Portal:Middle East


CENTER FOR MIDDLE EASTERN STUDIES

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Welcome to the Center for Middle Eastern Studies !

The Middle East (Arabic: الشرق الأوسطPersianخاورمیانهor Mideast) is a region that encompasses Western Asia and all of or part of Northern Africa, depending on the context. The term is considered to be Eurocentric and used as a synonym for Near East, in opposition to Far East. The corresponding adjective is Middle-Eastern and the derived noun is Middle-Easterner.

The history of the Middle East dates back to ancient times, and throughout its history, the Middle East has been a major centre of world affairs. When discussing ancient history, however, the term Near East is more commonly used. The Middle East is also the historical origin of major religions such as Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. The Middle East generally has an arid and hot climate, with several major rivers providing for irrigation to support agriculture in limited areas. Many countries located around the Persian Gulf have large quantities of crude oil. In modern times the Middle East remains a strategically, economically, politically, culturally and religiously sensitive region. The Middle East's expected economic growth rate is at about 4.1% for 2010 and 5.1% in 2011.

More about... Middle East, its history and inhabitants
Getting Started!

The Center for Middle Eastern Studies coordinates and focuses studies on the people, language, culture, art, and philosophy of the Middle East. The division is composed of various sub-divisions and departments that each offer free and open-source courses. These courses are created and taught by volunteer teachers. Everyone is permitted and encouraged to teach and learn at the Center for Middle Eastern Studies. We hope this can be a place for many people to explore and appreciate the peoples and cultures of this very important and beautiful region of the world.

Still need help? If you still need help or have any questions, comments, ideas, or concerns, please visit the Middle East Colloquium and start a discussion. The Center for Middle Eastern Studies is full of members who are more than eager to help you!

Divisions & Departments
School News & Updates (Archive)

July 4th, 2012

  • The Center for Middle Eastern Studies is created.
Staff Members

The following are staff members at the Center for Middle Eastern Studies. Staff members actively contribute and maintain the division, departments, and courses. They are also likely to be proficient in a Middle Eastern language, and available to help students at the center.

Wikipedia
There is an Arabic, French, Hebrew, Persian, and Turkish version of Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia.
External Links
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