Witchcraft

====Middle East====
{{Main|Witchcraft in the Middle East}}

The practice of witchcraft in southwest Asia, sometimes referred to as the [[Middle East]], has a long history. The ancient cultures of the region had complex relationships with magic, often integrating them deeply into both their religion and wider culture. {{r|HuttonFear|p=47-54}} The ancient [[Hittites]] focused sanctioned mystical power in the hands of the state, and often used accusations of witchcraft to control political enemies.{{r|HuttonFear|p=50-51}} As the ancient [[Hebrews]] focused on their worship on [[Yahweh]], [[Judaism]] clearly separated between with forms of [[magic (supernatural)|magic]] and mystical practices which were accepted, versus those which were viewed as forbidden or heretical, and thus "witchcraft".{{r|HuttonFear|p=51-52}} In the medieval [[Middle East]], under [[Islam]]ic and [[Christian]] influences, witchcraft's perception fluctuated between healing and [[heresy]], revered by some and condemned by others. In the present day diverse witchcraft communities have emerged.