Presentation Transcript

1. Chapter 17 – The Eastern Mediterranean Chapter 18 – The Arabian Peninsula, Iraq, and Iran Chapter 19 – Central Asia

   Southwest and Central Asia

2. Chapter 17: Eastern Mediterranean Turkey Syria Cyprus Lebanon Israel Jordan
3. Chapter 17: Eastern MediterraneanPHYSICAL GEOGRAPHY The Eastern Mediterranean, a region with a dry climate and valuable resources, sits in the middle of three continents. Read Chapter 17, Section 1 and complete the notes independently.
4. Chapter 17: Eastern MediterraneanTURKEY Many sites in Turkey reflect the country’s long and diverse cultural history. Throughout the country you will find the ruins of ancient Greek temples and Roman palaces. You can also see magnificent early Christian buildings and art, as well as palaces and mosques of Ottoman rulers.
5. Chapter 17: Eastern MediterraneanTURKEY 8000 years ago – early farming villages Invasions Romans Byzantium became Constantinople Major trade route between Europe and Asia Later became capital of Byzantine Empire Seljuk Turks (1000s AD) Central Asia nomads Ottoman Turks (1453) Made Constantinople their capital
6. Chapter 17: Eastern MediterraneanTURKEY Ottoman Empire 1500s-1600s – Very powerful Territory included northern Africa, southwestern Asia, and southeastern Europe WW1, the Ottomans fought on the losing side and lost most of their territories. Military officers then took over Mustafa Ataturk – Later Kemal Ataturk (Father of Turks) Created the democratic nation of Turkey Moved the capital to Ankara Changed Constantinople to Istanbul
7. Chapter 17: Eastern MediterraneanTURKEY Modern Turkey Kemal Ataturk 1st president of Turkey Modernized Turkey Separated all aspects of Islam from Turkey’s government Closed Islamic schools Turkish people encouraged to wear Western dress and adopt surnames Banned the “fez” hat and required European-styled hats Women urged to stop wearing veils Women encouraged to vote, work, and hold office Replaced the Arabic alphabet with the Latin alphabet Adopted the metric system
8. Chapter 17: Eastern MediterraneanTURKEY People Mostly ethnic Turks Kurds are the largest minority and make up 20% Culture Reflects Ataturk’s changes He created a cultural split between Turkey’s urban middle class and rural villagers Most middle class Turks have much in common with the European middle class Rural Turks are more traditional. Islam strongly influences their attitudes on matters (role of women in society) Food: Olives, vegetables, cheese, yogurt, and bread Kababs – grilled meats on a skewer
9. Chapter 17: Eastern MediterraneanTURKEY Turkey Today Istanbul – Turkey’s largest city & economic bridge to Europe Government Legislature is called the National Assembly President and Prime Minister share power Most people are Muslim, but Turkey is a secular state Religion is kept separate from government. Example: the religion of Islam allows a man to have up to four wives, but by Turkish law a man is permitted to have just one wife Currently, Islamic political parties are trying to increase Islam’s role in Turkish society.
10. Chapter 17: Eastern MediterraneanTURKEY Economy Member of the European Union Increased trade with Europe Includes modern factories as well as farming and craft-making Industries – textile and clothing, cement, and electronics 40% of the labor force works in agriculture Grains, cotton, sugar beets, hazelnuts Resources Oil, coal, iron ore Water – very valuable PROBLEM: Turkey has spent billions on building dams to increase water supply, causing restricted water flow to neighboring countries
11. Chapter 17: Eastern MediterraneanISRAEL Modern Israel was formed in 1948. Since then immigrants from many parts of the world have made the population of Israel very diverse. Many Jews emigrated to Israel from Russia and Eastern European countries.
12. Chapter 17: Eastern MediterraneanISRAEL History Home to 3 of the world’s major religions Judaism, Christianity, and Islam Holy Land Hebrews – ancestors of the Jews Established kingdom of Israel 3000 years ago Covered the same area as modern day Israel Romans – conquered “Palestine” in 60s BC After many revolts, the Romans forced the Jews top leave. This was called the Diaspora. Arabs – conquered “Palestine” in 600s 1000s-late 1200s – Crusades Conquered city of Jerusalem Eventually Crusaders pushed out Part of the Ottoman Empire Then under British control after WW1
13. Chapter 17: Eastern MediterraneanISRAEL Creation of Israel Zionism 1948 Jewish leaders declared Palestine the nation of Israel Arab Palestinians living in Palestine and the Arab countries surrounded Israel were opposed to this and invaded. Very short war with Israel defeating the Arab armies Many Palestinians fled to neighboring countries. Disputes continue to occur
14. Chapter 17: Eastern MediterraneanISRAEL Israel today Continuing problems with neighboring countries Government Prime Minister and parliament called the Knesset Strong military At 18 – most men and women must serve at least one year Economy Modern and diverse High-tech equipment and diamonds for export Increased food production by irrigating farmland Tourists!!
15. Chapter 17: Eastern MediterraneanISRAEL Israel Today Most of the population lives in cities Tel Aviv – 2 Million people 80% are Jewish, the rest mostly Arab ¾ of Israeli Arabs are Muslim, some are Christian Jewish population from all over the world – few arrive speaking Hebrew Government offers language classes Languages include Hebrew and Arabic – both official languages
16. Chapter 17: Eastern MediterraneanISRAEL Israel Today Culture Holidays Sabbath – holy day (Saturdays) Yom Kippur (fall) Passover (spring) Food Important part of Jewish culture Kosher No pork or shellfish No mixing of meat and milk products Rural Settlements 100,000 Israeli Jews live in Kibbutzim
17. Chapter 17: Eastern MediterraneanISRAEL Palestinian Territory 1967 – Six Day War: Israel captured Gaza, the West Bank, and East Jerusalem Since then – fights have been constant Gaza Small, crowded coastal area No resources – citrus fruit is grown in irrigated fields Unemployment Many travel to Israel to work West Bank 2.4 million Rural area but has 3 large cities Economy based on agriculture Currently home to Jewish settlements that Palestinians consider an invasion of their land Constant tension between Arabs and Israelis
18. Chapter 17: Eastern MediterraneanISRAEL Palestinian Territory East Jerusalem Israel’s capital Holy sites to Jews, Christians, and Muslims Different neighborhoods Palestinians claimed it as their capital, but it was annexed by Israel in 1980 Israel moved its capital here from Tel Aviv even though this is not recognized by most countries
19. Chapter 17: Eastern MediterraneanISRAEL Future of Territories 1990s, Israel agreed to turn over parts of the territories to the Palestinians The Palestinian Authority agreed to work for peace In 2005, Israel transferred Gaza to the P.A. Some Israelis concerned that withdrawing from the territories leaves them open for attack Ongoing terrorism continues. 2013 article March 2014 Israeli News
20. Chapter 17: Eastern MediterraneanSYRIA, LEBANON, JORDAN The histories of Lebanon, Syria, and Jordan have been tangled together since the countries gained independence in the 1940s. Syria is a large nation with a strong military that has often dominated Lebanon’s political life. Other conflicts in the region have also spilled over into Lebanon.
21. Chapter 17: Eastern MediterraneanSYRIA, LEBANON, JORDAN Syria Damascus – Capital and oldest continuously inhabited city in the world. Leading regional trade center Part of the Ottoman Empire in 1500s France controlled Syria after WW1 Became independent in 1940s
22. Chapter 17: Eastern MediterraneanSYRIA, LEBANON, JORDAN Syria’s History & Government 1971-2000 – dictator Hafiz al-Assad Increased the size of the military in order to match Israel’s military strength and protect his rule 2000 – Bashar (son of al-Assad) was elected president. Seven year term, 2007 – re-elected Goal: to improve the economy Socialist government Country owns oil refineries, large electrical plants, railroads, and some factories Key manufactured goods: textiles, food products, and chemicals Small deposits of oil and natural gas Rich in iron ore, basalt, and phosphates
23. Chapter 17: Eastern MediterraneanSYRIA, LEBANON, JORDAN Ancient Syria Ruins of ancient Roman trading centers
24. Chapter 17: Eastern MediterraneanSYRIA, LEBANON, JORDAN Syria’s People Population of 18 million 90% Arab, other 10% are Kurds and Armenians 74% are Sunni Muslim, 16% Druze and Alawites, 10% are Christian. Some small Jewish communities
25. Chapter 17: Eastern MediterraneanSYRIA, LEBANON, JORDAN Lebanon Small mountainous country Mediterranean coast Lebanon’s History Ottoman Empire Different ethnic minority groups and religious groups settled here After ww1 – France controlled Gained independence in 1940s French influence Arabic is official language Many Lebanese also speak French
26. Chapter 17: Eastern MediterraneanSYRIA, LEBANON, JORDAN Lebanon’s People Arab Divided by religion – Muslim or Christian which are further divided Muslims – Sunni, Shia, and Druze Christians – Maronites are largest of the Christian groups in the country Muslims are the majority religious group in Lebanon
27. Chapter 17: Eastern MediterraneanSYRIA, LEBANON, JORDAN Lebanon’s Civil War & Today After independence – Christians and Muslims shared power Certain government positions were held by different religious groups Example: President was always a Maronite Cooperation broke down, tensions mounted Many Palestinian refugees flooded into Lebanon Ethnic and religious groups armed themselves and fights broke out 1970s – 1990 Beirut – capital, badly damaged Industry – food processing, textiles, chemicals, cement, and jewelry-making
28. Chapter 17: Eastern MediterraneanSYRIA, LEBANON, JORDAN Jordan Short history full of conflict Few resources Powerful neighbors History & Government Created after WW1 Controlled by British and named Arab prince as the monarch 1940s – fully independent Population was small Nomadic or semi-nomadic life Many Palestinian Arab refugees moved here 1952-1999 King Hussein ruled Democratic reforms in the 1990s
29. Chapter 17: Eastern MediterraneanSYRIA, LEBANON, JORDAN Jordan’s People & Resources Many are Bedouins – Arabic speaking nomads who mostly live in the deserts of SW Asia Resources – phosphates, cement, and potash Farmers grow fruits, vegetables and raise sheep and goats Water shortage is a concern Banking and tourism are important Relies on economic aid from oil-rich Arab nations and the US Amman – largest city and capital
30. Chapter 18: Arabian Peninsula, Iraq, & Iran Saudi Arabia Bahrain Qatar UAE Yemen Oman Iran Iraq
31. Chapter 18: Arabian Peninsula, Iraq, & IranPHYSICAL GEOGRAPHY The Arabian Peninsula, Iraq, and Iran make up a mostly desert region with very valuable oil resources. Read Chapter 18, Section 1 and complete the notes independently.
32. Chapter 18: Arabian Peninsula, Iraq, & IranARABIAN PENINSULA Most countries of the Arabian Peninsula share three main characteristics: Islamic religion and culture, monarchy as a form of government, and valuable oil resources. Oman and all the countries of the Arabian Peninsula have valuable resources. The largest country, and the one with the most influence in the region, is Saudi Arabia.
33. Chapter 18: Arabian Peninsula, Iraq, & IranARABIAN PENINSULA Saudi Arabia Largest of the countries Major religious and cultural center One of the region’s strongest economies. People and Customs Nearly all are Arabs and speak Arabic Culture is strongly influenced by Islam Islam A religion founded in Saudi Arabia by Muhammad Islam is based on submitting to God and on messages Muslims believe God gave to Muhammad These messages are written in the Qur’an, the holy book of Islam
34. Chapter 18: Arabian Peninsula, Iraq, & IranARABIAN PENINSULA Saudi Arabia Islam Shia Muslims – believe that true interpretation of Islamic teaching can only come from certain religious and political leaders called imams. Sunni Muslims – believe in the ability of the majority of the community to interpret Islamic teachings 85% of Saudi Muslims are Sunni.
35. Chapter 18: Arabian Peninsula, Iraq, & IranARABIAN PENINSULA Saudi Arabia Islam influences culture Modesty Men – wear a long, loose shirt, cotton headdress held in place with a cord. Women – black cloak and veil in public. Limit women’s activities Rarely can be in public without her husband or male relative Cannot drive Can own and run businesses
36. Chapter 18: Arabian Peninsula, Iraq, & IranARABIAN PENINSULA Saudi Arabia Government Monarchy – ruled by the Saud family since 1932 Most officials are relatives of the king No elected legislature Local officials are elected , but only men are allowed to vote.
37. Chapter 18: Arabian Peninsula, Iraq, & IranARABIAN PENINSULA Saudi Arabia Economy Based on oil World’s largest oil reserves Leading exporter of oil Influential member of OPEC Oil has made Saudi Arabia wealthy Large middle class Free education and health care Challenges: Much of the food has to be imported Freshwater for farming is scarce Desalination plants are expensive High unemployment rate Many choose to study religion instead of technical subjects
38. Chapter 18: Arabian Peninsula, Iraq, & IranARABIAN PENINSULA Kuwait Oil discovered in 1930s Very rich 1990 Iraq invaded to attempt to control the oil Persian Gulf War US and other countries defeated Iraq Destruction to oil fields Government Royal family Elected legislature 1992 Only men from certain families could vote 15% of the population Women recently gained the right to vote
39. Chapter 18: Arabian Peninsula, Iraq, & IranARABIAN PENINSULA Bahrain Group of islands in Persian Gulf Monarchy with legislature Rich country (oil rich) Most live in big, modern cities Oil started to run out in the 1990s Major industries now: banking and tourism
40. Chapter 18: Arabian Peninsula, Iraq, & IranARABIAN PENINSULA Qatar Small peninsula on the Persian Gulf Powerful monarch 2003 – people voted to approve a new constitution that would give more power to elected officials Wealthy country Economy relies on oil and natural gas
41. Chapter 18: Arabian Peninsula, Iraq, & IranARABIAN PENINSULA United Arab Emirates Consists of 7 tiny kingdoms Profits from oil and natural gas – RICH Modern, comfortable lifestyle UAE depends on foreign workers More foreign workers than citizens
42. Chapter 18: Arabian Peninsula, Iraq, & IranARABIAN PENINSULA Oman Southeastern part of Arabian Peninsula Economy based on oil Does not have the great oil wealth of other countries Government attempting to develop new industries
43. Chapter 18: Arabian Peninsula, Iraq, & IranARABIAN PENINSULA Yemen Southwestern part of the Arabian peninsula Elected government Corruption Oil discovered in 1980s Oil and coffee generate much of the income Poorest country on the peninsula
44. Chapter 18: Arabian Peninsula, Iraq, & IranARABIAN PENINSULA Oil in Saudi Arabia Read pages 444-445 in text book Complete the worksheet. Oil Kingdom: Part One Oil Kingdom: Part Two
45. Chapter 18: Arabian Peninsula, Iraq, & IranIRAQ The world’s first civilization was located in Iraq. Thousands of years ago people known as Sumerians settled in Mesopotamia – a region that is part of Iraq today. Iraq, a country with a rich culture and natural resources, faces the challenge of rebuilding after years of conflict.
46. Chapter 18: Arabian Peninsula, Iraq, & IranIRAQ Early Civilization Sumerians – 3000 BC Persians - 500s BC Alexander the Great 331 BC 600s – Arabs Gradually converted to Islam 1500 – Ottoman Empire During WW1 – Great Britain took over 1932 – kingdom of Iraq Set up pro-Britain ruler 1950’s – group of Iraqi army officers overthrew this government
47. Chapter 18: Arabian Peninsula, Iraq, & IranIRAQ Saddam Takes Power 1968 – the Baath Party took control 1979 – Saddam Hussein became leader Harsh leader Controlled media restricted personal freedoms Killed an unknown number of political enemies
48. Chapter 18: Arabian Peninsula, Iraq, & IranIRAQ Invasions Iraq invaded Iran 1980-1988 (Iran-Iraq War) Iranians fought back Both countries were seriously damaged and many people died Iraq invaded Kuwait 1990 (Persian Gulf War) Iraq wanted to gain control of the region’s oil Other concerns: Iraq’s supply of weapons of mass destruction Chemical weapons Biological weapons
49. Chapter 18: Arabian Peninsula, Iraq, & IranIRAQ War and Its Effects 1991 – alliance of countries forced Iraqis out of Kuwait Persian Gulf War (6 weeks) Saddam, remained in power, did not accept at the UN terms for peace. UN placed an embargo on Iraq The economy suffered Two rebellions in Iraq Shia Muslims & Kurds Brutally “put down” UN forced Iraq to end all military activity Required military inspectors to go in and make sure all weapons of mass destruction were destroyed Iraq later refused to cooperate completely.
50. Chapter 18: Arabian Peninsula, Iraq, & IranIRAQ War and Its Effects 10 years after Persian Gulf 9-11 Tensions increased between US and Iraq US believed that Iraq aided the terrorists 2003 – President GW Bush ordered US forces to attack Iraqi targets. Within a few weeks, the Iraqi army was defeated and Saddam’s government was ended. Saddam went into hiding – but found 8 months later Saddam was arrested for his crimes. He was sentenced to death. Mini Biography
51. Chapter 18: Arabian Peninsula, Iraq, & IranIRAQ People & Culture Ethnic Groups Arabs and Kurds Arabs make up more than 75% Official language – Arabic (spoken by Arabs) Kurds make up 15-20% Farmers and live in large northern region Speak Kurdish and Arabic Religion Plays a large role Nearly all are Muslim 2 branches – Shia and Sunni 60% are Shia and live in the south 35% are Sunni and live in the north
52. Chapter 18: Arabian Peninsula, Iraq, & IranIRAQ Iraq Today Slowly rebuilding New government Recovering economy Baghdad Severely damaged Lack of electricity and running water US helped them restore this Rebuilding homes, businesses and schools
53. Chapter 18: Arabian Peninsula, Iraq, & IranIRAQ Iraq Today 2005 January - first election to choose members of the National Assembly Goal: draft a new constitution Recovering economy 1970s – it was the world’s second larges oil exporter Other resources – fertile soils, irrigation from the Tigris and Euphrates – grow barley, cotton, and rice Future – Rebuilding of schools, hospitals, roads Creating a free and prosperous society
54. Chapter 18: Arabian Peninsula, Iraq, & IranIRAN Islam is a huge influence on government and daily life in Iran. Like Iraqis, Iranians have a proud and ancient history. While most people living in the Arabian Peninsula and Iraq are Arabs, the majority of Iranians are Persian. They have a distinct culture and language. The early history of Iran includes the Persian Empire and a series of Muslim empires.
55. Chapter 18: Arabian Peninsula, Iraq, & IranIRAN Persian Empire 500s BC Center for art and learning Known for paintings, carpets, metalwork, and architecture Persepolis – walls and statues throughout the city glittered with gold, silver, and precious jewels Later conquered by several Muslim empires Converted to Islam Retained their Persian culture Beautiful mosques with colorful tiles and large domes.
56. Chapter 18: Arabian Peninsula, Iraq, & IranIRAN Shah and Islamic Revolution 1921 – Iranian military officer took control and proclaimed himself “shah” In 1941 – his son took control Ally with USA and GB Goal: to modernize Iran Unpopular with Iranians 1978 – revolution Overthrew the shah and attacked the U.S. Embassy in Tehran – the capital of Iran. Took Americans hostage More than 50 Americans were held by force for over a year.
57. Chapter 18: Arabian Peninsula, Iraq, & IranIRAN Iran Today Different than many other cultures of Southwest Asia More than half are Persians Speak Farsi, the Persian language People and Culture 68 million people Largest populations, very young Ethnically diverse Persians, Azerbaijanis, Kurds, Arabs, and Turks Religion Most are Shia Muslims Only 10% Sunni Muslim Christianity, Judaism, or other religions Celebrate Islam holy days and Persian New Year “Nowruz” Close-knit families and respect for elders Food – rice, bread, vegetables, fruits, lamb, and tea
58. Chapter 18: Arabian Peninsula, Iraq, & IranIRAN Iran Today Government has called for the destruction of Israel Supported terrorist groups in other countries Has shown signs of adopting democratic reforms to improve economy and rights for women 2005 – Iran elected Mahmoud Ahmadinejad president Wants Iranians to follow strict Islamic law Peaceful relationship with US is uncertain Many European countries are concerned about nuclear weapons Threat to world security US walks out at UN
59. Chapter 18: Arabian Peninsula, Iraq, & IranIRAN Iran Today Economy Huge oil reserves – among the larges in the world Wealthy Woven carpets Agriculture – employs one-third of the Iranian workforce Government Theocracy – government ruled by religious leaders Ayatollahs – supreme power Government does have an elected president and parliament
60. Chapter 19: Central Asia State Standards 17.C.3a – Explain how human activity is affected by geographic features 17.C.3b – Explain how patterns of resources are used throughout the world 17.D.3b – Explain how interactions of geographic factors have shaped present conditions 18. A.3 – Explain how language, literature, the arts, architecture and traditions, contribute to the development and transmission of culture
61. Chapter 19: Central Asia Kazakhstan Uzbekistan Turkmenistan Afghanistan Tajikistan Kyrgyzstan
62. Chapter 19: Central AsiaPHYSICAL GEOGRAPHY Central Asia, a dry, rugged, landlocked region, has oil and other valuable mineral resources. Read Chapter 19, Section 1 and complete the notes independently.
63. Chapter 19: Central AsiaHISTORY & CULTURE The countries of Central Asia share similar histories and traditions, but particular ethnic groups give each country a unique culture. Crossroads for traders and invaders, each leaving their own influence on the region.
64. Chapter 19: Central AsiaHISTORY & CULTURE Trade Best trade route between India and Europe ran through Afghanistan Best route between Europe and China ran through the rest of Central Asia. 100 BC – merchants travelled along China route to trade European gold and wool for Chinese spices and silk Called the Silk Road Trade cities like Samarqand and Bukhara grew rich 1500 – Europeans discovered sailing to East Asia through the Indian Ocean. Trade declined and the region became poor and more isolated.
65. Chapter 19: Central AsiaHISTORY & CULTURE Invasions Many groups came to the region because of the location along the Silk Road Turkic-speaking nomads 500s Arabs – 700s Islam Built beautiful mosques Influenced styles of art and architecture Mongols – 1200s Destroyed many cities & irrigation systems with violent attacks Eventually supported literature and the arts at Samarqand Empire crumbled and others moved in the region Turkmens Uzbeks Kazakhs
66. Chapter 19: Central AsiaHISTORY & CULTURE Russian and Soviet Rule Russia - Mid 1800s Built railroads Expanded cotton and oil production Were resented by people Soviet Rule – after Russian Revolution in 1917 Wanted to weaken resistance Divided the land into republics Banned religious practices Encouraged ethnic Russians to move into these areas Made others move onto government owned farms Built huge irrigation projects to help cotton production Soviet Union collapsed in 1991, former republics became independent countries
67. Chapter 19: Central AsiaHISTORY & CULTURE Culture Traditional Lives Raise horses, cattle, sheep, and goats Many herders live as nomads – moving herds from mountain pastures to lowland pastures Nomadic lifestyle more common in Kyrgyzstan Yurts – movable round house made of wool felt mats hung over a wood frame Symbol of nomadic heritage and are put up for special events
68. Chapter 19: Central AsiaHISTORY & CULTURE Culture People, Languages & Religion Ethnic Groups Turkic - Larger ethnic group made up of smaller ethnic groups Kazakh Kyrgyz Turkmen Uzbek Ethnic Russians Language Each ethnic group speaks own language – but most countries speak more than one language Russians established their own language as the official language for business and government. Also introduced the Cyrillic alphabet used to write Russian Many countries use Latin alphabet to write English Afghanistan uses own alphabet to write Pashto
69. Chapter 19: Central AsiaHISTORY & CULTURE Culture Religion Traders and conquerors Arabs (Islam) Central Asia’s main language Christianity Most of the region’s Christians belong to the Russian Orthodox Church During Soviet era – government closed or destroyed more than 35,000 religious buildings (mosques, religious schools) Since 1991, many have been re-opened
70. Chapter 19: Central AsiaHISTORY & CULTURE I can.. Name some of the groups that have influenced Central Asia over the years. Describe some of the changes each group has brought to the region of Central Asia.
71. Chapter 19: Central AsiaCENTRAL ASIA TODAY Central Asian countries are mostly poor, but are working to create stable governments and sound economies. A history of invasions and foreign rule has made an impact. Because of years of fighting and changes in the region, many countries face similar issues in building stable governments and strong economies.
72. Chapter 19: Central AsiaCENTRAL ASIA TODAY Afghanistan Current situation the result of a long war with the Soviet Union in the 1980s. Soviets left in 1989 – but turmoil continued Mid-1990s – Taliban took control Radical Muslim group Took over most of the country including capital of Kabul Taliban Strict interpretation of Islamic teachings to rule Limited the role of women in society Forced to wear veils and not work outside the home Banned all music and dancing Most Muslims sharply disagree with these policies, but the group remained in power for several years
73. Chapter 19: Central AsiaCENTRAL ASIA TODAY Afghanistan Taliban Terrorist attacks on 9-11 Osama bin-Laden US and British troops attacked Taliban and al Qaeda targets and toppled the government Changes Government has new constitution Men & women can vote Constitution requires half of the appointees to the national assembly must be women Threats of violence to new government. Since the end of the Taliban Rule… Afghanistan has a new constitution and an elected president Many people are registered to vote. Afghanistan’s rules are written and accessible to citizens for the first time. New clinics and trained doctors provide more people with access to health care. Women can work outside the home. Girls can attend school.
74. Chapter 19: Central AsiaCENTRAL ASIA TODAY Kazakhstan First part of Central Asia to be conquered by Russia Strong Russian influence 1/3 are ethnic Russians Kazakh and Russian are both official languages Economy Manufacturing Tied to Soviet Union before, now growing steadily Valuable oil reserves and quick adaptation to the free market Richest country in Central Asia Governments Stable, democratic republic Elected president and parliament 1998 moved capital from Almaty to Astana (now closer to Russia)
75. Chapter 19: Central AsiaCENTRAL ASIA TODAY Kyrgyzstan Kyrgyz – “Forty clans” Clan membership an important part of social, political, and economic life Many follow nomadic traditions Farmers – fertile soils allow mix of irrigated crops and dryland farming Most important industry, but does not provide much income Economy Low standard of living, but economy is strengthening Tourism Muslim pilgrimage site Lake Issyk-Kul Government Stable in past Protests in 2005 of unfair elections
76. Chapter 19: Central AsiaCENTRAL ASIA TODAY Tajikistan Struggling to overcome problems Mid 1990s – Communist government fought a group of reformers calling for a democracy & groups calling for government ruled by Islamic law Signed peace treated in 1997 NOW: Republic with an elected president Civil war damaged the economy Industrial and agricultural production declined Still relies on cotton farming for much of its income Only 5-6% of land is arable
77. Chapter 19: Central AsiaCENTRAL ASIA TODAY Turkmenistan President holds all power Voted president for LIFE by the parliament Even named a month of the year after himself Government supports Islam and ordered schools to teach Islamic principles. Views Islam with caution – does not want it to become a political movement Economy based on oil, gas, and cotton Half of country is cotton fields Farming is possible because it has the longest irrigation channel in the world.
78. Chapter 19: Central AsiaCENTRAL ASIA TODAY Uzbekistan Largest population Largest cities Bukhara and Samarqand Famous for mosques and monuments Government President holds all political power US has criticized the government for not allowing political freedom or respecting human rights Economy Closely controlled by government Based on oil, gold, and cotton Growing slowly, but stable
79. Chapter 19: Central AsiaCENTRAL ASIA TODAY Issues and Challenges Environment Shrinking of the Aral Sea Winds take dry seafloor (dust, salt, and pesticides) hundreds of miles away Fishing towns are now miles from shore Overuse of chemicals on crops to increase production Ruined farmland War Practice damage Soviets tested nuclear bombs People suffer from poor health from radiation
80. Chapter 19: Central AsiaCENTRAL ASIA TODAY Issues and Challenges Economy Reliance on one crop – cotton Suitable farmland is limited Focus on cotton has not encouraged countries to develop manufacturing Slow development of oil and gas reserves Outdated equipment, lack of funds, poor transportation Politics Lack of political stability Dissatisfaction leads to violence Terrorist threats from political groups within their own country