SOCC29H3 Lecture : C29 - LEC01.docx
Document Summary
Cultural and political significance of the middle east. Political and cultural significance rests on several factors: middle east is the birthplace of the three abrahamic religions: christianity, Cultural importance for people worldwide regardless if they have links to the region: middle east is also at the crossroad of europe, asia and africa. This geographic location gave it a great deal of significance especially in the colonial era when transportation was limited and waterways were very important. Middle east became an essential passageway for travellers by boat and by foot: me oil wells. Not all countries of me have an abundance of oil reserves. Majority of it is concentrated in 5-6 regions, 22 countries. These countries have upwards of 50% of world"s reserves, thus much wealth. Since then it has gained more importance (i. e. oil crises of 1970s arab holding their supplies from global market, raising prices), giving these places more significance through control.
