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Middle East)
The Middle East (or, formerly more common, the Near East) is a region that encompasses southwestern Asia and Egypt. The term was created by British military strategists in the 19th century, and definitions of the Middle East vary; it is not simply a geographical term, but also a political one, connoting that it separates Europe ("the West") from the Far East, and the traditional trade route of choice between these two extremes. Nowadays, the Middle East remains a strategically, economically, politically, culturally and religiously sensitive region. And this region is home to numerous ethnic groups, including Arabs, Turks, Persians, Jews, Kurds, Aramean Syriacs, Armenians, Azeris, Circassians, Greeks and Georgians. As one of the wellsprings of human civilization in the ancient and medieval worlds, the birthplace of several world religions (Judaism, Christianity, Islam and Bahai) and an area of much modern economic and political importance, the Middle East remains a popular destination for travelers.
[edit] Regions
[edit] Cities
- Amman - experiencing a massive change from a quiet sleepy village to a bustling metropolis
- Beirut - a true cosmopolitan city, the commercial and financial hub of Lebanon
- Baghdad - once a favored destination on the 'hippie trail' and packed full of sights, now one of the most dangerous cities on Earth
- Damascus - credited with being the oldest, continuously inhabited city in the world, the old-walled city in particular feels very ancient
- Dubai - most modern and progressive emirate in the United Arab Emirates, developing at an unbelievable pace
- Jerusalem - containing the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Old City, this city is sacred for Jews, Christians and Muslims
- Mecca - forbidden for non-Muslims to enter, this is the holiest city in Islam mostly known for the Hajj
- Riyadh - with most forms of entertainment banned, few sights of interest and a brutal climate, Riyadh is mostly a city to just watch
- Tehran - a bustling metropolis of 14 million people, it is a cosmopolitan city, with great museums, parks, restaurants and warm friendly people
