Soner Cagaptay. Islam, Secularism, and Nationalism in Modern Turkey: Who is a Turk?London and New York: Routledge2006162 pages, notes, index. Cloth US$65.00 ISBN 0-415-38458-3 (original) (raw)

Introduction to the Middle East

This course provides a broad introduction to the history, politics, societies, and cultures of the Middle East. It first critically assesses what is meant by the container "Middle East," examining what holds it together, how it functions as a regional system of interconnected waterways and landmasses, and how it relates to multiple other regional designations (the Mediterranean, EurAsia, Africa, etc.). Next, the course briefly covers origins in Late Antiquity and the birth and spread of Islam up through the rise of the Ottoman, Safavid/Qajar, and Saadian/Alawite empires in the 16th century. The bulk of our attention then focuses on developments from the 19-21st centuries across the region stretching from Morocco to Iran. One goal of the course is for you to develop a literacy/fluency in key terms and geographical references and a basic chronological framework of the region's history. However, the primary goal--with that base knowledge--is for you to also be able to think analytically and critically about key debates, topics, and themes relevant to Middle East. Recurrent topics and themes that we will pursue include geopolitics, state formation, and the importance of the environment and resources. We will also consider the evolving roles of Judaism/Christianity/Islam and other religious traditions and identities in the region; the powerful impact and legacies of empire and colonialism; the importance and ambivalences of nationalism and other forms of collective identity; and the impact of regional and global wars on the region. Extended attention will be devoted to the Palestine-Israel conflict, the role of the US and other Great Power intervention, petro-politics, and the recurrent importance of society-based mobilizations.

Islamicate History Syllabus: A Socio-Historical Approach

2024

This syllabus offers a critical homage, from the perspective of social history and history from below, to Marshall Hodgson's project of writing a "general history of Islamicate civilization," realized in his magisterial three-volume work, The Venture of Islam. It was developed as part of my preparations for a comprehensive doctoral exam in Islamicate History, and therefore reflects both my own idiosyncrasies and inexperience. It is by no means intended to constitute a comprehensive list of all published social histories of the Middle East and there are undoubtedly some unfortunate omissions, foremost among them Judith Tucker's Women in Nineteenth-Century Egypt and Beshara Doumani's Rediscovering Palestine. My hope is that by making it available here it might serve as a useful jumping off point for others.

New Middle Eastern Studies

2011

Disclaimer and Copyright The NMES editors and the British Society for Middle Eastern Studies make every effort to ensure the accuracy of all the information contained in the e-journal. However, the editors and the British Society for Middle Eastern Studies make no representations or warranties whatsoever as to the accuracy, completeness or suitability for any purpose of the content and disclaim all such representations and warranties whether express or implied to the maximum extent permitted by law. Any views expressed in this publication are the views of the authors and not the views of the Editors or the British Society for Middle Eastern Studies.

Modern Middle East History Syllabus, Fall 2023

This course traces the major cultural, political and economic developments that shaped the modern Middle East from the 19th century to the present time. This period has witnessed several variant transitions from universal empires to settler colonies, tribal monarchies, national republics, and revolutionary states of various sorts. Accordingly, we focus on ways in which regional actors dealt with changing political circumstances, economic and social transformation, and territorial conflicts. The majority of class time consists of an interactive lecture format, whereby I present and discuss with you a variety of historical topics in rough concert with assigned readings. The material presented in lectures constitutes a significant portion of several quizzes, as well as midterm and final exams. The secondary readings are meant to supplement lectures. Some class time is devoted to primary source discussion, provided through certain readings posted on Canvas.