EssaysThe US-Middle East Connection: Interests, Attitudes and ImagesIn this article the influential Moroccan historian, Mohamed El Mansour, provides a history of the role of the United States in the Middle East and North Africa. The essay provides and excellent introductory survey, beginning with the recognition of the young American republic by Morocco in the 19th century through recent events.Egypt and North AfricaThis brief survey by Peter von Sivers, Professor of History at the University of Utah, traces the spread and development of Islam in the northern part of the African continent, particularly from a religious perspective or, more accurately, with regard to the role of Islam in governance of the region.Ottoman History: New Questions, New AnswersWhy Study the Ottomans? The Ottoman Empire was an innovative and multicultural state that lasted for over 600 years. In its heyday, its economic power and military successes made it feared as well as admired in Europe and elsewhere.Understanding Middle Eastern History: An Interview with William ClevelandAn interview with William Cleveland, professor of history at Simon Fraser University and author of the widely used textbook A History of the Modern Middle East, on the importance of understanding the historical context of the Middle East.Timeline of Early Islamic History822 BCE: The Phoenicians establish the historic city of Carthage (in present-day Tunisia) and set up trading posts along the North African coast. c. 208 BCE: Massinisa becomes king of Eastern Numidian Massyli (east of current Algeria), succeeding his father Gala.Timeline of Islamic Dynasties661 BCE: Ali is murdered, presumably by a Kharijite extremist. His son Hassan loses a battle for succession to Mu'awiyah and retires to Medina. Mu'awiyah establishes the Umayyad dynasty and transfers the imperial capital to Damascus. 680 BCE: Caliph Mu'awiyah dies. His son Yazid succeeds him as Caliph.Timeline of the Ottoman Empire1492 BCE: Muslims and Jews are expelled from Spain at the behest of the Catholic Inquisition. The Muslims return to North Africa. The Spanish Jews, known as the Sephardim, scatter throughout North Africa, Italy, Turkey, and the Middle East. Those who reach the Ottoman Empire receive a warm welcome from the Ottoman ruler, BajazetTimeline of the Middle East in the 20th Century1901: Oil is discovered in Iran. 1905: Death of the great Muslim reformer, Muhammad Abdu. 1906: The Algeciras Conference, organized with the help of U.S. President Theodore Roosevelt, prevents war between France and Germany over colonial rights in Morocco. Control of Morocco is granted to France and Spain.The Tragedy of LebanonThis is an excerpt from Kenneth Cragg's "The Arab Christian: A History in the Middle East" that provides an understanding of Lebanon's history. The primary focus of this essay is looking at the roots of the Lebanese Civil War and its strong religious orientation and the effects on Lebanese society and government.ResourcesHistory ResourcesHere is a list of useful websites, books and movies, with a special section dedicated to Ottoman history resources.MultimediaInterview with Azzedine LayachiIn this interview, Azzedine Layachi, Professor of Political Science at St. John’s University, discusses the recent history of the Arab World, including the ideology of Arab Nationalism and its decline, the rise of "Political Islam" Western representations of the Arab World and the status of democratization and liberalization movements in the region.Documentary: Algeria's Bloody YearsThis documentary combines recent and archival interviews, newsreel footage and recently filmed footage from Algeria to trace the origins of the violence that has left as many as 200,000 dead since 1988.UN Partitions PalestineThe United Nations partitions Palestine into a Jewish state and an Arab state. Jerusalem is placed under UN control. Israel declares independence. (3.13 MB) |
Home 
History
History
Teacher Institutes
MEPC provides free, highly acclaimed, non-partisan workshops on the Middle East and Islam across the U.S. Our education director will come to your school, organization or conference with innovative strategies for teaching these complex topics. We tailor workshops to your specific needs
Arab Culture & Civilization
Explore this exemplary library of articles and resources on Arab societies and culture. This site was originally created by the National Institute for Technology in Liberal Education (NITLE).
