Why Is Palestine Considered Part of the Middle East?

  • Thread starter Helios
  • Start date
In summary, Palestine is called the middle east because it is in the middle of both Asia and the Western hemisphere. The name is originally from the Ottoman Empire, which fell in 1918.
  • #1
Helios
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Why is Palestine called the middle east? I look at a map. There's Asia. There's the Palestine region in WESTERN Asia. It's the middle west, not the middle east. Let this error be corrected.
 
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  • #2
It's "west" from what frame of reference? Why would you use Asia as your frame of reference, over, say, London?
 
  • #3
Error? Do you know where the name actually came from? Why is the eastern hemisphere the eastern hemisphere and the western hemisphere the western hemisphere? Why should we care?

Also, you do understand it isn't just the Palestinian area that has this label, right?
 
  • #4
With the fall of the Ottoman Empire in 1918, the use of "Near East" declined in English. "Middle East" came to be applied to the re-emerging nations of the Islamic world. A variety of academic disciplines, including archaeology and ancient history, retained the term "Near East". It is used to describe an area coterminous with the contemporary term Middle East. (See Ancient Near East).

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Middle_east#Criticism_and_usage

I see why Near East was used, but don't know who introduced "Middle East". Here:

Before the First World War, "Near East" was used in English to refer to the Balkans and the Ottoman Empire, while "Middle East" referred to Iran, Afghanistan, Central Asia, Turkestan, and the Caucasus. In contrast, "Far East" referred to the countries of East Asia: China, Japan, Korea, Hong Kong, etc. Some critics advise using an alternative, geographically descriptive term, such as "Western Asia." The official United Nations designation of the area is "Western Asia"

Near, far, and middle.
 
  • #5
Why is New Jersey a mid-Atlantic state even though it is nowhere near the middle of the Atlantic? On account of Turkey being on the losing side in WWI?
 
  • #6
jimmysnyder said:
Why is New Jersey a mid-Atlantic state even though it is nowhere near the middle of the Atlantic? On account of Turkey being on the losing side in WWI?
No, it is actually just wishful thinking...
 
  • #7
Mid-east is Persia.

Mid-west is Peoria.

What's the problem?
 

FAQ: Why Is Palestine Considered Part of the Middle East?

What is the history of Palestine and the Middle East?

Palestine is a region located in the Middle East, between the Mediterranean Sea and the Jordan River. It has a long and complex history, with various civilizations and empires controlling the area at different times. It is also a region of great religious significance, being the birthplace of Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. In modern times, Palestine has been a subject of conflict between Israel and its neighboring countries.

What is the current political situation in Palestine and the Middle East?

Currently, Palestine is divided into two distinct areas - the West Bank and the Gaza Strip. The West Bank is governed by the Palestinian Authority, while the Gaza Strip is controlled by the militant group Hamas. The region has been in a state of conflict for decades, with ongoing disputes between Israel and Palestine over land and borders. Other countries in the Middle East also play a role in the political situation, often taking sides and influencing policies.

What is the significance of Jerusalem in the Palestine and Middle East conflict?

Jerusalem is a holy city for all three major Abrahamic religions - Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. This has made it a hotly contested city in the ongoing conflict between Israel and Palestine. Both sides claim Jerusalem as their capital and have historical and religious ties to the city. The status of Jerusalem remains one of the most contentious issues in the conflict.

What is the role of the United States in the Palestine and Middle East conflict?

The United States has played a significant role in the Palestine and Middle East conflict, often acting as a mediator between Israel and Palestine. The US has also been a major political and military ally of Israel, providing financial aid and support. However, its involvement in the conflict has been a subject of criticism, with some arguing that it has favored Israel over Palestine.

What is the impact of the Palestine and Middle East conflict on the region and the world?

The Palestine and Middle East conflict has had a profound impact on the region and the world. It has resulted in the displacement and suffering of millions of people, as well as political and economic instability in the region. The conflict also has global implications, with various countries and organizations getting involved and trying to find a resolution. It has also sparked debates and discussions about human rights, international law, and the role of religion in politics.

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