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Tranquil for now, that is. The World Tourism Organization reports that 46 million foreign tourists visited the Middle East last year, making it one of the world's fastest-growing regional destinations 'despite ongoing tensions and threats.' Muslims making the pilgrimage to Mecca account for some of those numbers, but guide companies report a growing interest in the region from Americans as well--everyone from history buffs to outdoors-lovers to old-fashioned Arabists.
The birthplace of three major world religions, as well as the earliest civilizations, the Middle East has a plethora of historical treasures. If fighting the crowds at Rome's Coliseum sounds dismal, head east for farther-flung examples of the Romans' grandiose empire.
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Rich in Ancient History
One obscure but stunning example, according to Carolyn McIntyre, a guide and Middle East expert with tour company Geographic Expeditions, is the ancient city of Apamea in northern Syria.
Once the host of distinguished royalty such as Cleopatra and the Emperor Caracalla, Apamea has been one of many stops for McIntyre in her quest to recreate the 75,000-mile journey of Ibn Batutta, a Moroccan scholar who travelled the Islamic Empire in the 14th century.
'Syria is being touted as the next Morocco,' says McIntyre. 'Small hotels and restaurants are opening up all over Old Damascus, and the scenery is just fantastic.'
Pioneering travellers who relish treading new ground will find plenty of fodder in the Middle East, says McIntyre, particularly in Saudi Arabia. The country has only been admitting tourists in any capacity for a few years ('The draw is the forbidden aspect,' McIntyre says), and unlike many countries that have been mining their past for decades, archeology is new to the kingdom.
'Until recently, Saudis weren't taught very much about the country's Bronze Age history because it was pre-Islam,' says McIntyre. 'So they keep coming across brand new sites.' One worth exploring is Meda'in Salah, a giant city of cliff dwellings and tombs once inhabited by the ancient Nabateans (whose capital was Petra). The attraction was recently named a United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization World Heritage Site.
Hit the trail
For pioneers of an athletic persuasion, the region's rugged and varied natural landscape is a playground for intrepid adventurers.
Staff Reporter
