Product Description

While tensions continue to rise in Iraq and surrounding countries, there is a heightened curiosity worldwide for definitive, balanced, and timely information about the Middle East. This concise and distinctive volume provides a fascinating, in-depth look at the driving forces that have led to acts of violence, religious fervor, and costly wars in this hotile territory and lends valuable insight into the present situation.

National Geographic Atlas of the Middle East contains newly researched and updated maps illustrating the diverse issues of the region today. Boundary and territorial disputes, the uneven distribution of natural resources, and booming population pressures are detailed in stunning visual explanations. Other regional thematic maps elaborate on questions surrounding religion, ethnic and linguistic groups, oil, water, agriculture, industry, trade, international corporations, and military forces. The complex history of the Middle East is explored through maps devoted to topics that include the rise and falls of empires, civilizations, major conflicts, holy sites, and various other significant events that have shaped the region.

Geographically, politically, thematically, and chronologically organized, National Geographic Atlas of the Middle East is an accessible reference to a turbulent area prominent in headlines, hearts, and minds.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #416555 in Books
• Published on: 2003-03-25
• Released on: 2003-03-25
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 96 pages

Customer Reviews

Jerusalem IS the capital of Israel
A quick correction and a quick review:

First, Jerusalem IS the capital of Israel. Most embassies continue in Tel Aviv, but Jerusalem became the capital in 1980.

Second, the book likely has its flaws for various people. I would have liked to have seen a couple more major rivers in Iran. But for the price and the slick semi-glossy look one would be hard pressed to find a better, more inviting atlas.

That said, a five star atlas would have to be more comprehensive. If NG had titled it A Concise Atlas ... and not subtitled it An Essential Reference for a Better Understanding ... I might have even given it a five.

Still, solid book, recommended at the price.

How can they make a mistake like this!
Im a history major and naturally i had to get this atlas for one of my classes. I was happy with it at first until i found that they put Jerusalem and not Tel Aviv as Isreal's capital (shocked). Is it really possible that they did this unaware? I found that to be biased and never bought a national geographic book ever again. I even emailed them and told them to make sure all thier capitals are right!! If they can make that clear 'mistake' then they can easily make other less conspicuous ones.

EXCELLENT BUT...
not very complete.The printing,paper and pictures are of the highest quality.The maps,classic "National Geographic" style,are good(Though I'd prefer Bertelsmann maps).But it's "Linguistic Groups Map" is highly inconsistent with "Ethnic Groups Map"(which is generally if not fully authenthic).
For instance, in "Linguistic Groups Map" it is shown that in and around the Turkish province of "Siirt" the prevalent language is "Arabic" which is indeed true,but in "Ethnical Groups Map" that area is shown in "Kurdish" linguistic zone.However, the Turkish province of "Anteochea" which is shown as predominantly "Arabic" in its ethnicity,which is true,is shown in "Turkish" linguistic zone in "Linguistic Groups Map".Plus,the "Lazes"(an ethnic group named "Lazyges" in ancient times who are the Hellenized grandchildren of the ancient tribe known as "Sarmatians" along with "Roxolani") are not even mentioned in any of the maps or informative texts.The land(southeastern coasts of "Black Sea") on which they've been dwelling for thousands of years is unjustifiably included in "Turkish" ethnic and linguistic zones.
Also,the maps of the selected cities(just six of them) are inadequate.They should have included Mecca,Medina(the two holy cities),Dubai,Abu Daby,Doha,Aden,Sanaa,Amman and Istanbul too.The historic maps are insufficient as well.There should have have been the maps of the region in pre-"19th century" and the "Ottoman Empire" at it utmost borders.The "Regional Conflicts,1945-2002" is good but could be better.
Moreover, the "GDP per Capita" numbers for all the countries included are wholly wrong.Because they are taken from the "CIA World Fact Book".As they also mention in the "Acknowledgement" part, those GDP estimates are based on purchasing powers parity (PPP) conversion factor designed to equalize the purchasing powers of different countries.But unfortunately they do not reflect the real statistics.They could have taken the GDP estimates from the "United Nations Statistic Bureau" which gives the real levels of GDP.