The wellspring of key religious faiths, such as Islam, Christianity and Judaism, the Middle East is famed for its warm hospitality and ancient culture. For centuries, it was the heart of the known world and home to some of the great civilizations, including the New Kingdom of Ancient Egypt, the Abbasid Caliphate and the Ottoman Empire. Its towns and deserts have served as crossroads of trade and as a crucible of ideas, science and art that still endure today. For the modern visitor, there is much to choose from. Watch the sun set over the honeycombed magic of Petra and explore tree-lined boulevards and exquisite blue-tiled mosques in Esfahan, Iran. From the deep-rooted communities of Oman to the cosmopolitan energy of Beirut and Dubai, from the quiet spirituality of a Turkish mosque to the bustling markets of Cairo, the Middle East is home to a rich, vibrant mosaic of traditions, languages and food. With more than 200 vivid photographs, this book offers a pictorial exploration of the culture, history, flora and fauna of this hugely diverse region.