The historical details of West Asia entails the relationship of our first major civilizations. It gave the picture of the cultures and traditions of the early times and how did they evolved over time.

The history of the emergence of Islamic religion in West Asia gives me interest on understanding better, the Muslim people. The faith of worshipers, doctrines and the account of early protests for religions, opened my eyes on the present day situations of our fellow Muslim citizens.

West Asia is what we commonly referred today as the Middle East. This region, as we can instantly recall as the land of the Arabs, the land of oil reserve, and the dry, arid place of countries with wars. Looking deep inside and way back on this rich land, we Asian must really be proud of it. We often gave value on the contributions of the Westerners on our present generation and forgetting the region that gave birth to the earliest civilizations and religions of the world.

Geographically, it is helpful to think of the area in terms of the three dominant regions that mark its poles- Iran ( formerly Persia) to the east, the Arabian Peninsula to the south, and Turkey, or Anatolian (the Ancient Minor) to the Northeast. The physical dispersal of these subcenters of West Asia is an important feature of an area that has served to link Europe and Africa with Central Asia, South Asia and East Asia.

Mesopotamia (now Iraq), the great agricultural basin between Euphrates and Tigris rivers, lies at the center of West Asia is where the first civilization was born. The great floodplains rimmed by uplands provided the settings of early civilizations. As observed the early inhabitants of the area rely also on agriculture and the rivers’ waters were used for irrigation. The deposit silt helped maintain the fertility of the soil and this serve as the means of living of the people along the rivers. The water communications contribute to the economic, cultural and political unity of the region. The domestication of plants and animals increased the production of food in a given area of land, leading to more effective systems of cultivation that we have today. This gives the fact that some features of the precivilized society, such as the agricultural communities and means of river communities, continued to exist on the civilized societies. It was also noted that with the presence of agriculture was also the buildings of shrines and religious figures. They believe on spirits protecting their crops and giving a bountiful harvests. Offerings were made and the start of early beliefs flourished; and the worshiping of gods and goddesses was done on the belief that it will give them good health and harvest.

This region also gave to the world the invention of systems of records keeping and communication which did not depend on the spoken word. The system of writing the cuneiform tablets of the Sumerians. The earliest found Sumerian documents was produced around 3100 BCE, representing the writing in the most primitive way. The invention of this kind of writing would definitely the reason why we have developed an effective way of communication today.

Over 6000 years, the rich land of the Fertile Crescent, cradled these three great civilizations which are Babylonian, Assyrian and the Sumerian Empire. They are known for the oldest bible, their art of war and for the creation of the first civilization, respectively. The architectures carvings and designs on this period proved the ancient people love for art; and the used of precious gems were traces of royalty on early times. The belief in many gods also flourished in Mesopotamia with the temples and architectures that were built like the great Zigurrat of Ur; and the Priest and Priestess the spread of different teachings is started.

The wide and diverse tribe of the Mesopotamia were united by King Hammurabi with his written laws. The first written known and deciphered laws opened us on the early form of leadership. The cuneiform writings curved on different stones led us not only in learning the ancient civilizations but also providing the pieces of evidence for our faith and giving the foundations of religions.

With the growth of every empires were the growth also of everyone’s need. The need to control other’s territory were justified. The development of military and political power with the equipments were made. The Assyrians empire were one of the best and were considered ruthless warriors. The Hittites in Asia Minor and the Kingdom of Israel also possessed the greatly established government and military powers. The need to be powerful over other states were greatly prioritize till today and as we know he who holds it was feared.

On the other hand, the need and searched of man for answers, happiness and salvation were answered by faiths on beings that we cannot see. It gives the explanation on the existence of unexplainable things, gives hope to every struggle and deter some works of man that are unrighteous. The West Asia, the birthplace of great religions, established also the empires based on the Islamic faith. The history of Islam religion was so mystic and complicated until today. Many Muslim today were facing different issues, some are discriminations, fears, strifes and diversities not only with the others who have different beliefs but also within their own community of Islam. They all believed in one God, Allah, with a good intention of making the people live in a righteous path with a reward of paradise after life. The sad part of this is that despite this, there are still discriminations on their community or tribes and a big division between the Sunni and Shiis. The politics of leadership, the thrown of power, and the pride of themselves divide the worshipers of Allah. The Ummayad, Abbasid, Ottoman and Safavids Empire showed different cultures and interpretations of the Holy Quran.

The birth of Islamic empires brought also the development on West Asia. The justice system was made and characterized as a brilliant extravagant court during the Abbasid dynasty; the growth of historiographical tradition and the study of geography, mathematics and astronomy were encouraged; paintings and architectural tradition epitomize the formal grandeur of the greatest Islamic empires; and of course military resources advancement were also contributed by this Islamic Empires.

The richness of West Asia in culture and history are great pride Asian nations against the Westerners. It contributed on the advancement of our present generation definitely. Despite this, these civilizations had been undergoing crises and was perceived to be contagious as it still exists today, it points out the causes on the violent struggles for political power. The differences and crises that had occurred still ends on the desire of man for happiness, tranquility and salvation.