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The Middle East has been heavily stereotyped and romanticised over the years. Stories of conflict, violence and religious extremism have bombarded the western media in recent decades, shaping a narrow view of the Middle East and its people. The following list contains 8 incredible places that shatter the traditional stereotypes and showcase the remarkable diversity of the Middle East.
Throughout its rich history of trade, migration and empire, the East African coast – from Eritrea in the north to Mozambique in the south – has developed a unique cultural, religious and demographic identity that makes it distinct from the rest of the African continent.
The food of Oman and Yemen is distinct to that of much of the Middle East, reflecting the area’s complex history of trade, migration and colonialism. Follow these 4 Yemeni and Omani foodies for recipes and culinary inspiration from the southern Arabian Peninsula.
Oman hit the headlines recently after the passing of the country’s ruler of 49 years, Sultan Qaboos Al Said, in January 2020. These three books constitute an essential reading list for anyone with an interest in Oman – whether academic, professional or otherwise. They include both non-fiction and fiction books covering useful information about the country’s fascinating history, complex politics, and the ever-evolving cultural dynamics that make the Sultanate so special.
Iran, once home to one of the most impressive and world-shaping empires in history, is…
To celebrate the 48th anniversary back in December 2019 of the founding of the United…
When you think of the Silk Roads, the ancient trading routes between East and West,…
Egypt is one of the most thoroughly mythologised countries in the world. In a way this is perhaps only natural given that its history extends back to one of the most impressive and awe-inspiring early civilisations of the human age. Nevertheless, particularly in some western cultures, the idea of what Egypt is, or even what it looks like, has been twisted somewhat by everything from conspiratorial TV shows to animated online video games.
These 13 English-language Middle East blogs and websites are essential reading for anyone interested in Middle East politics and culture.