Middle East

Overview

Located in the southwest corner of Asia the Middle East comprises the lands extending from the eastern end of the Mediterranean Sea to the Persian Gulf.

South-eastern Turkey, eastern Syria and Iraq once made up the region of Mesopotamia. Mesopotamia, literally meaning “the land between rivers” (Tigris and Euphrates) is known as “the cradle of civilisation” and was the origin of the ancient Sumerian, Babylonian and Assyrian civilisations from approximately 3500 BC. It was here that the first alphabet was developed.

As time passed the ancient civilisations may have declined but as the birthplace and spiritual centre of Judaism, Christianity and Islam the Middle East has developed a complex history and a wide range of cultural and ethnic groups.

In today's world the Middle East is seldom out of the limelight, the abundance of oil has shown the way to substantial world trade and rapid growth. However religious and cultural differences within the region and throughout the world have lead to political strain, with some nations embracing western concepts and others closing their doors.

Visitors to the Middle East have a variety of choice, from historically important sites such as the Pyramids of Giza in Egypt and the ancient city of Petra in Jordan to the magnificently flamboyant hotels of Dubai. There are bustling bazaars throughout the region which offer tremendous bargains and bartering. The Red Sea offers beautiful reefs and excellent diving and snorkelling opportunities but there are many other outstanding sun, sand and sea destinations.