A Nation Called the Middle East: In Middle Eastern Internationalism

Abstract The Middle East, historically encompassing territories from Palestine to the regions near India, includes vast lands such as Lebanon and Syria, once integral to the Roman Empire. The remnants of Aladdin Keykubat's castle in Alanya and the Achaemenid ruins in Cappadocia, now in modern-day Turkey, underscore the region's deep historical significance, marked by a cohesive genetic, cultural, and historical identity. Yet, despite this unity, the Middle East remains one of the most politically fragmented and sectarian regions globally, plagued by internal conflicts and external interventions. This article examines the historical unity and subsequent political fragmentation of the Middle East, with a focus on religious sectarianism, colonialism, modern nationalism, and genetic commonalities. It also discusses the potential for fostering Internationalist ideology in the region, starting with economic, trade, and tourism cooperation. Keywords: Internationalism, Middle East, Terrorism