Near East

Quick Facts: Who was Near East?

Subject:

Near East

Known for:

A transcontinental region encompassing West Asia, historically defined by Western geographers.

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2Day Chrono-Wiki & Primary Historical Archives

Origins & Early Life

The Near East is a transcontinental region around the Eastern Mediterranean encompassing the historical Fertile Crescent (that is, the Levant and Mesopotamia), as well as Anatolia, Egypt, and occasionally the Balkan and Arabian Peninsulas. The term was coined in the 19th century by modern Western geographers and was originally applied to the Ottoman Empire, but today has varying definitions within different academic circles.

Career & Major Achievements

The term Near East was used to refer to the part of the Orient nearest to Europe, as opposed to the Middle East (then comprising the lands between the Persian Gulf and Southeast Asia) and the Far East (East Asia and beyond), together known as the "three Easts"; it was a separate term from the Middle East during earlier times and official British usage. As of 2024, both terms are used interchangeably by politicians and news reporters to refer to the same region.

Enduring Legacy & Impact

Near East, Middle East, and Far East are all Eurocentric terms.

Chronological Milestones & Life Events

1. 2024: 2024 Milestone — As of 2024, both terms are used interchangeably by politicians and news reporters to refer to the same region.

Historical Fact-Check Quiz: Near East

True or False: “The term Near East is an indigenous designation used by the populations of the region itself.”

Answer (FALSE ❌): The term Near East is a geographical concept coined by modern Western geographers, reflecting an external, Eurocentric categorization of the region.

Contemporary Figures & Related Historical Timelines

• Ahmed Mohamed Mohamoud — Historical peer (Died in 2024) (2024): Somaliland politician, served as President from 2010 to 2017.
• Akira Toriyama — Historical peer (Died in 2024) (2024): Pioneering manga artist, creator of Dr. Slump and the global phenomenon, Dragon Ball.
• Treaty of Serav — Chrono-Wiki Encyclopedia Entry: 1618 peace treaty between the Ottoman Empire and Safavid Persia.
• Treaty of Seringapatam — Chrono-Wiki Encyclopedia Entry: Treaty ending the Third Anglo-Mysore War, signed 18 March 1792.
• Treaty of Seville (1729) — Chrono-Wiki Encyclopedia Entry: Treaty of Seville (1729): Ended the Anglo-Spanish War, but failed to resolve deep geopolitical tensions.
• Treaty of Shaoxing — Chrono-Wiki Encyclopedia Entry: The 1141 treaty ending Jin-Southern Song conflict, forcing Song tribute and territorial renunciation.

Frequently Asked Questions about Near East