World Geography B - Units 1-6
Climate Zones of Iran and Iraq
Iran and Iraq's geographical features and climates have influenced the development of civilizations in the region, particularly in Mesopotamia (present-day Iraq), known as "the land between two rivers" (Tigris and Euphrates). These rivers, mountains, and climates have shaped settlement and development patterns.
Differing Climates and Geography
Located in the Middle East (Southwest Asia), Iran and Iraq possess distinct climate zones and geographic features that have influenced settlement. Iran boasts more coastline with the Caspian Sea to the north and the Persian Gulf to the south.
Geographic Features of Iran and Iraq
Iran
Iran is characterized by plateaus surrounded by rugged mountains, including the Elburz Mountains in the north and the Zagros Mountains in the west. The Iranian plateau dominates the country's center, while the Karun River flows through the southwest corner. Most of Iran is at higher elevations, with Mount Damavand in the Elburz Mountains reaching 18,605 feet. The plateau and coastlines have historically attracted settlers involved in farming and fishing.
Iraq
Iraq consists of sandy plains bordered by rugged mountains, including the Syrian Desert in the west. The Zagros Mountains create a natural border between Turkey and Iran, isolating early inhabitants. The Tigris and Euphrates Rivers run through the country, providing essential water for drinking and agriculture. Civilizations and settlements have historically thrived along these rivers.
Climates of Iran and Iraq
Iran
Iran experiences diverse climate zones, with most of the country being arid with minimal rainfall. Temperatures range from extreme heat (110 degrees Fahrenheit) to below freezing. The northwest has a subtropical climate with hot, humid summers and cold to mild winters with heavy snowfall. Central Iran features cool to warm summers and very cold or mild winters. Southern Iran has mild winters and very hot summers. Average rainfall is about 10 inches per year, except in the Caspian coastal region, which gets about 20 inches annually. Wind patterns, such as the shamal, affect the climate. The 120-day summer wind near Pakistan reaches speeds of 70 miles per hour. Settlement patterns are influenced by climate, with most people living around the interior plateau and oases due to access to water and frequent rainfall.
Iraq
Iraq has two main climate zones: the lowlands and the northern highlands. The lowlands are hot and dry deserts and alluvial plains. The area between the Tigris and Euphrates Rivers is fertile due to its proximity to the rivers. Summers last from May to October and are very hot, with no rainfall from June to September. The northern highlands have cooler temperatures and more rainfall. Winter occurs from December to February, with snow in the Zagros Mountains. People have settled primarily in the fertile valleys in lowlands for crop cultivation and animal husbandry, as well as in cities near rivers.
1.02 - Culture, Religion, and History of Iran and Iraq
Iraq and Iran have made significant cultural contributions, including carpets, rugs, ice cream, and cookies. The region's history, culture, and religion have shaped its identity.
Two Nations Develop
The region of modern-day Iraq saw the development of the earliest complex, organized cities, while Iran was home to very early civilizations and empires. Both countries have histories that reflect diverse cultures.
The Silk Road
Mesopotamia, between the Tigris and Euphrates Rivers in present-day Iraq, was the birthplace of early civilizations like Sumer, Akkad, Babylon, and Assyria. This fertile region was sought after by empires, including the Persian, Greek, and Roman Empires. Iran was also significant in the Persian Empire. The Prophet Muhammad introduced Islam in the seventh century AD in Saudi Arabia. Islam quickly spread through the Middle East, including Iran and Iraq, becoming an integral part of their culture. The Silk Road, a network of trade routes connecting China, Central Asia, the Middle East, and Europe, facilitated the spread of Islam, cultural exchange, and scientific advancements. Muslim physicians pioneered techniques like distillation and the use of alcohol as an antiseptic, which spread throughout the Middle East.
Religion in Iran and Iraq
Religion is central to life and culture in Iran and Iraq. In Iran, over 99% of the population is Muslim, primarily Shia, who regard their leaders as impeccable. In Iraq, 98% are Muslim, with a Shia majority and a Sunni minority. Differences exist in practice, prayer, and ritual between Shia and Sunni Muslims. For those who practice Islam, faith dictates all aspects of life. Marriage and family are of utmost importance, with couples encouraged to have many children. Islamic art avoids depictions of God or the Prophets. Christianity and Judaism represent small minorities in both countries.
Cultures of Iran and Iraq
Culture encompasses shared beliefs, ideas, behaviors, objects, and creations. Islam has influenced cultures in Iran and Iraq significantly. Persians are the dominant cultural group in Iran, united by the Persian language (Farsi). Food is a shared cultural element, with rice and bread dishes common in Iran and kebabs with grilled meats in Iraq. Iran is known as the birthplace of rugs, carpets, ice cream, and cookies. Iranian scientists and doctors influenced the European Renaissance with discoveries, while Arab mathematicians developed algebra.
Social Structures
In Iraq, society is patriarchal, with fathers as authorities in business and government. Women have gained education and employment but face patriarchal norms. Education incorporates Islamic teachings. After Iran became an Islamic state in 1979, the government mandated traditional head coverings (hijabs) for women, symbolizing theocracy. Goverment in Iran follows Islamic Law and any kind of financial interest on loans is deemed illegal.
Iraq's government is a federal parliamentary republic divided into 18 regions with local governments. Laws blend Islamic and civil laws.
1.03 -War in the Region
Iran and Iraq have experienced numerous conflicts, including the Iran-Iraq War and conflicts with the United States and the former USSR.
Conflicts Develop
Since the 1980s, Iran and Iraq have engaged in major conflicts. The Iran-Iraq War (1980–1988) was initiated by Iraq's leader, Saddam Hussein, who sought control over Iran's Khuzestan region due to its oil reserves and control of the Shatt-al-Arab river.
Iran's leader, Ruhollah Khomeini, established Iran as an Islamic state and opposed Hussein. When Hussein invaded Khuzestan, Iran was caught off guard due to internal issues and strained relations with the United States. Iraq advanced into Iran but faced strong resistance. By 1982, Iran pushed Iraqi troops back. The war continued for years without either side gaining dominance. Iraq received support from Kuwait and Saudi Arabia, while the United States provided intelligence to Iraq in the early years of the war.
United States Involvement
The former USSR aided Iraq with supplies and equipment. In 1988, Iraq launched a ground attack on Iran after failed Iranian offensives. United Nations Security Council Resolution 598 called for a cease-fire, which Iran accepted.
In 1990, Iraq agreed to Iranian peace terms. Casualties are estimated at nearly 1 million, with Iran suffering greater losses.
Iraq vs. the United States
Conflict between Iraq and the United States occurred in the early 1990s and 2000s. Saddam Hussein sought control over Kuwait's oil reserves and demanded cancellation of Iraq's war debt to Kuwait, which Kuwait refused.
In August 1990, Iraq invaded Kuwait. The United Nations demanded Iraq's withdrawal, but Iraq refused. Concerns over access to Kuwait's oil and the potential threat to Saudi Arabia prompted the United States and other nations to intervene. The United Nations approved the use of force. Over 500,000 of the 700,000 troops deployed were from the United States.
The Persian Gulf War lasted a little over a month, with peace terms requiring Iraq to eliminate weapons of mass destruction and allow UN inspectors. Iraq's refusal led to the Iraq War in March 2003. US forces captured Baghdad in April 2003, and Saddam Hussein was captured in December 2003. He was tried, convicted of crimes against humanity, and executed in December 2006. Political instability and unrest ensued, prompting the US military to remain involved. In November 2008, the Iraqi government approved a timeline for US troop withdrawal. Despite US intentions to maintain a presence after 2011, the Iraqi government would not agree. The remaining troops left in December 2011.
Eastern Mediterranean
The Eastern Mediterranean is at the "cradle of civilization," featuring ancient cities, trade routes, religions, and cultures.
LEARNING OBJECTIVES
Analyze cultural changes in the region caused by migration, war, trade, innovation, and diffusion.
Recognize components of culture, including language, religion, beliefs, institutions, and technologies.
Analyze how the character of a place is related to its political, economic, social, and cultural elements.
Eastern Mediterranean Geography
The Eastern Mediterranean region is central to early human civilization, with ancient cities and a crossroads for trade, religion, ideas, wars, and innovation. Also known as the Levant。
The Mediterranean Sea stretches 2,500 miles east to west, connecting to the Atlantic Ocean at the Strait of Gibraltar and the Black Sea through the Dardanelles. Countries in the Eastern Mediterranean include Turkey, Syria, Lebanon, Palestine, and Israel.
Agriculture
The meeting point of Turkey and Syria is historically important as the Fertile Crescent. Early societies settled there for farming due to rich and productive soil. Annual flooding of land along the Mediterranean Sea and major rivers created great land for agriculture. Advanced irrigation systems were developed to move floodwaters across flat lands. Common crops included coffee, figs, asparaguses, lentils, and pomegranates. Cedar trees along the hills of Lebanon provided wood for building.
Istanbul at the Crossroads
Formerly known as Constantinople, Istanbul is Turkey's largest city and main seaport, located on a peninsula between the Mediterranean and Black Seas. A bridge between Asia and Europe, it has survived many wars and religious conflicts and served as the capital of both the Byzantine Empire (until 1453) and the Ottoman Empire (1453–1922). Today, it remains a central port and power in the region.
Climate
The Mediterranean is a transitional zone between Europe's temperate climate to the north and desert climates to the south. Salt water from the Atlantic Ocean circulates in currents, and freshwater from the Nile River contributes to the sea’s climate. The coastline is jagged, with Cyprus as the largest island. Mountain ranges in Turkey and desert lands in Syria and northeast Africa affect the regional climate. The region is generally dry or semi-arid in summers and cooler and wet in winters. Rainfall varies, with considerable amounts along the north coast and little (less than 10") on the southern coast--North Africa, Egypt and Syria. Autumn is short. Eastern Turkey has higher elevations, with Mount Ararat being the highest point.
Culture in the Eastern Mediterranean
The Eastern Mediterranean is part of the Middle East, where the first civilizations formed. Regional cultures blend traditions from Asia and Europe, including major religions.
A Remarkable History
The Fertile Crescent is often called the cradle of civilization. Early civilizations grew along the Mediterranean coast. Turkey, Syria, Lebanon, and Israel were first inhabited by the ancient Mesopotamians. The Silk Road connected China to the Roman Empire through the Middle East and the Mediterranean Sea, facilitating cultural diffusion of goods, religion, culture, science, and philosophy.
Related Religions
Judaism, Christianity, and Islam originated in the Middle East and Eastern Mediterranean. These Abrahamic religions consider Abraham to be a common forefather. The Roman Empire chased Jewish people out of Palestine. Christian communities continued to develop throughout North Africa, Europe, and Russia. Christianity was born out of Judaism. Islam started in Saudi Arabia and spread throughout the Middle East and parts of southeastern Europe. The Christian Crusades attempted to force Islam out of Jerusalem and Europe. Today, all three religions are present in the Eastern Mediterranean.
A Mix of Languages
The primary language is Arabic, with Levant and Mediterranean variations. Turkish is widely spoken in Turkey. Hebrew is spoken in Israel, and Greek is also common.
A Patchwork Culture
For centuries, people from the East and West traveled to and through the Eastern Mediterranean, sharing cultural elements like food, music, art, philosophies, and ideas.
Turkey, once nomadic, became an international destination with Istanbul. Byzantine art and Asian and European artifacts are found in Turkey. Islam is the dominant faith, but Christians and Jews have been in the country’s history. Turkey is secular, though Islam has a stronger influence on its culture. Turkey has dealt harshly with the Kurds, who have sought independence or a stronger voice in Turkish politics since the 1970s.