Geography - Unit 7 Middle East Review

The dominant natural resource in the Middle East is oil/petroleum. The region is known for its vast oil reserves, making it one of the largest producers and exporters of oil in the world. The Middle East's economy heavily relies on oil revenue, which has shaped the region's politics, infrastructure, and overall development. Oil has played a crucial role in the growth and influence of Middle Eastern countries, making it the correct answer to the question.

The correct answer is "Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries". OPEC is an international organization that consists of 13 oil-producing countries. Its main objective is to coordinate and unify the petroleum policies of its member countries in order to ensure the stabilization of oil markets and secure a steady income for member nations.

Jerusalem is considered a sacred city to Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. In Judaism, it is the site of the ancient Temple and the Western Wall. In Christianity, it is where Jesus was crucified and resurrected, and contains important sites such as the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. In Islam, it is the third holiest city after Mecca and Medina, and contains the Al-Aqsa Mosque and the Dome of the Rock. Therefore, Jerusalem is the correct answer as it holds significant religious importance for all three major monotheistic religions.

The Tigris and Euphrates rivers are considered the two most important rivers in the Middle East because they have played a significant role in the development of ancient civilizations such as Mesopotamia. These rivers provided water for irrigation, transportation, and trade, which allowed the growth of agriculture and the establishment of urban settlements. The civilizations that emerged along these rivers, such as the Sumerians, Babylonians, and Assyrians, made important contributions to human history, including the development of writing, law, and complex societies.

The statement is false because the Arabian Peninsula is mostly desert and has limited water resources. While there are some coastal areas with access to water, the majority of the region is arid and relies on limited water sources such as underground aquifers. Therefore, the statement that the Arabian Peninsula has plenty of water for drinking and growing crops is incorrect.

After World War I, Turkey emerged as a republic after the collapse of the Ottoman Empire. The Ottoman Empire, which was one of the largest and longest-lasting empires in history, encompassed a vast territory spanning three continents. However, the empire was weakened by the war and internal conflicts, leading to its dissolution. Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, the founder of modern Turkey, led the resistance against foreign occupation and established the Republic of Turkey in 1923.

Sir Isaac Newton was a renowned physicist and mathematician, but he did not invent algebra. Algebra has a long history that predates Newton by many centuries. The origins of algebra can be traced back to ancient civilizations such as the Babylonians, Egyptians, and Greeks. These early civilizations developed the foundations of algebraic concepts and techniques, which were later refined and expanded upon by mathematicians from various cultures over the centuries. Therefore, it is incorrect to attribute the invention of algebra solely to Sir Isaac Newton or to any one individual.

In 1948, the state of Israel was officially established, making it a modern country. This event occurred after a UN resolution in 1947, which called for the partition of Palestine into separate Jewish and Arab states. The establishment of Israel led to significant changes in the region and had a profound impact on the geopolitical landscape of the Middle East.

The Suez Canal is a strategic waterway in the Middle East. It is located in Egypt and connects the Mediterranean Sea to the Red Sea, providing a shortcut for maritime trade between Europe and Asia. The canal is crucial for global trade as it allows ships to avoid the longer and more dangerous route around the Cape of Good Hope. It is a vital transportation route for oil tankers and cargo ships, making it an important strategic asset for countries around the world.

Sunni and Shi'ite are indeed the major divisions of Islam. These divisions originated from a disagreement over who should succeed Prophet Muhammad as the leader of the Muslim community. Sunni Muslims believe that the successor should be chosen through consensus, while Shi'ite Muslims believe that the successor should be from the bloodline of Prophet Muhammad. These divisions have shaped different religious practices, beliefs, and interpretations within the Islamic faith, making Sunni and Shi'ite the two largest branches of Islam.

The Jordan River does indeed flow between the Sea of Galilee and the Dead Sea. The Sea of Galilee is located in the north of Israel and is fed by the Jordan River. The river then continues southward, forming the border between Israel and Jordan, until it reaches the Dead Sea. The Dead Sea is a saltwater lake located at the lowest point on Earth and is known for its high salt content and buoyancy.

After World War I, the British and French divided and controlled the Middle East region themselves. This division, known as the Sykes-Picot Agreement, involved drawing arbitrary borders and creating new countries without considering the ethnic and religious groups living in the area. This led to significant conflicts and tensions in the region, as it disregarded the aspirations and desires of the local populations. The British and French administered these territories as colonies, exerting their influence and control over the region for several decades.

The correct answer is Golan Heights. The Golan Heights is a strategically important highland region located along the border between Israel and Syria. It is known for its elevated terrain, which provides a vantage point for military surveillance and defense. Israel occupied the Golan Heights during the Six-Day War in 1967 and later annexed it in 1981. The region has been a source of tension between Israel and Syria, with both countries claiming sovereignty over it.

The Dardanelles and Bosporus Straits are two important waterways that connect the Black Sea to the Mediterranean Sea. These straits are located in Turkey and play a crucial role in maritime trade and transportation between these two bodies of water. The Dardanelles Strait connects the Aegean Sea to the Sea of Marmara, while the Bosporus Strait connects the Sea of Marmara to the Black Sea. Therefore, the statement that the Dardanelles and Bosporus Straits connect the Black Sea to the Mediterranean Sea is true.

Babylon was indeed an ancient city located in the Tigris and Euphrates River valley. It was a major cultural and political center in Mesopotamia, known for its impressive architecture and advancements in various fields such as mathematics and astronomy. The city was also mentioned in several historical texts, including the Bible, further confirming its existence and significance in ancient times. Therefore, the statement "Babylon was an ancient city in the Tigris and Euphrates River valley" is true.

This statement is false. While Iranians and people on the Arabian Peninsula are both predominantly Muslim, they have different ethnic backgrounds. Iranians are primarily Persian, while the Arabian Peninsula is home to various Arab ethnic groups. Additionally, Iranians have their own distinct language and cultural traditions that differ from those of the Arabian Peninsula.

The statement is false because a Caliphate is a form of Islamic government where the political and religious leader, known as the Caliph, rules in accordance with Islamic law. Religion is a central aspect of a Caliphate, and it is not accurate to say that no religion is permitted in such a country.

The Saud Family rules Saudi Arabia. The name "Saud" refers to the ruling dynasty of Saudi Arabia, which was established in the early 20th century by Abdulaziz ibn Saud. The Saud Family has maintained control over the country since its founding, with the current ruler being King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud. The family's leadership is based on a system of absolute monarchy, where the king holds ultimate authority and power in the country.

Beduins are nomadic herders of the Arabian Peninsula. They are known for their traditional way of life, which involves moving from place to place with their livestock in search of grazing land. The Beduins have a deep connection with the desert and have adapted their lifestyle to survive in harsh desert conditions. They are skilled in animal husbandry and have a strong sense of community and hospitality. The Beduins have played a significant role in the history and culture of the Arabian Peninsula.

The Hindu Kush Mountains do not separate Iran from Iraq. They are located in Central Asia, primarily in Afghanistan and Pakistan, and do not extend into Iran or Iraq. The correct answer is False.