The hypothesis of this research based essay is based on the following statement:
Although a millennium ago the Middle East was not an economic laggard, by the 18th century it exhibited clear signs of economic backwardness. The reason for this transformation is that certain components of the region's legal infrastructure stagnated as their Western counterparts gave way to the modern economy[1].
Before long the Middle East appeared “underdeveloped” in relation to Western Europe and its offshoots in the New World; and, by the late 20 th century, it was considered markedly behind parts of East Asia as well. The peoples of the region have shared these perceptions, as evinced by the history of Middle Eastern reforms aimed at catching up with economically advanced countries.
When analyzed within their environmental contexts, Safavid architecture and its decoration reveal visually some of the prevalent values the Shah shared with the populace. The ideals embodied within Safavid material culture may not accurately or literally represent the times since some of it may have been distorted for persuasive purposes and what has survived may not be representative of the past.
Middle East is looking East is old news. Pundits have been obsessing about the shift in balance of power from West to the East for years now. You've got to be blind to miss the ascent of China, India and others over the past decade or two. However, even those watching the rebirth of Asia hardly seem to realise the pace at which it is happening [4].
The region isn't merely looking eastwards, firming ties with China, India and other emerging players, Gulf oil and money are playing a crucial role in the Asian resurgence. At the same time, Asian players are investing their expertise and human resources in the continuing development across the Gulf. Of course, the frenetic pace of growth and building that had turned much of the Gulf into a beehive and Dubai 'the crane capital of the world' some years ago was affected by the sickness that spread from Wall Street. But the region has been quick to recover from the shock and awe of the self-inflicted misery of the world's largest economy. You do not see that many cranes any more in Dubai, but it's certainly back in the business.
The Dubai airport is busier than ever as it expands itself, perpetually pouring out a sea of humanity. ...