Middle East Culture, History and Heritage

Most Americans arrive for the beaches, the hotels or a stopover, and leave talking about the people. The region's culture is a living one: coffee and dates offered to every guest, the majlis where neighbors gather, calligraphy on new buildings as well as old, and a calendar shaped by faith and family.

Knowing a little goes a long way. Dress modestly away from the beach, accept hospitality warmly, use your right hand to give and receive, and follow your host's lead on greetings. Our guide to customs and etiquette covers it simply, and the Ramadan travel guide explains the most special month of the year.

From there, go as deep as you like: the history of the Middle East, the Islamic Golden Age of science, the Arabic words English borrowed, the royal families and the region's cuisine. Each country also has its own history and culture page, linked from its travel guide.

Our timeline of Middle East history runs from Sumer and the pharaohs to the founding of the modern states, and each country has its own story, from Egypt and Jordan to Morocco and Türkiye. Go deeper with Islamic art and architecture, Arabic calligraphy and the incense route and Silk Road.

Before you travel, read customs and etiquette: what to wear, how to greet, and how hospitality works.