Western Asia is the westernmost region of Asia, encompassing the Arabian Peninsula, Iran, Mesopotamia, Anatolia, the Levant, and the Caucasus region. It is a diverse geographical area known for its arid climate, vast deserts, and mountain ranges, but also for being the birthplace of major world religions and home to ancient civilizations. Economically, it is significant for its massive petroleum and natural gas reserves, and culturally it is diverse with many languages and a rich history.
I still remember the first glimpse of Petra in 2010—the way the Siq narrowed like a stone throat, its walls glowing in shades of pink and ochre under the Jordanian sun. The air was dry, scented faintly with dust and camel sweat, and every step felt like a slow...