Why does a region spanning from Morocco to Iran get labeled the ‘Middle East’—who exactly is it ‘east’ of?
Here is a briefly explanation; The term “Middle East” is rooted in a Western, specifically European, perspective of the world, and perpetuates a Western-centric worldview by defining the region based on its location relative to Europe rather than its own distinct characteristics. This framing, developed during the colonial era, positions Europe as the central point from which other regions are defined and categorized. (Google search)
1. The Colonial Origins of “Middle East”
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History: Coined by British imperialists in the 19th century (e.g., Alfred Mahan) to describe the area between “Near East” (Balkans) and “Far East” (Asia). Read British colonialism, Middle East
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Problem: Framed from a London-centric perspective, ignoring local identities. E.g., How they removed Mossadegh from Iran
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Quote:
“The ‘Middle East’ exists only in relation to Europe—it’s time to call it by its own names.”
Image 3: 19th-century British colonial maps 2. Alternative Names & Their Meanings
A. West Asia (Most Neutral)
- Used by the UN, academic institutions, and many Asian countries.
- Includes: Arab states, Iran, Turkey, Israel/Palestine.
- Pros: Geographically accurate, avoids colonial baggage.
- West Asia description by WikiLeaks
B. The Arab World (For Arab-Majority Nations)
Image 4: The Arab World West Asia World Map - The 22 countries of the Arab League (Morocco to Iraq).
- Pros: Emphasizes linguistic/cultural unity.
- Cons: Excludes non-Arab nations (Iran, Turkey, etc.).
C. Mashriq (Historical & Cultural Term)
- Arabic for “where the sun rises” (traditionally the Levant + Iraq).
Image 5: The levant; source Wikipedia - Pros: Indigenous term, rich historical weight.
D. Southwest Asia (Less Common but Accurate)
- Used in some academic circles as an alternative to “Middle East.”
Image 6: Southwest Asia, subregion of Asia, bounded on the west by the Mediterranean Sea, the Sinai Peninsula, and the Red Sea and on the south and southeast by the Indian Ocean and the Persian Gulf. The region reaches the Caspian Sea and the Black Sea to the north. Southwest Asia is often, but not always, coterminous with the Middle East; the latter is a more variable term that often includes parts of the African continent, while the term “Southwest Asia” is restricted to the continent of Asia(Britannica)
3. Why Language Matters: The Politics of Naming
- Power Dynamics: Naming a region is an act of control (see: “Third World” vs. “Global South”). George Gartners description of the same
- Case Study: How Western media uses “Middle East” to frame conflicts (e.g., “instability in the Middle East” vs. “foreign interventions in West Asia“).
- Quote:
“Colonialism didn’t just steal land—it stole the right to self-definition.”
Image 7: The world still bears the scars of Modern Colonialism
4. Who Resists the Change—And Why?
- Western Media/Academia: Habit, inertia, and subconscious imperialism.
- Local Divisions: Some Arab nationalists prefer “Arab World(1),” while others advocate “West Asia.(2)”
1. Arab World:
This term is rooted in pan-Arabism, a nationalist ideology that emphasizes the cultural and political unity of all Arab people. It highlights shared language, history, and culture as unifying factors. The “Arab World” typically includes countries in North Africa and West Asia where Arabic is the dominant language.
2. West Asia:This term is a more geographically-focused label, often used in international relations and political analysis. It can be seen as a way to discuss the region without necessarily invoking the political and cultural connotations associated with “Arab World”.
Image 8: A map of the Eastern Hemisphere from Adams Synchronological Chart or Map of History. “The bright colors denote those countries that are the Subjects of history, previous to the discovery of America”. – Wikipedia
5. The Way Forward: What Should We Call It?
- For Geopolitical Accuracy: “West Asia” (includes all nations, neutral).
- For Cultural Unity: “Arab World” (when referring to Arab-majority nations).
- For Historical Context: “Mashriq” (for deeper cultural discussions).
- Call to Action:
“Next time you read ‘Middle East,’ ask: Who benefits from this outdated term?”
Conclusion
- Reiterate that decolonizing language is a small but crucial step in challenging imperial narratives.
- End with a powerful question:
“If we can’t even let a region name itself, how can we claim to respect its sovereignty?”
Worlds Atlas with their own names
Additional Resources (For Links)
- UN Geoscheme for Western Asia
- Edward Said’s “Orientalism” (PDF)(on colonial framing)