THE MIDDLE EAST
Home to the Cradle of Civilization, the Middle East—interchangeable with the Near East—has seen many of the world’s oldest cultures and civilizations. This history started from the earliest human settlements, continuing through several major pre- and post-Islamic Empires through to the nation-states of the Middle East today.
CAPE TO CAIRO
Bohunkus 26th September 1930
Miss Belcher, who travelled in her racing car from Cape to Cairo.
(Photo by Fox Photos).
HELIOPOLIS
1920s Cairo Street Scene
Architecture In Arab Style Vender Pushing Cart Suburb of Heliopolis.
(Photo by H. Armstrong Roberts).
Explore The PAST
Prince Leopold of Belgium and his wife Princess Astrid of Sweden visit the museum of archeology, in Cairo, Egypt, CIRCA 1930.
UPRISING EGYPT
During the 1920s, 1930s, and 1940s, Syria and Egypt made moves towards independence. The British, the French, and the Soviet Union departed from many parts of the Middle East during and after World War II (1939–1945). The Arab–Israeli conflict in Palestine culminated in the 1947 United Nations plan to partition Palestine. Later in the midst of Cold War tensions, the Arabic-speaking countries of Western Asia and Northern Africa saw the rise of pan-Arabism. The departure of the European powers from direct control of the region, the establishment of Israel, and the increasing importance of the petroleum industry, marked the creation of the modern Middle East. The wealthiest economies in the region per capita are the small oil-rich countries of Persian Gulf: Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain, and the United Arab Emirates.
