How has Arabia’s "crossroads" location affected its culture and society?
1 Answer
It depends on your definition of Arabia. Before Islam, Arabs were mainly the current residents of the Gulf region (Saudi Arabia, UAE, Qatar..etc). Now it includes over 20 countries.
Explanation:
If you're talking about the Gulf countries, then they were heavily influenced by their contact with the much more advanced societies of their norther neighbours (who share the same Semitic background) such as the Mesopotamian civilization (Iraq), the Levantine civilization (lebanon, palestine, syria), and the western neighbours the Egyptian civilization--all of whom were the first inventors of human civilization.
With the advent of Islam, the Arab tribes began to spread their religion and culture mainly through trade and by simply adding to, rather than changing the existing religions.
The Arabic language also shares similar grammar and vocabulary to these civilizations, making it easier for them to learn Arabic and make it their own language as we see today.
The Turkic cultures namely the Mongols and their western offspring the Khazars who are the modern day Jews living in Palestine, and the Turkish people (Turkey) have been invading the Middle East for many centuries, as was the case with China. The Persians to the east have also introduced their version of Islam (Shi'a) by way of Shah Ismail. The Europeans have invaded the region multiple times to gain access to the Sinai's ship access (port Sa'id) and to secure their ties with the Khazars who have a strong political and economic presence in the New World.
All of these misfortunate events have led to the modern day disasters that have been plaguing the area for some time due to its rich resources and strategic location.
