Whatever Happened to the Near East?
The article explores the evolving terminology surrounding the regions traditionally referred to as the Near East and Middle East. It highlights how the meanings of these terms have changed over time, particularly in relation to geopolitical shifts and cultural perceptions. The author reflects on the historical context and the implications of these changes for understanding the region today.
- ▪The terms Near East and Middle East are often used interchangeably today, referring to the same geographical area.
- ▪Historically, the Near East included the Ottoman Empire and the Balkans, while the Middle East encompassed regions further east.
- ▪The collapse of the Ottoman Empire and subsequent geopolitical changes led to a redefinition of these terms in the 20th century.
Opening excerpt (first ~120 words) tap to expand
Whatever happened to the Near East?The mystery of the east.Jonn ElledgeSep 27, 2025241ShareHey, the new and improved version of The Compendium of (Not Quite) Everything is now available in shops. If you want more of me, you should buy that. Or you could press this button to get a weekly selection of things like the below, which went to paying subscribers in July:SubscribeThere’s an awkward paragraph in the introduction to my last book justifying my use of the phrase “Middle East”. It’s clearly a problematic term, being Eurocentric in both the geographical sense (east of where, exactly?) and in the cultural assumptions it contains. Originally, it was one of the “three Easts” – near, middle, and far – whose distance from Europe seemed to double as a comment on their essential alienness.
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Excerpt limited to ~120 words for fair-use compliance. The full article is at Hacker News (Newest).
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