Discover the cultural, historical, and political importance of one of the world’s most influential regions.
Home to a Rich and Diverse Population
With over 500 million people across 23 countries and disputed territories, the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) is a region rich in history and culture. Its influence spans thousands of years and remains central to global politics, religion, and economics today.
A Cradle of Civilisation and Innovation
As far back as 3,500 years ago, the MENA region gave rise to key innovations that shaped the modern world— including agriculture, written alphabets, coinage, and financial networks. Everyday practices such as cooking, trading, and travelling still reflect this heritage.
The Birthplace of World Religions
MENA is the origin of several major religions: Zoroastrianism, Judaism, Christianity and Islam. These faiths have shaped societies across the globe and continue to influence cultural practices, traditions, and languages today.
Empires such as the Egyptians, Phoenicians, Persians, Romans, Carthaginians, Umayyads, Fatimids and Abbasids all contributed to the region’s spiritual and artistic legacy.
A Constant Dialogue Between Past and Present
The region’s architecture, cuisine, languages and cultural expressions reflect a vibrant dialogue between ancient traditions and contemporary realities. MENA is a living mosaic, constantly evolving while holding deep ties to its past.
Empire, Transformation and Identity
Turkish empires such as the Seljuks and Ottomans rose to power in the medieval period, reshaping the political and cultural landscape. Their legacy continues today in language, literature, architecture and identity across the region.
Encounters with Europe and the Changing Balance of Power
As European powers expanded across the globe, they encountered and increasingly dominated the MENA region. By the end of the First World War, European states attempted to remake the region in their own image—often through racialised ideologies and colonial exploitation.
20th Century Struggles: Colonialism, Oil, and Cold War Influence
The 20th century saw the rise of colonial rule, settler conflicts, oil wealth, and Cold War politics. Both the United States and the Soviet Union vied for control, while local populations were pressured to conform to external systems that often undermined their rights and traditions.
Modern-Day Challenges and Resilience
Today, the region faces complex challenges tied to history and global issues, including:
- Climate change and water scarcity
- Food insecurity and rising costs
- Refugee and displacement crises (MENA hosts more displaced people than Europe, according to UNHCR)
- Ongoing ethnic, political and religious tensions
- Dynamic cultural responses in literature, film and music
Despite these pressures, the region remains deeply resilient, with communities actively negotiating their past, present and future.
The Mashreq and the Maghreb: Many Names, One Vital Region
Known in Arabic as the Mashreq (East) and the Maghreb (West), and once referred to in Europe as the Levant or the Orient, the region has long been a site of global significance. It continues to evolve and inspire.
Explore the Region with City Lit
At City Lit, we recognise the incredible richness of the Middle East and North Africa. Our courses offer you the opportunity to explore the region’s history, culture, religions and languages through subjects and formats that matter to you.
