Zone

      • North Africa and the African Transition Zone URL

        This section introduces the physical, cultural, and economic characteristics of the nations of North Africa and the African Transition Zone. It also explores the unique geographic qualities of the Maghreb and its connection to Europe.

      • The Sahel Page

        Watch this video, which explains what makes the climate of the Sahel a transition zone.

      • A Young Poet Tells the Story of Darfur Page

        Watch this video, which gives a stirring account of one person's escape from genocide in Darfur.

    • 8.4: Israel and Its Neighbors

      • Israel and Its Neighbors URL

        This section introduces the physical, cultural, and economic characteristics of Israel and its neighbors, including the West Bank, Gaza Strip, Jordan, Syria, and Lebanon. It explores the region's history, how Palestine became the Jewish state of Israel, and the complications of the one-state and two-state proposals.

    • 8.5: The Arabian Peninsula

      • The Arabian Peninsula URL

        This section introduces the physical, cultural, and economic characteristics of the countries of the Arabian Peninsula. It also explores the status of women’s rights in each country.

      • Globalizing the Local, Localizing the Global Page

        Watch this video, which describes how a country's art and culture promote cultural identity and allow the country to express its unique identity to the world.

    • 8.6: Iraq, Turkey, and Iran

      • Iraq, Turkey, and Iran URL

        This section introduces the physical, cultural, and economic characteristics of Iraq, Turkey, and Iran. It also explores the reasons behind the Persian Gulf War and the Iraq War in 2003, and why the European Union has not accepted Turkey's application to become a full member of the EU.

    • 8.7: Central Asia and Afghanistan

      • Central Asia and Afghanistan URL

        This section introduces the physical, cultural, and economic characteristics of Afghanistan and the nations of Central Asia. It explores how the region has transitioned from being in the sphere of the USSR to independence, and how it has adapted to the new economic environment. It also studies Afghanistan's geopolitical history, the challenges of creating a centralized government, and the continuing conflict between Western military forces and the Taliban.