Why is the Middle East called the Middle East?

Why Is It Called the Middle East?

A question commonly raised in Middle East cross cultural training is why the region is named this way.

Well, here’s a really quick explanation.

Geographically, there’s very little ‘east’ in the Middle East. The region known as ‘the Middle East’ actually encompasses some of the most northern parts of Africa and South-West Asia.

So, the question needs to be asked, “What exactly is the region to the east of? And what is it in the middle of?”

To explain, we need to look to the British Empire.

Poll: What Do You Think About the Name “Middle East”?

The name “Middle East” has been widely used for over a century, but as you’ll see, its origins lie in a historical and geopolitical perspective rooted in Europe. In recent years, some scholars, journalists, and political leaders have suggested that terms such as “West Asia” may be more geographically accurate and culturally neutral.

Before continuing, we’re curious to hear your view. Take a moment to answer the quick poll below and see how your perspective compares with other readers.

The British Hand in the Term ‘the Middle East’

The term ‘Middle East’ is actually a political construct, which was coined in the 1850s by staff in the British India Office.

During this period, the ‘Orient’ (a term used to describe the East) was split into three distinct areas:

• the Near East
• the Middle East and
• the Far East.

The Near East included the Ottoman Empire (much of today’s Turkey) and the Balkans.

The Far East included Asian countries along the Pacific Ocean.

British colonisation of India made this region of critical importance to the British during this time.

The British have had a large hand in shaping this region before, during and after World War I.
Photo shows Sir Frederick Stanley Maude leading British troops (the Indian Army) into Baghdad (1917)

Why was the Middle East Important to the British?

The Middle Eastern region was particularly important to the British during this period in history as it served as a buffer region in the defence of British interests in India.

The terms made sense when they were first coined, and they helped to designate locations from a Eurocentric perspective.

The term ‘Middle East’ then evolved to become common verbal currency in 1902 when Alfred Thayer Mahan, a USA naval officer and historian, used the term in an article to describe the land between Arabia and India.

After the collapse of the Ottoman Empire as a result of WWI and other geopolitical events, the term ‘Middle East’ became established, widely used by people both within and outside the region.

Why Some People Prefer the Term ‘West Asia’

Many argue, however, that since the term “Middle East” is Eurocentric and only valid from a Western perspective, it should be replaced with a term that is more geographically appropriate.

Jawaharlal Nehru, the first Prime Minister of India, for example, argued that the term should instead be replaced with “West Asia.” His suggestion continues to receive support from many academics, historians, and political commentators.

From this perspective, the phrase Middle East is problematic because it defines the region relative to Europe. In other words, it is a Western term reflecting a Western point of view, rather than a neutral geographical description.

Supporters of the term West Asia argue that it better reflects the region’s actual location within the Asian continent and removes the colonial framing embedded in older terminology.

However, despite these debates, “Middle East” remains the most widely used term internationally, particularly in media, politics, and business.

What Do Other Countries Call the Middle East?

Although the term Middle East is widely used in English speaking media and politics, it is not the only way the region is described. Different countries, institutions, and academic disciplines sometimes use alternative terms that reflect geography, politics, or cultural perspectives.

Some of the most common alternatives include:

• West Asia – Used by some governments, scholars, and international organisations because it places the region geographically within Asia rather than defining it relative to Europe.
• MENA (Middle East and North Africa) – Frequently used in economics, international development, and business to describe a broader region that includes North African countries such as Egypt, Morocco, and Tunisia.
• SWANA (Southwest Asia and North Africa) – A term increasingly used in academic and policy discussions that aims to move away from colonial terminology and reflect geography more accurately.
• Arab World – Refers specifically to Arabic speaking countries that share cultural and linguistic ties. This term does not include countries such as Iran or Turkey.
• Southwest Asia – Sometimes used in geographical or academic contexts to describe the Asian part of the region without including North Africa.

These different labels highlight an important point: the region commonly referred to as the Middle East does not have a single universally agreed name, and the terminology used often reflects historical, political, or cultural perspectives.

Which Countries Are Included in the Middle East?

There is no single universally agreed list of countries that make up the Middle East, as definitions can vary depending on political, historical, or academic perspectives.

However, most commonly, the region is understood to include countries across Western Asia and parts of North Africa that share historical, cultural, and economic connections.

Countries typically considered part of the Middle East

• Saudi Arabia – Learn more about business culture in Saudi Arabia
• United Arab Emirates – See our guide to doing business in the UAE
• Qatar – Explore the Qatari business style
• Kuwait – Read our Kuwait business culture guide
• Bahrain – Learn about business etiquette in Bahrain
• Oman – Discover the Omani business style
• Yemen – Explore doing business in Yemen
• Iraq – Read our Iraq business culture guide
• Iran – Learn about doing business in Iran
• Jordan – Explore Jordanian business culture
• Palestine – Read about Palestinian business culture
• Lebanon – See our Lebanon business culture guide
• Syria – Learn about doing business in Syria

In some definitions, the regional scope is broadened to include countries such as Turkey, Azerbaijan, and Egypt, due to their geographic position and historical role in the region. Israel is considered part of the region by some, not by others.

Understanding the cultural differences between these countries is essential when working across the Middle East, as business practices, communication styles, and workplace expectations can vary significantly across the region.

What’s another common question we get about the Middle East from participants in cultural awareness training? It’s actually, “Why Do Middle Eastern Men Wear a Chequered Headdress?”

Frequently Asked Questions About the Middle East

Why is the region called the Middle East?

The term “Middle East” originated during the period of the British Empire. British strategists divided the “Orient” into three regions: the Near East, the Middle East, and the Far East. The Middle East referred to the lands between Europe and East Asia, particularly those of strategic importance to Britain due to trade routes and the defence of India.

Is the Middle East in Asia or Africa?

Most of the Middle East is located in Southwest Asia, including countries such as Saudi Arabia, Iran, Iraq, and the Gulf states. However, some definitions of the region also include Egypt in North Africa due to its historical, cultural, and political connections with neighbouring countries.

What countries are considered part of the Middle East?

There is no single universally agreed list, but the region commonly includes countries such as Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain, Oman, Yemen, Iraq, Iran, Palestine, Jordan, Lebanon, and Syria. Some definitions also include Turkey and Egypt due to their geographic position and historical influence in the region.

Is “Middle East” a colonial term?

Many historians argue that the term reflects a Eurocentric or colonial perspective, as it defines the region relative to Europe rather than by its own geography. Because of this, some scholars and political leaders have suggested alternative terms such as West Asia.

Is “West Asia” the same as the Middle East?

The term West Asia refers to the westernmost part of the Asian continent and overlaps with much of what is traditionally called the Middle East. However, it is a purely geographic term and usually excludes North African countries such as Egypt that are sometimes included in broader Middle East definitions.