"an area that is generally interpreted to cover a range of nations including Egypt, Iran, Iraq, Israel, Jordan, Lebanon, Oman, Palestine, Saudi Arabia, Syria, Turkey, and Yemen."
Studies the history, cultures, societies, religions, and politics of the Middle East.
Geography and Demographics: The study of Middle Eastern geography and demographics includes political boundaries, physical features, natural resources, and population statistics. A solid grasp of these topics is essential for understanding the region's history, culture, and politics.
History: Middle Eastern history is complex and multilayered, with empires, wars, and cultural exchange shaping the region over thousands of years. Studying historical events and their impact provides insight into the region's current political and social landscape.
Religion: Islam is the dominant religion in the Middle East, but the region is also home to many other faiths, including Christianity, Judaism, and Zoroastrianism. Exploring the origins, beliefs, and practices of these religions is essential for understanding the region's culture and society.
Politics and Government: The Middle East is a diverse region with many different political systems, ranging from absolute monarchies to democratic republics. Understanding the nuances of these systems and the factors that influence them is critical for analyzing current events and predicting future outcomes.
Economics and Trade: The Middle East is home to some of the world's largest oil reserves, making it a key player in the global economy. Understanding the region's economic systems and trade relationships is essential for analyzing political and social dynamics in the region.
Language and Literature: Arabic is the most widely spoken language in the Middle East and is the official language of many countries in the region. Exploring the nuances of the language and the region's rich literary history provides insight into the cultural values and traditions of the region.
Art and Architecture: The Middle East has a long and rich history of art and architecture, from ancient ruins and monuments to modern art movements. Studying the region's artistic traditions and expressions provides a deeper understanding of its culture and history.
Gender and Society: Gender roles and expectations differ widely across the Middle East, with some countries more egalitarian than others. Understanding the ways in which gender intersects with religion, culture, and politics is essential for analyzing social dynamics in the region.
Conflict and Security: The Middle East has long been a region of conflict and instability, with ongoing conflicts in Syria, Yemen, and Iraq, among others. Understanding the roots of these conflicts and their impact on the region's security and stability is critical for analyzing current events and predicting future outcomes.
"It is considered a form of area studies, taking an overtly interdisciplinary approach to the study of a region."
"Middle Eastern studies is a far broader and less traditional field than classical Islamic studies."
"The subject was historically regarded as part of Oriental studies, which also included East Asian studies and Egyptology and other specialisms in the ancient civilizations of the region."
"The growth of the field of study in the West is treated at that article."
"some academic programs combine Middle Eastern studies with Islamic studies"
"based on the preponderance of Muslims in the region"
"Israel and Lebanon being the only exceptions"
"the study of the history, culture, politics, economies, and geography of the Middle East"
"Middle Eastern studies is a name given to a number of academic programs"
"a far broader and less traditional field"
"taking an overtly interdisciplinary approach to the study of a region"
"a range of nations including Egypt, Iran, Iraq, Israel, Jordan, Lebanon, Oman, Palestine, Saudi Arabia, Syria, Turkey, and Yemen"
"The subject was historically regarded as part of Oriental studies"
"some academic programs combine Middle Eastern studies with Islamic studies"
"Many academic faculties still cover both areas."
"the history, culture, politics, economies, and geography of the Middle East"
"an area that is generally interpreted to cover a range of nations"
"sometimes referred to as Near Eastern studies"
"specialisms in the ancient civilizations of the region"