MESA - Middle East Studies Association

Affiliated Organizations

Organizations having a scholarly interest in the Middle East and whose membership includes a substantial number of members of MESA may apply for affiliation with MESA.

Affiliated organizations may sponsor up to three panels at the MESA annual meeting. Affiliate sponsorship does not guarantee acceptance: all panels are read “blind” by the program committee without regard to the proposer’s identity or the nature of sponsorship.

Affiliated organizations may hold their annual business meeting, board meeting, or other functions in conjunction with the MESA annual meeting. MESA charges $300 to organizations meeting in conjunction to help offset associated costs. For organizations who are not yet affiliated with MESA, but who are seeking such status, the fee is waived the first year.

Applying for MESA Affiliate Status

To apply for affiliated status, an organization should submit to the Secretariat a letter of interest, a copy of its bylaws, a membership list, a list of officers, and any other relevant supporting materials (i.e., brochures, sample publications, etc.). Applications are reviewed by MESA’s Board of Directors which meets twice a year, in the spring and in the fall at the association’s annual meeting. To be considered at the spring meeting, submit materials by March 1. To be considered at the fall meeting, submit materials by November 1.

Current Affiliates

Click on the Affiliated Organization's name to go to the full description.



American Association of Teachers of Arabic (AATA)

Membership: 400. Annual dues: $30 regular; $15 student, $200 institutional. AATA is an association of professionals, students, institutions, and other individuals interested in Arabic language teaching, Arabic literature and Arabic linguistics. The purpose of AATA is to contribute to the enhancement of study, criticism, and research in all these areas. Meetings and programs are held in conjunction with MESA. AATA publishes Al-‘Arabiyya, a journal containing  articles by AATA members and others interested in Arabic language scholarship. Executive Director: Elizabeth Bergman, 3416 Primm Lane, Birmingham  AL 35216 (205 822-6800; fax: 205 823-2760; info@aataweb.org; aataweb.org). Direct membership inquiries to the address above.

American Association of Teachers of Persian (AATP)

Founded in 1989.Annual membership: Full Members: $40, Students and Community School Teachers: $25 (payable online). AATP is a non-profit professional organization, whose objectives are to promote, advance and improve the study and teaching of Persian language, literature and culture. AATP organizes programs and events to further the common interests of teachers in the field and to facilitate communication, professional cooperation and advancement of research among its members. President: Pardis Minuchehr, University of Pennsylvania, Persian Studies Program, Near Eastern Languages & Literature, Williams Hall, 8th Floor, Philadelphia PA 19104 (215 746-2882); pardisminuchehr@gmail.com. Executive Secretary: Mahvash Shahegh (410 538-0485) mshahegh@gmail.com. Join or renew membership online at: www.aatpersian.org.

 

American Association of Teachers of Turkic Languages (AATT) 

Founded in 1985. Membership: 150. Annual dues: $25 full/associate; $15 student; $50-$500 institutional. AATT is a private, nonprofit, nonpolitical organization of individuals interested in all of the languages of the Turks. AATT seeks to advance and improve the teaching of the languages of the Turks; to promote study, criticism, and research in the field of the languages and literatures of the Turks; and to further the common interest of teachers of these subjects. Publishes the AATT Bulletin, maintains the AATT-L; and holds an annual meeting in conjunction with MESA . Executive Secretary/Treasurer: Roberta Micallef, Executive Secretary (AATTsecretariat@gmail.com; http://aatturkic.org). Direct membership inquiries to the address above.

American Institute for Maghrib Studies (AIMS)

Membership: 225. Annual dues: $75 full; $40 student; $500 institutional. AIMS is a private nonprofit, nonpolitical organization which promotes the systematic study of North Africa (Maghrib). AIMS sponsors The Journal of North African Studies, publishes a newsletter, an annual roster of members, and research directory, sponsors yearly academic conferences in North Africa, provides funding support for students and scholars, maintains overseas research centers in Tunis (CEMAT), Tangier (TALIM), and Oran (CEMA), and supports annual Arabic language summer programs. To submit articles to the Journal, contact: Phillip Naylor, Publications Officer, phillip.naylor@marquette.edu. For other information on AIMS programs and membership, please contact: Kerry Adams, PhD, AIMS Executive Director, 520-626-6498, aims@aimsnorthafrica.org; or visit us at www.aimsnorthafrica.org.

American Institute for Yemeni Studies (AIYS)

Founded in 1977. Institutional and individual membership over 200. Annual dues: $25 regular, $10 students/emeriti (+$10 for overseas addresses); $250 institutional. AIYS is a nonprofit, nonpolitical organization that promotes pre- and post-doctoral research on Yemen and related areas. AIYS is a resource for individual scholars and institutional members’ projects in Yemen by providing a variety of services. AIYS conducts annual pre- and post-doctoral fellowship competitions for US students and students; under normal conditions fellows may opt to do research, intensive Arabic, or a combination of the two. AIYS also has a fellowship program for Yemeni scholars to do research in Yemen. AIYS publishes an annual bulletin, Yemen Update, and occasional monographs (distributed by MESA). Annual board and business meetings are held at MESA. Executive Director: Michael Carroll, AIYS, American Institute for Yemeni Studies, Institute for the Study of Muslim Societies and Civilizations, Boston University, 232 Bay State Road, Room 426, Boston MA 02215; aiys@aiys.org; www.aiys.org). Direct membership inquiries to the address above.

American Institute of Afghanistan Studies (AIAS)

Founded in 2003. Annual dues: $30 individuals; $500 institutions. The American Institute of Afghanistan Studies is a private, scholarly institution founded to support research on all aspects of Afghanistan's history and culture and to promote scholarly ties between Afghanistan and the United States. AIAS is a member of the Council of American Overseas Research Centers (CAORC). AIAS maintains a research center in Kabul, Afghanistan, offers fellowships, and sponsors panels and conferences. President: Thomas Barfield. Direct inquiries to: Michael Carroll, U.S. Administrative Director, 232 Bay State Road, #426, Boston MA 02215 (617 358-4649; fax: 617 358-4650; aias@bu.edu; www.bu.edu/aias).

American Institute of Iranian Studies (AIIrS)

Founded in 1967. Annual dues: $750.00 institutional. AIIrS is a nonprofit, nongovernmental research organization and a member of CAORC. AIIrS supports the advancement of knowledge and understanding of Iran and Persian culture and civilization from the earliest periods to the present. Its purview is the historical Persian world of Central Asia, the Middle East and South Asia, and the modern political state of Iran. AIIrS awards student fellowships for Persian language study in Tajikistan, as well as pre-doctoral and senior grants for Iranian Studies research. It supports occasional conferences and awards the annual Lois Roth Persian Translation Prize. Executive Director: Erica Ehrenberg, 118 Riverside Dr., New York NY 10024 (212 874-4094; fax: 646 863 2224; aiis@nyc.rr.com; www.simorgh-aiis.org). Direct membership inquiries to the address above.

American Institute of Pakistan Studies (AIPS)

Founded in 1973. Annual dues: $25 individuals; $250 institutional. AIPS is a nonprofit organization constituted as a consortium of universities and colleges, and is a member of CAORC. Its mission is to encourage and support research on issues relevant to Pakistan and the promotion of scholarly exchange between the US and Pakistan. It maintains a research center in Islamabad, offers fellowships for pre- and post-doctoral research, and sponsors conferences and panels at national meetings. AIPS publishes a newsletter and supports publications in the field. President: Jonathan Mark Kenoyer, American Institute of Pakistan Studies, The University of Wisconsin-Madison,1180 Observatory Dr., 5240 Sewell Social Science Bldg., Madison WI 53706 (jkenoyer@wisc.edu; www.PakistanStudies-AIPS.org). Direct membership inquiries to: Laura Hammond, Administrative Program Manager (608 265-4304; ljhammond@southasia.wisc.edu).

American Numismatic Society (ANS)

Founded in 1858. Membership: 2000. Annual dues: $100 foreign associate; $90 full associate; $70 basic associate; $50 student associate; $150 library associate; $750 corporate associate; $7,500 life membership. The ANS mission is to be the preeminent national institution advancing the study and appreciation of coins, medals and related objects of all cultures as historical and artistic documents; by maintaining the foremost numismatic collection and library; by supporting scholarly research and publications; and by sponsoring educational and interpretive programs for diverse audiences. Executive Director: Ute Wartenberg. For membership, contact: Megan Fenselau, Membership Office, The American Numismatic Society, 75 Varick Street, Floor 11, New York NY 10013 (212 571-4470 ext. 117; fax: 212 571-4479;membership@numismatics.org; www.numismatics.org).

American Research Center in Egypt (ARCE) 

Founded in 1948. Annual dues: $25 student; $55 regular; $80 family. ARCE is a private, nonprofit organization that supports research in Egypt on all phases of Egyptian civilization and culture and promotes and strengthens American-Egyptian ties. ARCE provides a permanent archaeological and research base in Cairo for American scholars. ARCE supports an extensive program of research fellowships, archaeological excavations and surveys, and special historical and literary studies. In collaboration with Egypt’s Supreme Council of Antiquities, and with funding from the United States Agency of International Development (USAID), ARCE works to preserve the country’s antiquities through documentation, conservation, training, and publication. ARCE publishes a newsletter and journal, and holds an annual conference. Cairo office: Director, Gerry Dee Scott III, 2 Midan Simon Bolivar, Garden City, Cairo, Egypt (20 2 2794-8239; fax: 20 2 2795-3052; cairo@arce.org). US office: Membership Coordinator, ARCE, 8700 Crownhill Blvd., Suite 507, San Antonio TX 78209 (210 821-7000, fax: 210 821-7007; info@arce.org; www.arce.org). Direct membership inquiries to the US address above.

Arab American Studies Association (AASA)

Founded in 2012. Annual Membership Dues: $20 Student; $50 Individual; $200 Institutional. The Arab American Studies Association (AASA) is a non-profit, nonpolitical, multi-disciplinary organization dedicated to the study of the history, culture, literature, art, music, politics, religion, and other aspects of Arab American experience. The Association aims to advance the field of Arab American studies and to stimulate research in diasporic, transnational, as well as North American Arab American experiences and cultural expressions. Through organizing annual meetings in conjunction with MESA, along with tri-annual conferences dedicated to Arab American studies, AASA hopes to facilitate communication and collaboration among its members and others interested in the study of Arab Americans. For membership information, contact: Suad Joseph, President, University of California at Davis (president@arabamericanstudies.org; arabamericanstudies.org).

Association for the Advancement of Central Asian Research (AACAR)

Founded in 1989. Membership: 150. Annual dues: $25 individual; $40 institutional. AACAR is a nonprofit scholarly organization devoted to promoting scholarship and instruction on Central Asia. AACAR considers Central Asia to consist of Azerbaijan, Kazakstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan and Turkmenistan, as well as the surrounding regions and states which share a long historical linkage with these states: Afghanistan, Iran, Mongolia, southern Russia (particularly areas having a large Muslim or Turkic population), Turkey, and Xinjiang. Publishes the Journal of Central Asian Studies. For membership, contact: John Dunn, Treasurer, History, VSU, Valdosta GA 31698 (jdunn@valdosta.edu). For inquiries concerning the Journal of Central Asian Studies, contact: Reuel Hanks, Editor, JCAS, 211 Scott Hall, OSU, Stillwater OK 74078 (hreuel@okstate.edu; www.geog.okstate.edu/journals/jcas/jcas.htm).

Association for Gulf and Arabian Peninsula Studies (AGAPS)

Founded in 2012. AGAPS is a new multi-disciplinary MESA affiliated organization and defines its area of study broadly to include the countries of the Arabian Peninsula, inclusive of the transnational flow of people, material and ideas across the Gulf, Red Sea and Indian Ocean. AGAPS is dedicated to innovative research agendas, high standards of scholarship and instruction, new networks of collaboration, the promotion of fieldwork in the GAP, the integration of promising graduate students and diverse membership in gender, discipline, age, location and area expertise. AGAPS hopes to encourage research agendas that are fresh and nuanced, both in theory and empiricism. At present, AGAPS' email list is over 200 colleagues drawn from North America, Europe, the Middle East and Asia. For inquiries, participation, or membership, please contact: Gwenn Okruhlik, President at okruhlik@msn.com.

Association for Israel Studies (AIS)

Founded in 1985. Annual dues: Regular Membership: $75; Independent Scholars and Retirees: $40; Students: $25. AIS is an international scholarly society devoted to the academic and professional study of Israel. AIS is open to all individuals who are engaged in, or share an interest in, scholarly inquiry about the state, society, history and culture of Israel. In 1996, AIS established a graduate student organization. AIS publishes the biannual, Israel Studies Review. Annual meetings in the late spring, and panels at MESA, APSA and ISA. President: Aviva Halamish, The Open University of Israel (avivaha@openu.ac.il). For membership and information, visit: www.aisisraelstudies.org/.

Association for Middle East Women’s Studies (AMEWS)

Founded in 1985. Annual dues (print & electronic): $50 individual; $45 student. AMEWS  is an organization of scholars and individuals with an interest in women and gender studies in the context of the Middle East/ North Africa and beyond, including transnational and diasporic communities in Europe, and North and South America. Its triennial publication, The Journal of Middle East Women's Studies (JMEWS), published by Indiana University Press, advances the fields of women's and gender studies through contributions across disciplines in the social sciences, humanities and other fields. JMEWS encourages research that is theoretically, epistemologically, and methodologically innovative. Membership to AMEWS and AMEWS list-serv is through JMEWS at Indiana University Press. For membership, contact: Azza Basarudin, AMEWS Secretary (azza@ucla.edu). Visit AMEWS:  www.amews.org/site.

Association for Modern and Contemporary Art of the Arab World, Iran and Turkey (AMCA)

Founded in 2007. Annual dues: $50 US/$40 ME; $30 US students/$20 ME students; $75 institutional. AMCA is a private, nonprofit, nonpolitical, international organization, devoted to advancing the study of the visual arts in the Arab world, Iran and Turkey, through the creation of a network of interested scholars and organizations. AMCA is affiliated with the College Arts Association (CAA). AMCA will facilitate communication and cooperation in the field by sponsoring  conferences, holding meetings, and exchanging information via a newsletter and website. President: Nada Shabout (shabout@unt.edu). For information, contact: Alexandra Dika Seggerman, Secretary (info@amcainternational.org). For membership, visit: www.amcainternational.org.

Association for the Study of Persianate Societies (ASPS)

Founded in 1996. Annual dues: $75 institutional; $35 regular; $15 student. ASPS is a nongovernmental, nonpolitical, and nonprofit professional organization for researchers, scholars, academics, and all other persons interested in the areas based on the Persian language, with special regard for scholars in Iran, South Asia, and Central Asia. The main objectives are: to promote research in the social sciences and humanities; to create, develop and encourage scientific, cultural and educational exchange and communication; and to enhance public culture and mutual understanding within the region. Publishes an annual journal, Studies on Persianate Societies, and holds a biennial convention. ASPS has regional offices in Vienna, Dushanbe, Islamabad, Lahore, New Delhi, Patna, Shiraz, Tashkent, Tehran and Yerevan. President: Parvaneh Pourshariati, Pourshariati.1@osu.edu. Membership information and form are on the website: www.persianatesocieties.org.

Association of Middle East Anthropology (AMEA)

The MESA Board of Directors has approved the Association of Middle East Anthropology (AMEA) as a new MESA affiliated organization. AMEA is a non-profit, nonpolitical organization dedicated to the ethnographic study of the culture, literature, art, music, politics, religion, and other aspects of the Middle East. The Association aims to stimulate academic research in Anthropological studies of the Middle East and to advance the study of the Anthropology of the Middle East. Through organizing annual meetings in conjunction with MESA, AMEA aims to facilitate communication and cooperation among its members and others interested in Anthropological studies of the Middle East alongside its sister organization the Middle East section of the Anthropological Association. For inquiries and membership, contact: Sherine Hafez (sherine.hafez@ucr.edu/).

Assyrian Academic Society (AAS)

Founded in 1985. Membership: 200. Annual dues: $70.00 professional; $40.00 student. AAS exists to build continuing and mutually beneficial relationships between its Executive Board, Members, Academic Institutions, and the Assyrian community at large. To this end, the AAS is devoted to strengthening its educational base within the Assyrian community through sponsorship of lectures, seminars, language classes, and academic conferences. AAS publishes specialty books in the areas of history, culture and language, and the Journal of the Assyrian Academic Society (JAAS). President: Nineb Lamassu (nineb@aas.net); Secretary: Ramsen Neesan (ramsen@aas.net). For information, contact: AAS, Nineva Bldg., 8324 N. Lincoln, Skokie IL 60076 (847 982-5800; info@aas.net; www.aas.net).

Center for Arabic Study Abroad (CASA)

Founded in 1967. CASA offers intensive advanced Arabic language and culture training to members of the academic community-at-large who represent various disciplines in the area of Middle Eastern studies. CASA represents a consortium of thirty-five universities in the US in addition to the American University in Cairo (AUC) where CASA’s training site is located. CASA is overseen by a governing council representing the members of the CASA Consortium and receives funding primarily from the US Department of Education, with support from the Mellon Foundation, the Ford Foundation, and the Binational Fulbright Commission in Egypt. Director (US): Dr. Christopher Stone (newly appointed)/Dr. Mahmoud Al-Batal (interim). Stateside Program Coordinator (US): Marissa Canales. Executive Director (Cairo): Iman Soliman. Contact information: Center for Arabic Study Abroad, University of Texas at Austin, WMB 1.110, 306 Inner Campus Drive, F9400, Austin TX 78712-1029 (512 471-3513; fax: 512 471-0739); casaprogram1967@gmail.com; www.utexas.edu/cola/centers/casa/). Direct membership inquiries to the address above.

Council of American Overseas Research Centers (CAORC)

Founded in 1981. Membership: CAORC has member centers in Afghanistan, Algeria, Bangladesh, Cambodia, Cyprus, Egypt, Greece, India, Iran, Iraq, Israel, Italy, Jordan, Mexico, Mongolia, Morocco, Nepal, Pakistan, Palestine, Sri Lanka, Tunisia, Turkey, West Africa, Yemen. CAORC speaks in support of overseas research centers; helps expand the resource base and raise the profile of member centers; fosters new channels of communication and collaboration among centers leading to a strengthening of academic programs and administrative procedures; fosters research projects across national boundaries; serves as advocate for area studies, and facilitates the establishment of new research centers. Executive Director: Mary Ellen Lane, CAORC, PO Box 37012, MRC-178, Washington DC 20013-7012 (202 633-1599; fax: 202 786-2430; caorc@caorc.org; www.caorc.org). Direct membership inquiries to the address above.

Critique: Critical Middle Eastern Studies

Founded in 1991. Middle East Critique is a peer-reviewed journal, published three times per year by Taylor & Francis Ltd. Annual subscription rates: individual $119 (£77), libraries and institutions $442 (£267). For publication details, back issue orders, and subscription rates, visit:  http://www.tandf.co.uk/journals/titles/10669922.asp. Critique promotes an academic and critical examination of the history and  contemporary political, social, economic, and cultural aspects of  Middle Eastern countries.Critique actively engages theoretical and empirical studies, and by so doing promotes a critical understanding of the complex nature of ideas, values, social configurations, and material realities of Middle Eastern societies. Editor: Eric Hooglund. For information regarding submission of manuscripts contact:Critique, Center for Middle Eastern Studies, Lund University, PO Box 201, SE-221 00 Lund, Sweden (critique.1992@gmail.com).

Historians of Islamic Art Association (HIAA) 

Founded in 1982. Membership: 250. Annual dues: $40 regular; $20 students; $60 joint; $100 sustaining; $100 institutional. HIAA's purpose is to promote high standards of scholarship and instruction in the history of Islamic arts; facilitate communication among its members through meetings, the HIAA newsletter and directory; and promote scholarly cooperation among persons and organizations concerned with the study of Islamic arts. HIAA holds a periodic majlis or meeting of its members, in conjunction with meetings of the College Art Association (CAA) or MESA, as well as a biennial symposium. Travel grants and the Margaret Sevcenko Prize support graduate studies. President: Marianna Shreve Simpson (president.hiaa@gmail.com); President-elect: Sheila Canby (sheila.canby@metmuseum.org);  Treasurer: Yasser Tabbaa (historiansofislamicart@gmail.com); Secretary: Ladan Akbarnia (sec.hiaa@gmail.com); www.historiansofislamicart.org.

International Society for Iranian Studies (ISIS)

Founded in 1967. Annual dues: $90 individual; $50 student; $250 institutions (includes on line journal). ISIS is a professional society to support and promote the field of Iranian studies at the international level. ISIS publishes the journal, Iranian Studies and convenes biennial conferences. President: Mehrzad Boroujerdi. Executive Director: Rivanne Sandler. For membership information, please consult the society website:  http://iranianstudies.com/.

Kurdish Studies Association (KSA)

Founded in 2000. Membership: 125. Annual dues: $30 ($15 for students). KSA is a private, nonprofit organization of scholars and others interested in Kurdish studies. KSA seeks to encourage scholarly research and writing on Kurdistan and Kurdish politics, culture, and society in the global context; to facilitate the exchange of information and ideas among scholars and others sharing a serious interest in Kurdish issues; and to foster a wider and better informed understanding of the Kurdish people and their diaspora. Annual KSA meeting is held in conjunction with MESA. Contact: KSA President, Shayee H. A. Khanaka, University of California at Berkeley, 438 Doe Library, Berkeley CA 94720-6000 (510 643-3145; fax: 510 643-6650; skhanaka@library.berkeley.edu), or Christian Sinclair, KSA Treasurer (520 621-5450; christian.sinclair@arizona.edu). Direct membership inquiries to the address above or visit the KSA website at: http://www.kurdishstudies.org.

Middle East Economic Association (MEEA)

Founded in 1974 and 1978. Membership: 1,000. Annual dues: regular members (residing outside the MENA region) $25; students (residing outside the MENA region) $20; all members residing in the MENA region $10. MEEA is a private nonprofit, nonpolitical organization fostering economic research on contemporary and historical issues in countries of the Middle East and North Africa region. Emphasis is placed on contending analytical perspectives and cross-country comparisons (http://meeaweb.org/). MEEA holds an annual meeting with the Allied Social Science Association (ASSA), an annual international summer conference in a MENA country, other conferences jointly sponsored with other organizations, and publishes an electronic proceedings journal (www.gsb.luc.edu/depts/economics/meea) and newsletter. President: Serdar Sayan, Department of Economics, TOBB University of Economics and Technology, Sogutozu Cad., No. 43, 06560 Sogutozu, Ankara, Turkey (serdar.sayan@etu.edu.tr). Executive Secretary: Hassan Y. Aly, Ohio State University & the African Development Bank (aly.1@osu.edu). For membership, contact: Edward A. Sayre, Treasurer, University of Southern Mississippi (edward.sayre@usm.edu).

Middle East Librarians Association (MELA)

Founded in 1973. Membership: 156. Annual dues: $30. MELA is a private nonprofit, nonpolitical organization of librarians and other persons interested in aspects of librarianship that support the study of the Middle East, North Africa and the Islamic world. MELA promotes communication among members and shares information about and encourages cooperation among Middle East libraries, collections, and individual members through meetings and newsletters. Annual dues include a subscription to the journal, MELA Notes. MELA meets annually in conjunction with MESA. President: Christof Galli (president@mela.us). For membership, contact: William J. Kopycki, MELA Secretary/Treasurer, Library of Congress (wkopycki@loc.gov; www.mela.us). Anyone interested in Middle Eastern librarianship may subscribe to the Association’s MELANET-L mailing list. http://www.mela.us/

Middle East Medievalists (MEM) 

Founded in 1989. Membership: 350. Regular annual dues: $15 for North American addresses, $17.50 elsewhere. Discounted dues for two or three year memberships. MEM is a professional nonprofit association of scholars interested in the study of the Islamic lands of the Middle East during the medieval period (defined roughly as 500–1500 C.E.). MEM has two primary goals: to increase the representation of medieval scholarship at scholarly meetings in North America and elsewhere by co-sponsoring panels; and to foster communication among those with an interest in the study of the medieval Middle East. MEM publishesAl-‘Usur al-Wusta: The Bulletin of Middle East Medievalist, with articles, information on scholarly meetings and resources, and reviews or notices of significant scholarly books published in the Middle East in local vernaculars (Arabic, Hebrew, Persian, Turkish), as these works are generally not reviewed in Western journals. For membership, contact: Antoine Borrut, MEM Secretary, Dept. of History, University of Maryland, 2115 Francis Scott Key Hall, College Park MD 20742-7315 (301-405-7448; aborrut@umd.edu; www.MiddleEastMedievalists.org).

Middle East Microform Project (MEMP)

Founded in 1987 by the Middle East Librarians Association. Membership: 28. MEMP is working to cooperatively acquire microform copies of unique, scarce, rare and unusually bulky and expensive research material pertaining to the field of Middle Eastern studies; and to preserve deteriorating printed and manuscript materials of scholarly value. The geographic coverage of MEMP includes materials from or on the Arab countries, Israel, Turkey, Iran, Afghanistan, Central Asia and other related areas not covered in other cooperative microform projects. The largest portion of MEMP’s collection focuses on newspapers from Middle Eastern countries. Other projects include the microforming of a large pamphlet file of materials on the Middle East at the Library of Congress, and preservation of the Chaquèri Collection of Iranian left-wing materials at Harvard University. For membership, contact: James Simon, Director of International Resources or Judy Alspach, International Resources Project Coordinator, Center for Research Libraries, 6050 S. Kenwood, Chicago IL 60637 (773 955-4545 ext. 324; fax: 773 955-4339;simon@crl.edu; jalspach@crl.edu; www.crl.edu/area-studies/memp).

Middle East Outreach Council (MEOC)

Founded in 1981. Membership: 134. Dues: $10 individual; $25 institutional; $35 joint MESA/MEOC. MEOC is a national network of educators dedicated to disseminating apolitical and nonpartisan information, resources, and activities furthering understanding about the Middle East. MEOC’s target audience is non-specialists at the K-12 and college levels, although its services are relevant to broader community needs. MEOC publishes a newsletter, develops and disseminates teaching resources, and makes annual awards to outstanding books about the Middle East for children and young adults. A MEOC annual meeting and teacher workshop are held in conjunction with MESA conference. President: Barbara Petzen (571 246-3494; bpetzen@middleeastconnections.org). For membership, contact: Melinda McClimans, Middle East Studies Center, Ohio State University, 321 Oxley Hall, 1712 Neil Ave., Columbus OH 43202 (614 292-6506; mcclimans.2@osu.edu  www.meoc.us).

Palestinian American Research Center (PARC)

Founded in 1998. Membership: 18 institutional, 180 individual. Annual dues minimums:$25 individual; $15 student; $100 institutional; $10 Palestine individual; $50 Palestine institutional. Purpose: PARC is a nonprofit, nonpolitical organization of scholars interested in scholarship about Palestinian affairs. PARC seeks to improve the range, quantity, and quality of scholarship on Palestine by providing research fellowships and a field research base for advanced graduate students and established scholars; to strengthen linkages among Palestinian and American educational, cultural, and research institutions; and to improve cross-cultural understanding. Publishes a twice-yearly newsletter and maintains a website: http://parc-us-pal.org/. Executive Director: Penelope Mitchell, 6520 E. Halbert Rd., Bethesda MD 20817-5414 (301 229-4606; us.parc@gmail.com) Palestine director: Hadeel Qazzaz, 6 Tel al-Zaater St., 3rd Floor Al Amin Building, Ramallah, West Bank, Palestine (970-2-297-4240, parcpal@palnet.com). Direct membership inquiries to the US address above. 

Society for Armenian Studies (SAS)

Founded in 1974. Membership: 222. Membership fee: $50 regular/supporting members; $20 students; $25 retired members; $50 donors; $100 patrons. The goals of SAS are to promote the study of Armenian culture and society, including history, language, literature, and social, political, and economic questions; to facilitate the exchange of scholarly information pertaining to Armenian studies; and to sponsor panels, conferences, a newsletter and journal. SAS organizes and sponsors panels on all aspects of Armenian studies at professional meetings, conferences and symposia. SAS normally meets in conjunction with MESA. President: Kevork Bardakjian (kbar@umich.edu). JSAS editor: Sergio La Porta (slaporta@csufresno.edu). Contact the Secretariat: Society for Armenian Studies, Armenian Studies Program, California State University, Fresno, 5245 N. Backer Ave. PB4, Fresno CA 93740-8001 (559 278-2669; fax: 559 278-2129; barlowd@csufresno.edu; armenianstudies.csufresno.edu/sas/index.htm). Direct inquiries about the Journal of the Society for Armenian Studies (JSAS), Newsletter, or membership to the address above.

Southeast Regional Middle East and Islamic Studies Seminar (SERMEISS)

Founded 1977. Membership: 176. Dues: $15 full; $10 associate. A professional society of faculty who study or teach some aspect of the Middle East or Islamic World. The twelve-state region includes Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia. Members from outside the region are welcome. Fall and spring meetings annually, with programs designed for three levels: specialists, non-specialists who include the region in their college teaching, and pre-collegiate faculty. Publishes a newsletter, sponsors teacher-training workshops and trips abroad, and maintains a video-lending library. President: Ron Messier, 7313 Primrose Lane, Murfreesboro TN 37085 (615 273-2474; messier.ron@gmail.com). Executive Director: John Parcels, SERMEISS, PO Box 8023, Georgia Southern University, Statesboro GA 30460-8023 (912 764-9802; parcels@georgiasouthern.edu.Website: http://academics.georgiasouthern.edu/sermeiss). Direct membership inquiries to the Executive Director.

Sudan Studies Association (SSA)

Founded in 1981. Membership: 200. Annual dues: $50 regular or non-profit members; $30 student; $500 profit-making organizations; $400 life membership. The SSA is an independent professional society open to scholars, teachers, students and others with interest in the Sudan. The SSA promotes Sudanese studies and scholarship on ancient, historical and contemporary topics. Activities include: the publication of the SSA Newsletter, annual meetings, including an international meeting held every three years; and support for the website. SSA sponsors panels and programs in conjunction with other academic associations and maintains an archive of publications. President: Randall Fegley (raf8@psu.edu) ; Executive Director: Richard Lobban, 23 Fort Ave. Cranston RI 02905 (rlobban@ric.edu); Webmaster: Ali Dinar (aadinar@sas.upenn.ed). Direct membership inquiries to the address above.

Syrian Studies Association (SSA)

Founded in 1992. Membership: 85. Annual dues: $25 full; $10 student and income under $35,000. Membership dues and donations are tax exempt in the US. SSA is a private, nonprofit, nonpolitical organization of scholars and other persons interested in Syrian studies. SSA is dedicated to promoting high standards of scholarship and instruction, facilitating communication among its members through meetings and other contacts, advancing international scholarship on Syria, furthering cooperation among persons and organizations concerned with Syrian studies, and encouraging students to learn Arabic in Syria. SSA defines its area of study as historical Bilad al-Sham. The Association sponsors panels at professional and scholarly conferences, publishes an on-line newsletter, awards prizes for best dissertation and best published article, and disseminates information on Arabic language programs in Syria. President: Fred H. Lawson (lawson@mills.edu). For further information, contact Stacy Fahrenthold, SSA Secretary at fahrenthold.s@gmail.com or visit: www.ou.edu/ssa.


The American Academic Research Institute in Iraq (TAARII)

Founded in 1989, under the name the American Association for Research in Baghdad (AARB). Annual dues: $250 Institutional Membership; $35 Individual Membership; $20 Student and Emeritus Membership; $1,000 Corporate Membership. TAARII is a consortium of universities, colleges, museums, and libraries, incorporated as a non-profit in the State of Illinois and holding 501 (c ) 3 status with the IRS. TAARII promotes scholarly research on and in Iraq and aims to create a multidisciplinary American scholarly research center in Iraq, as conditions permit. TAARII raises funds for advanced graduate and post-graduate fellowships for Americans and Iraqis to work on Iraq. TAARII initiates its own conferences and research projects and is interested in fostering joint projects between American and Iraqi academics. TAARII publishes a semi-annual newsletter. The TAARII annual meeting is held in conjunction with MESA. TAARII sponsors panels at the annual MESA meeting. For information, contact: Beth Kangas, Executive Director, TAARII, 3923 28th St., #389, Grand Rapids MI  49512 (773-844-9658; beth@taarii.org; www.taarii.org).

Turkish Studies Association (TSA)

Founded in 1971. Membership: 350. Annual dues: $30 regular/fellow; $40 joint; $15 student; $15 Turkish member in Turkey; $15 retired; $50 institutional. TSA is a private, nonprofit, nonpolitical organization of persons interested in Turkish and Ottoman studies. TSA promotes high standards of scholarship and instruction; facilitates communication among its members through meetings and written exchanges of information; and promotes international, scholarly cooperation among persons and organizations concerned with Turkish and Ottoman studies. TSA publishes the Turkish Studies Association Journal. The TSA annual meeting is held in conjunction with MESA. For membership, contact: Amy Mills, Dept. of Geography, University of South Carolina, Columbia SC 29208 (803 777-5688; fax: 803 777-4972; amills@sc.edu; www.h-net.org/~thetsa).



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