Who named the Middle East? Exploring the origins of the term
- Vanessa Chamma
- 7 de jun. de 2024
- 10 min de leitura
Atualizado: 8 de jul.
The term "Middle East" was originally coined by British military strategist Alfred Thayer Mahan in the early 20th century. This region, which spans Western Asia and Egypt, has a rich and complex history rooted in ancient civilizations. Today, the Middle East includes 17 countries with major cities like Riyadh, Cairo, and Istanbul.
Middle East
Historically, the area between the Eastern Mediterranean and the Persian Gulf has been referred to as both the Near East and the Middle East. These names highlight its strategic location and cultural significance. The shift from Near East to Middle East became widespread in the early 1900s and has stuck ever since.
The geopolitical landscape of the Middle East has always been pivotal due to its natural resources and strategic position. From the earliest civilizations in Mesopotamia to modern-day political developments, this region remains a focal point of global interest.
Key Takeaways
Alfred Thayer Mahan coined the term "Middle East" in the early 20th century.
The Middle East spans Western Asia and includes 17 countries.
The region is historically and politically significant.
Historical Background
The Middle East has a rich history marked by ancient civilizations, powerful empires, and significant colonial influences. Understanding these aspects provides insight into the region's complex past.
Ancient Civilizations and Empires
The Middle East is often called the Cradle of Civilization due to its early human settlements. Mesopotamia, known as the land between the Tigris and Euphrates rivers, saw the rise of the Sumerians, Akkadians, Babylonians, and Assyrians. These civilizations made remarkable advancements in writing, law, and architecture.
The Persian Empire, founded by Cyrus the Great, was another dominant force. It stretched from the Indus Valley to the Aegean Sea, influencing various cultures and facilitating trade and cultural exchange. The Byzantine Empire also played a crucial role, shaping the region through its administrative innovations and Christian legacy.
The Rise and Decline of the Ottoman Empire
The Ottoman Empire, established in the late 13th century, significantly impacted the Middle East. At its height, it controlled large parts of Southeast Europe, Western Asia, and North Africa. The Ottomans were known for their administrative prowess and cultural diversity.
Under leaders like Suleiman the Magnificent, the empire expanded and became a major political and cultural force. They unified a vast region and fostered relative stability and prosperity. However, internal strife and external pressures, including military defeats and economic challenges, led to the empire’s gradual decline by the 19th century.
European Colonial Influences
European colonial powers, especially the British Empire and the French, left a lasting mark on the Middle East. In the 19th and early 20th centuries, these powers divided the region into spheres of influence, drawn by its strategic importance and resources.
The British established their command in Egypt and influenced regions like Iraq, Palestine, and the Arabian Peninsula. The French impacted areas such as Syria and Lebanon. This period saw the imposition of new borders and administrative systems, often disregarding existing cultural and social structures, which led to long-standing tensions.
Geographical Definition
The term "Middle East" covers a diverse region that includes parts of Europe, Asia, and Africa. Its borders and the specific countries it encompasses have evolved over time.
From the Near East to the Middle East
The term "Near East" was initially used by Europeans in the 19th century to describe regions close to Europe. This included the Eastern Mediterranean area and the lands around the Persian Gulf. Over time, "Middle East" replaced "Near East" to differentiate it from the "Far East," which referred to East Asia.
The Middle East generally includes Western Asia and parts of Northern Africa. Regions like the Arabian Peninsula, stretching from the Persian Gulf to the borders of Oman, form a major part of this area. The term also covers countries bordering the Mediterranean Sea, such as Turkey and Egypt.
Borders and Nations
Geographically, the Middle East is a transcontinental region. It bridges the continents of Europe, Asia, and Africa. Key areas include Western Asia and Northern Africa. Countries commonly recognized as part of the Middle East include Saudi Arabia, Iran, Iraq, Turkey, Israel, and Egypt. Borders are often fluid based on political, economic, and cultural definitions.
To the West, the Middle East is bordered by the Mediterranean Sea. To the East, it reaches the borders of the Far East, including countries like India. The region encompasses significant water bodies like the Persian Gulf, providing crucial sea routes and resources.
Political Developments
Political developments in the Middle East have been significantly influenced by global events and foreign powers. These developments span from redefinitions after major wars to the impact of contemporary international relations.
Post-World War Redefinitions
After World War I, the Ottoman Empire collapsed, leading to the redefinition of the region's boundaries. The British and French played major roles in drawing new borders through the Sykes-Picot Agreement.
The Sykes-Picot Agreement, also known as the Asia Minor Agreement, was a secret agreement made during World War I between the United Kingdom and France, with the assent of the Russian Empire. The agreement was named after its negotiators, Sir Mark Sykes of Britain and François Georges-Picot of France. The agreement, signed in May 1916, aimed to divide the Middle East into spheres of influence for the two European powers in the event of the Ottoman Empire's defeat in the war. The agreement proposed that the Arab provinces of the Ottoman Empire would be divided into areas of control or influence for the two powers, with the intention of creating independent Arab states under their influence. However, the Sykes-Picot Agreement ultimately disregarded the aspirations of the Arab people for self-determination and instead sought to maintain European colonial control over the region.
These newly drawn borders ignored ethnic and religious lines, causing long-term tensions. States like Iraq, Syria, and Lebanon emerged, resulting in new national identities and conflicts. Additionally, the League of Nations mandates placed many Middle Eastern territories under European control, delaying their independence movements. Key countries sought independence after realizing European promises were unfulfilled.
Influence of Major Powers
Major powers such as the United States and Soviet Union had significant influence during and after World War II. The region's strategic importance for oil resources and military positioning attracted intense interest.
During the Cold War, the United States focused on countering Soviet influence. This often involved supporting friendly regimes and sometimes authoritarian leaders. The Soviet Union provided military and financial support to its allies, adding to regional tensions.
European powers’ influence waned post-World War II, but their earlier actions left lasting impacts. Countries in the Middle East navigated between these superpowers, which also affected their internal and external politics.
Contemporary International Relations
Today, contemporary political developments include ongoing conflicts and alliances shaped by historical factors. The United Nations plays a crucial role in mediating disputes and providing humanitarian aid. Regional powers like Iran and Saudi Arabia have their own sphere of influence. Tensions are high, with conflicts in Yemen and Syria reflecting broader geopolitical struggles.
Nations like Israel remain pivotal, with their relations affecting stability across the region. United States involvement continues, especially concerning its policies on Iran and support for certain governments. Understanding these dynamics helps in grasping the complexities and ongoing changes in Middle Eastern politics.
Socio-Cultural Dynamics
The Middle East is a region rich in cultural diversity, with complex social fabrics woven from its various religions, languages, and historical heritages. Its cultural landscape is shaped by the interconnected lives of numerous ethnic groups and their longstanding histories.
Religions of the Middle East
The Middle East is the birthplace of several major religions, including Islam, Christianity, and Judaism. Islam is the most dominant religion, with significant populations of Sunni and Shia Muslims.
Christianity has ancient roots in the region, particularly in places like Lebanon and Egypt. Various Christian denominations coexist, such as the Coptic Orthodox Church in Egypt and the Maronite Church in Lebanon. Judaism originated in this region, and Israel remains a central hub for Jewish culture and religion today.
Languages and Ethnic Groups
The region is home to a variety of languages and ethnic groups. Arabic is the most widely spoken language and serves as a lingua franca in many parts. Other important languages include Persian, spoken primarily in Iran, and Turkish, spoken in Turkey.
Ethnic groups such as Arabs, Persians, and Turkic peoples each bring their unique traditions and cultures to the region. There are also smaller ethnic groups like the Kurds and the Armenians, who have preserved their distinct cultural identities through the ages.
Cultural and Historical Heritage
The Middle East boasts a rich cultural and historical heritage. Ancient civilizations such as Mesopotamia, Egypt, and Persia have left an indelible mark on world history with their advancements in science, art, and governance.
Historical sites like the Pyramids of Giza, the Ziggurats of Mesopotamia, and the ruins of Persepolis stand testament to these cultures' architectural and artistic achievements. Modern cities like Istanbul and Jerusalem continue to reflect this deep historical layering, harmonizing ancient traditions with contemporary life.
The Origin of the Term Middle East
The term "Middle East" was coined in the mid-19th century. It originated from European political perspectives and was further popularized by strategic military interests.
Alfred Thayer Mahan's Contribution
Alfred Thayer Mahan, an American naval officer and historian, played a crucial role in popularizing the term "Middle East" in the early 20th century. He used the phrase to describe the area between Arabia and India, emphasizing its strategic importance.
Mahan's writings influenced British strategic thought, as they recognized the region's significance for controlling vital sea routes and maintaining the influence of the British Empire. His ideas were pivotal in shaping Western geopolitical strategies during that period. The term gained widespread usage as Western nations, including Britain, began to focus more on the region, particularly during and after the World Wars.
Frequently Asked Questions
The term "Middle East" has a complex history rooted in Western perspectives. Understanding its origins and implications helps shed light on its geopolitical and cultural significance.
What is the historical origin of the term 'Middle East'?
The term "Middle East" was popularized in the early 20th century. It describes the region between Western Asia and Egypt. The term came into widespread use during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, influenced by European colonial interests.
Which empire is responsible for the term 'Middle East'?
The British Empire played a key role in defining the term "Middle East". British influence in the region during the colonial period contributed to the adoption of the term, which suited their strategic and geopolitical interests.
What are the reasons behind naming it the 'Middle East' instead of 'West Asia'?
The term "Middle East" emphasizes the region's position from a European perspective, lagging between the Near East (Turkey and the Balkans) and the Far East (East Asia). "West Asia" is a geographically accurate term but has not seen the same widespread use.
How does the term 'Middle East' reflect geopolitical perspectives?
The term "Middle East" reflects Western geopolitical perspectives that often blend geography with strategic interests. This designation facilitated European navigation and control, especially during the height of the British Empire.
What are the implications of the term 'Middle East' for regional identity?
Using "Middle East" instead of more localized terms can obscure the region’s diverse cultures and identities. This broad designation lumps together various nations with distinct histories, languages, and religions, creating a generalized view.
Why might the term 'Middle East' be considered contentious or problematic?
The term "Middle East" can be contentious because it stems from colonial-era perspectives. Critics argue it imposes a Eurocentric view, potentially undermining the unique identities of the region’s peoples. This terminology can perpetuate outdated Western-centric narratives.
Final Considerations
In the 20th century, the concept of the “Middle East” included the territories of Turkey, Cyprus, Syria, Lebanon, Iraq, Iran, Israel, the West Bank, the Gaza Strip, Jordan, Egypt, Sudan, Libya and the states of ancient Arabia (Arabian Saudi, Kuwait, Yemen, Oman, Bahrain, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates). Later events placed other territories on this list: three countries in North Africa (Tunisia, Algeria and Morocco), as they were part of the foreign policy agenda of Arab countries. Regarding the geographical aspect, Afghanistan and Pakistan were also included in the list of these countries. However, the United States Department of State and other UN bodies prefer to use the term Near East, as Middle East seems incorrect.
The speed with which changes reached the Middle East surprised even some autocratic leaders in the region, who built ideals of personal infallibility and indisputable durability, belittling past events that demonstrated just the opposite, that is, the inevitability of transformations in their context. In part, this tendency to refuse changes to the status quo happened due to the encouragement and assistance of the great powers that obtained (in specific cases “still obtain”) economic and political gains and, to this end, spent billions to keep them in their service. Therefore, the different autocratic regimes were due to internal and external facts. On the other hand, no matter how profound the changes, something persists in its history:
“Most of the problems in the Middle East come from a colonial past, in which European powers arrogantly inserted themselves into the region and divided it among themselves without any respect for human rights or human dignity” (Ahmad Kamal).
Therefore, the changes of recent decades have affected not only the countries in the region, but also those that began colonization. Criticism aside, there is no denying that these changes have reached the Middle East and, according to some researchers, symbolize the search for justice in an unfair and materialistic world, full of rulers who do not practice what they say. This is precisely why, to study or question the Middle East, it is necessary to look at developed countries, some of which still invest to try to foster a minimum level of balance and stability, as, in fact, their own interests are at stake.
Generally, revolutions in the region last for long periods and only after a long time do the true commands that mobilized the movements in the beginning appear. It is worth mentioning that it takes decades or more to reach any conclusion, depending on the case. In view of this, it is a warning to the “critics or observers on duty” who, when an event breaks out in the Middle East, immediately publish their “guessing” [absent a thorough and transparent analysis], but, after decades, when the stage curtain opens up and the real actors and interests emerge, their hasty judgments go down the drain. Although the scenario becomes increasingly complicated, in a deep crisis there are also opportunities, as:
“In a new world the chances will be equally new”
Despite observing the emergence of colonies in the Mediterranean Sea by the city-states of Greece and Phoenicia in order to maintain commercial and military influence, the first series of colonizations took place in the mid-19th century. Another relevant point for this question revolves around the large European demographic growth due to the Industrial Revolution, especially in England and France.
This huge and important event, in addition to its consequences, encouraged strong competition between the main European powers with the aim of increasing their global influence. The objective of the European powers was based on controlling human and natural resources, increasing their market capacity for their industries and taking control of strategic positions, especially important trade routes.
Quotes:
KAMAL, Ahmad. History of the Middle East. Fairleigh Dickinson University, January 2012.
BRITANNICA. Middle East. Disponível em: https://www.britannica.com/place/Middle-East
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