| Western Asia, often referred to as the Middle East, features a diverse and complex geography that includes deserts, mountains, rivers, and fertile valleys. The region stretches from the eastern Mediterranean to Iran and the Arabian Peninsula. Major landforms include the Zagros and Taurus Mountains, the Arabian Desert, and the Anatolian Plateau. Important rivers such as the Tigris and Euphrates run through Iraq and support agriculture in the region historically known as Mesopotamia. The climate ranges from arid in much of the Arabian Peninsula to more temperate in areas like the Levant. The region’s geography has greatly influenced human settlement, trade, and the rise of ancient civilizations. Its central location between Europe, Africa, and Asia has made it a crossroads for cultures, religions, and empires for thousands of years. |
