A. Bridges Europe and Asia
B. Three waterways called the Turkish Straits separate Europe and Asia
C. Earthquakes often hit this region
D. Anatolian Plateau is in the center of the country and is rimmed by two mountain ranges � the Taurus and the Pontic
E. Half of Turkey�s people are farmers
F. One third of Turkey�s people work in service industries
G. Oil refining and making clothes and textiles are the most important industrial activities
H. Istanbul is Turkey�s largest city and major trading center with an entrance to the Black Sea.
I. Turkey�s capital is Ankara
J. 98% of the people are Muslim
K. At one time Turkey was home to a powerful Muslim empire called the Ottoman Empire which was defeated in World War I.
II. Israel
A. The Dead Sea is located between Jordan and Israel.
1. The shores of the Dead Sea are the lowest places on earth.
2. The Dead Sea is the saltiest body of water in the world.
B. Some of Israel�s people live in farming settlements.
1. In a kibbutz, the people share the land and may create other goods.
2. In a moshav, the people share farming and creation of other goods but own their own land.
C. Israel is the most industrialized country in Southwest Asia.
D. Israel�s people are Jewish, Muslim, and Christian with the largest group being the Jewish.
E. Israel is the birthplace of Christianity, Judaism, and Islam which has been a source of conflict for these three religious groups.
III. Syria
A. Mostly desert � Syrian Desert
B. Some fertile coastal plains near the Mediterranean Sea.
C. Farming is the main economic activity
D. Farming is possible in desert areas due to good irrigation
E. Oil is the main export
F. Syria�s textiles are highly valued
G. Some of Syria�s people are Bedouins
H. Most of Syria�s people practice the religion Islam (Muslims)
IV. Lebanon
A. Small country along the Mediterranean Sea
B. Once covered by cedar trees � few survive today
C. Service industries such as banking and insurance employ most of its citizens
D. Most people live in coastal areas.
E. Beirut, the capital, was once a banking and business center
F. The country is still recovering from a civil war (1975-1991)
V. Jordan
A. Lacks water and energy resources
B. Most people work in service and manufacturing industries
C. Constitutional monarchy government
D. The ruling family set up after World War I by the British still rules today
VI. Arabian Peninsula
A. Saudi Arabia, Yemen, Kuwait, Bahrain, Qatar, United Arab Emirates, and Oman are located on this peninsula
B. Saudi Arabia is the largest country in Southwest Asia
1. Vast deserts
2. No rivers
3. Holds a major share of the world�s oil
4. Member of OPEC (Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries)
5. Most people live along the Persian Gulf coast in towns and villages
6. Muslims make hajj to Islam�s holiest city, Makkah (Mecca) located in Saudi Arabia
7. Life is greatly influenced by the Quran, the holy writings of Islam
VII. Iraq
A. Home to the world�s first cities between the Tigris and Euphrates Rivers known as Mesopotamia
B. Currently in conflict - trying to promote democracy in the country after years of rule by a powerful dictator.
C. Country is rich in oil
D. Most people live in urban areas.
E. Kurds and Arabs, both Muslim people, live in Iraq
VIII. Iran
A. Was once known as Persia
B. First oil wells in Southwest Asia were drilled in Iran
C. Carpets made in Iran are valued around the world
D. More than half of the people are Persian
E. Government is an Islamic Republic
IX. Afghanistan
A. Used to be ruled by the Taliban
B. Democracy is beginning to rule the country
C. Covered by the Hindu Kush Mountain Range