Chapter 18: The Eastern Mediterranean

7th Grade Social Studies

CHAPTER 18

Section 1: Physical Geography

Section 2: Turkey

Section 3: Israel and the Occupied Territories

Section 4: Syria, Lebanon, and Jordan

The Eastern Mediterranean

Section 1: Physical Geography Bosporus Sea of Marmara Jordan River Dead Sea Taurus Mts. Serian Desert Negev Dardanelles Mesopotamia Pontic Mts.

X

X

Main Ideas

The eastern Mediterranean region, where Europe, Asia, and Africa meet, is a geographical, economic, and cultural crossroads. The region has made many contributions to world civilization. It has also been the scene of many conflicts over the years.

Main Ideas

Judaism and Christianity began in the region. Both faiths have affected American culture, no matter what religion one might follow.

The U.S. has been a supporter of Israel since its creation. This policy has contributed to anti-American feelings and actions among some Arabs.

Vocabulary

phosphatesMineral salts containing the element phosphorus; used to make fertilizers

asphaltThe tarlike material used to pave streets

SECTION 1

Physical Geography

THE EASTERN MEDITERRANEAN

Physical Features Climate Types Resources

Balkan Peninsula, Dardanelles, Bosporus, Sea of Marmara, Euphrates River, Jordan River, Dead Sea, Syrian Desert, Negev

Mediterranean, desert, humid subtropical

limited farmland and pastureland, sulfur, mercury, phosphates, asphalt

Main Ideas

Turkey lies on two continents. The most common climate of the region is dry. Areas with rain or irrigation are used for

commercial farming, drier areas are used for subsistence farming and herding. Mineral resources support mining.

Vocabulary

secularKept separate from religion, as in a secular government or state

Main Ideas How did Atatürk try to modernize Turkey? Atatürk modernized Turkey because he

banned the fez, introduced the Latin alphabet, the European calendar, the metric system, and increased women’s roles.

Olives, vegetable, cheese, yogurt, bread, and shish kebab are popular Turkish foods

Crossroads of Commerce (2:49)

SECTION 2

Turkey

Alexander the Great conquers

the area

Seljuk Turks invade

Ottoman Turks invade and

establish an empire

Kemal Atatürk gains power and

establishes modern Turkey

EVENTS AND ERAS IN TURKISH HISTORYEVENTS AND ERAS IN TURKISH HISTORY

Section 3: Israel and the Occupied Territories

Golan Heights

Gaza Strip

West Bank

Main Ideas

Technology has allowed Israel to increase its food production because of water for irrigation.

When it was created people moved to Israel from countries around the world which made it a culturally diverse region.

Vocabulary

DiasporaThe scattering of the Jewish population from Palestine under Roman rule

ZionismThe movement to establish a Jewish country or community in Palestine

(4:15)

Jerusalem

SECTION 3Israel and the Occupied Territories

Economyhigh-tech

equipment, cut diamonds,

tourism

Creation of Israel

formed in 1948

Diversity82 percent Jewish;

Palestinian Muslims and Christians

Governmentprime minister and parliament,

or Knesset

Foods and Festivals foods influenced by Jewish religious laws; Yom Kippur

and Passover important holidays

LanguagesHebrew, Arabic,

English, Russian, German, Hungarian,

Yiddish

ISRAEL

Main Ideas

Hafiz al-Assad ruled Syria from 1971 to 2001 and increased the size of the military.

Religious and political divisions between Christians and Muslims lead to conflict in Lebanon.

Jordan does not border the Mediterranean Sea.

Vocabulary

mandateFormer territories of defeated World War I countries that were placed under the control of winning countries after the war

Royal Tour of Jordan (38:21)

SECTION 4

Syria, Lebanon, and Jordan

JORDAN’S HISTORY

Event Summary Significance

borders established

Arab-Israeli wars

independence

war of 1948

monarchy established

rule of Hussein

Great Britain drew borders after WWI

foreign influence in creation of country

Abdullah named as monarch

full independence gained in 1940s

war with Israel

wars between Arab nations and Israel

King Hussein rules from 1952 to 1999

British ally named to rule country

independence from foreign rule

annexed Arab lands of the West Bank

Palestinian refugees immigrate to Jordan

considered one of the best rulers of region

Chapter Wrap-Up

1. People and customs from what three continents have influenced the eastern Mediterranean region?

2. What three major religions have holy sites in Jerusalem?

3. How has westernization changed Turkey’s government, economy, and culture?

4. What is the conflict over the Occupied Territories?

5. How do people in this area make their living from the land?

1. People and customs from what three continents have influenced the eastern Mediterranean region?

2. What three major religions have holy sites in Jerusalem?

3. How has westernization changed Turkey’s government, economy, and culture?

4. What is the conflict over the Occupied Territories?

5. How do people in this area make their living from the land?

CHAPTER 18

imagine