Georgia's Exploring Our World: Africa, Southwest Asia, and Southern and Eastern Asia © 2012

Chapter 5: History and Cultures of Southwest Asia

Chapter Overviews

The people of Mesopotamia built civilizations in fertile river valleys in the region of Southwest Asia. Mesopotamia was located in an area called the Fertile Crescent in present-day Iraq. It had large city-states as early as 3000 B.C. in an area known as Sumer. The Sumerians developed the 12-month calendar and cuneiform writing. Later, Mesopotamia's King Hammurabi developed the world's first written legal code. Religion, based on polytheism or the worship of many gods and goddesses, played an important role in Sumerian society.

Southwest Asia is the birthplace of three major world religions—Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. Although they have important differences, all three religions are examples of monotheism, or belief in one God. Since their beginnings thousands of years ago, these religions have spread throughout the world. They have also had a great impact on the history of the region and its people.

The region was ruled by empires until the 1900s. By the end of World War I, European powers had gained control of the region. However, most countries won political freedom by the 1970s. One conflict that continues today is between Jews and Palestinian Arabs over land that each claims is rightfully theirs. In recent times, political unrest and religious differences have troubled parts of Southwest Asia, and these conflicts have had an impact on the rest of the world. In response, many people of the region have turned to political movements based on Islam. The region has also witnessed the growth of terrorism, which has led to the U.S. war against Iraq.

The region's population is growing rapidly due, in part, to better medical care. The harsh environment has dictated where people settle. Farming is difficult in some areas and is pushing villagers to the cities in search of a better life. With such rapid growth, cities are now facing new challenges such as overcrowding, lack of jobs, and poor housing.

Religion continues to play an important role throughout the region. Islam is the major faith; Judaism and Christianity are followed by only a small percentage of the population. Religious beliefs and traditions have influenced the language, arts, and daily lives of the people in various areas of Southwest Asia.

Standards of living vary across the area depending on whether a country has an economy based on oil or on manufacturing. Countries like Saudi Arabia and Qatar have prospered. Other countries, such as Afghanistan and Yemen, do not have these resources. Their citizens do not have high standards of living. Family life is important in the region. Traditionally, men are in charge and women raise the children. Those roles exist in many countries today; however, women's roles in other countries have begun to change and broaden.