Map by William Hou

Iraq

whou29 — 2025-09-08 17:30:03 UTC

Due to the 9/11 attacks, Iraq has been plagued by foreign military forces and has been fragmented due to war. The wars fragmented the country, leaving behind social, political and economic challenges that still disrupt the country today. Despite this, Iraq remains one of the most important cultural and historical regions in the world. As the center of Mesopotamia, it is home to ancient civilizations that pioneered writing, law, and early urban societies. Its cities such as Baghdad were once central to the development of writing and exploration of culture.

Tehran, Tehran Province, Iran

whou29 — 2025-09-08 17:30:17 UTC

This image captures how developed Tehran is. While many associate the Middle East with a 'desert' or 'battlefield', Tehran stands as the antithesis of American stereotypes.

Black Sea

whou29 — 2025-09-08 17:30:27 UTC

The black sea is known for being 'anoxic', meaning that it lacks oxygen. This makes it unique as it is able to preserve ancient shipwrecks and creates a fragile marine environment relative to other seas.

Tel Aviv, Israel

whou29 — 2025-09-08 17:31:07 UTC

I selected this photo of Tel Aviv to show the rapid economic development of such a small nation. Regardless of the conflicts with Palestine, Israel has become highly developed economically and continues to serve as one of the world's financial hubs.

Oman

whou29 — 2025-09-08 17:31:22 UTC

Oman is a critical passage for the trade between Asia, Africa and the Middle East. Located on the coast of the Arabian Peninsula, it is known for its natural landscape consisting of. mountains, deserts and coastlines. It also represents a blend of geography and diplomacy as its location is vital for maritime trade routes.

Red Sea

whou29 — 2025-09-08 17:31:29 UTC

Really beautiful picture of the Red Sea's landscape!

Afghanistan

whou29 — 2025-09-08 17:31:39 UTC

Negative information spreads much faster than positive news. With the Taliban and other war-torn negative connotations associated with Afghanistan, it's important to remember the humanity of this region and the human lives behind the unfortunate circumstances of war and conflict.

Hijaz Saudi Arabia

whou29 — 2025-09-08 17:31:55 UTC

I was unaware of this city, but Hijaz is a vital cultural and religious site. It stretches across the Red Sea and includes the holy cities of Mecca and Medina.

Kazakhstan

whou29 — 2025-09-08 17:32:11 UTC

I didn't know much about Kazakhstan, but a fun fact is that it is the world's largest landlocked country, meaning it has no access to large oceans / other bodies of water.

Aral Sea

whou29 — 2025-09-08 17:33:02 UTC

I chose this image to illustrate the irreversible human impact on our environment. The lake has shrunk dramatically since the 1960s due to massive irrigation projects diverting its rivers.

Damascus, Syria

whou29 — 2025-11-04 21:35:20 UTC

As one of the oldest cities in the world, Damascus embodies layers of history, ranging from ancient trade and craftsmanship to modern conflict and resilience. Mosques, and courtyards reflects a civilization that has endured and adapted through centuries of change

Aleppo, Syria

whou29 — 2025-11-04 21:37:03 UTC

Aleppo was once a thriving cultural and commercial enter but has now been destroyed by war. However, the city's post war reconstruction efforts stand a symbol of hope and resilience of its people.

West Bank

whou29 — 2025-12-01 02:45:45 UTC

West Bank is a landlocked territory located west of the Jordan River, bordered by Jordan to the east and Israel to the north, west, and south. It has been under Israeli occupation with Palestinian authority exercising limited self rule.

Armenia

whou29 — 2025-12-01 02:49:02 UTC

Armenia is also a landlocked nation and we learned about its history and the Armenian genocide. The Ottoman Empire killed and displaced over a million Armenians. Despite this devastation, however, they remained culturally resilient and has preserved their identity through the war.