Turkey, Syria, Lebanon, Jordan

1. Turkey, Syria, Lebanon, Jordan

2. Turkey • Turkey is a little larger than Texas. • It bridges two continents: Europe and Asia • The Asian part of Turkey is called Asia Minor. • Three rivers separate the European and Asian parts: • Bosporus • Sea of Marmara • Dardanelles • Together they are called the Turkish Straits.

3. Turkey • Anatolia is in the center of Turkey. It is a plateau rimmed by mountains. • Pontic Mtns. border on the north • Taurus Mountains border on the south • Severe earthquakes occur often in Northern Turkey. • Lowland plains curve along Turkey’s three coasts.

4. 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 livestock • Crops: cotton, tobacco, fruits, nuts, wheat, barley

5. Turkey • Turkey is seeking to join the European Union. • Rich mineral resources: • Coal, copper, iron • Industries: • Oil refining, textiles (clothing) • Tourism: • Beaches, historic sites

6. Turkey’s People • Population: 71.2 million • Religion: Islam • Language: Turkish (Also Kurdish and Arabic) • Kurdish spoken by Kurds-an ethnic group that makes up of 20% of the population • 70% of population live in cities/towns • Istanbul is largest city with 9 million people • Only city in the world located on two continents

7. Turkey’s People • Istanbul is known for palaces, museums, and mosques • Major trading center • Ankara is Turkey’s capital

8. History & Culture • 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.

9. 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 changes • Modernized Turkey

10. 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 books • Folk music blends with traditional and modern styles. • Recently produced films highlighting social and political issues.

11. Syria • South of Turkey • Part of many empires, but gained independence in 1946 • Since the 1960s, one political party has controlled the government. • Does not allow many political freedoms • Land includes: • Fertile coastal plains and valleys along the Mediterranean

12. Syria • Mountains run north and south • Keeps moist sea winds from reaching eastern part • Syrian desert covers the eastern portion • Main economic activity is agriculture • Corn, wheat, and fruit • Govt. built dams on Euphrates River • Provide water for irrigation, hydroelectric power • Has reserves of oil, which is their main export

13. The Syrians • Population: 17.5 million • Half live in rural areas • Bedouins-nomadic desert peoples who have a traditional way of life • Damascus is the capital and is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world • Founded as a trading center 4,000 years ago • Mostly Arab Muslims

14. The Syrians • Many mosques and palaces in city • Hospitality is major way of life • Group meals • Common foods: • Lamb, flat bread, and bean dishes

15. Lebanon • Half the size of New Jersey • Most densely wooded of all Middle Eastern countries • 60% of population works in service industries • Crops: • Citrus fruits, vegetables, grains, olives, and grapes • Shrimp is harvested in the Mediterranean

16. Lebanese People • Population: 4.2 million • 88% lives in cities • Capital: Beirut (largest city) • “Paris of the East” • Still rebuilding after civil war from 1975-1991 • Civil war between Christians and Muslims • 70% of population are Muslims • Refugees fled country, economy destroyed

17. Lebanese People • Israel invaded Lebanon after civil war • Withdrew troops in 2000 • Arabic is most widely spoken language • French is also an official language • Foods reflect a blend of Arab, Turkish, and French influences

18. Jordan • Lacks water resources • Irrigated farmland lies in Jordan River valley • Crops: • Wheat, fruits, and vegetables • Desert home to bedouins • Tent-dwellers, raise livestock • Lacks energy resources • Many people work in service and manufacturing

19. People & Govt. • Population: 5.5 million • Mostly Arab Muslims • 1 million are Palestinian refugees • Capital: Amman (largest city) • 1900s-Ottoman Empire controlled Jordan • Gained independence in 1946 • Constitutional monarchy • Elected leaders run countries, king is head of state

20. People & Govt. • 1952-1999 King Hussein I ruled Jordan • Blended country’s traditions with modern ways • King Abdullah I is current king • Son of Hussein I