The Middle Eastern ancient cultures were a lot more interesting and, as you said, contributed to science and math at the times. They were more advanced in many ways than their contemporaries in Europe. Go back beyond Islam and it gets even more fascinating with the Mesopotamians. 

Currently, not so much. In western eyes, the current cultures seem backward and violent and though it is not across the board, it is what is presented. Nearly every country in the Middle East is currently at war and there can be no denying the oppression of women and minorities in a pretty extreme way.

Most people aren't history buffs and looking at the media now days, one doesnt see much that is appealing about playing in a Middle Eastern setting unless it's about war.