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The Middle East is a geopolitical region encompassing the Arabian Peninsula, Egypt, Iran, Iraq, the Levant, and Turkey.

The term Middle East came into widespread use among Western European nations in the early 20th century, replacing the earlier designation Near East—both terms defined in contrast to the Far East. Over time, the phrase has generated confusion due to its shifting and inconsistent definitions, and since the late 20th century it has been criticized for being Eurocentric. In contemporary usage, the Middle East largely overlaps with West Asia, though it typically excludes the South Caucasus, while fully including Egypt (beyond just the Sinai Peninsula) and Turkey (including East Thrace).

Most Middle Eastern states—13 out of 18—are part of the Arab world. The region’s most populous countries are Egypt, Iran, and Turkey, while Saudi Arabia is the largest by land area. The Middle East is often regarded as one of the world’s earliest centers of human civilization and has played a central role in global history for millennia. Its geopolitical significance has made it a focal point of competition among empires and great powers throughout history. The region is also the birthplace of the Abrahamic religions—Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. Arabs form the largest ethnic group, followed by Turks, Persians, Kurds, Jews, and Assyrians.

Climatically, much of the Middle East is characterized by hot, arid conditions, particularly across the Arabian Peninsula and Egypt. Agriculture is sustained in limited areas by major river systems, including the Nile Delta, the Tigris–Euphrates basin in Mesopotamia, and the Jordan River basin in the Levant. These regions collectively form the Fertile Crescent, traditionally regarded as the core of the cradle of civilization, though scholars now recognize that multiple regions globally developed independent early civilizations.

In contrast, the Levantine coast and much of Turkey experience a Mediterranean climate, with dry summers and cool, wet winters. Many states bordering the Persian Gulf possess vast petroleum reserves, and oil exports—particularly from monarchies of the Arabian Peninsula—have played a major role in regional economic development. However, the Middle East’s arid climate and reliance on fossil fuels mean that the region is both a significant contributor to climate change and highly vulnerable to its impacts.

Broader conceptual frameworks also exist. The Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region extends westward to include the Maghreb and Sudan, while the Greater Middle East may additionally encompass Afghanistan, Pakistan, Mauritania, parts of East Africa, and occasionally Central Asia and the South Caucasus.

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