Middle Eastern History

Modern Middle Eastern history is shaped by the decline of the Ottoman Empire, colonialism, and the rise of nationalism. Post-World War I, new nation-states emerged, often drawing arbitrary borders that ignored ethnic and sectarian realities. The discovery of oil in the 20th century transformed economies and geopolitics, leading to foreign interventions and conflicts. Key events include the establishment of Israel in 1948, the Iranian Revolution in 1979, and ongoing conflicts like the Arab-Israeli wars and the civil wars in Syria and Yemen. Today, issues of governance, sectarianism, and international relations continue to impact the region's stability and development.