This document summarizes the major ethnic groups of the Middle East region. It notes that the region is located at the crossroads of Africa, Europe, and Asia, resulting in great ethnic diversity. The largest groups are Arabs, who make up a majority of the population in 21 countries and are mostly Muslim. Israelis are also discussed, being mostly Jewish with a history tracing back to Hebrews, and Israel was founded in 1948. Turks are described as practicing Islam and having a blended culture from the Ottoman Empire. Smaller groups mentioned include Iranians, Afghanis, Cypriots, Armenians, and Kurds.

1. Ch 18.1

2.  Crossroads of Africa, Europe, Asia
◦ Resulted in ethnic diversity
 Arabs
◦ Majority
◦ Mostly Muslim
◦ Live in 21 countries
 Israelis
◦ Over 4/5 of population in Israel are Jewish
◦ History traced back to Hebrews
◦ Israel founded in 1948
 Arabs forced out by formation

3.  Turks
◦ Ottoman Empire
◦ Practice Islam
◦ Blended culture
 Iranians
◦ Iran- Land of the Aryans
◦ Speak Farsi
 Afghanis
◦ Non-Arab
◦ Combination of ethnicities from migration