Perspectives on Policy and Society In the Middle East - HUMIS Web ...

10) Mustafa Erdoğan of Hacettepe University (Ankara, Turkey), spoke on “The Recent
Constitutional Debate in Turkey”
11) Lawrence Rosen of Princeton addressed Muslim and Islamic Identity Issues and
12) Hootan Shambayati of the University of Kansas discussed Turkish Militarism.
Letter from the Editor
As I listened to a discussion about the global oil market and the critical interplay between the
world powers, I realized how basic the reality of the situation was: despite the cultural
differences, the political philosophies, the religious ideologies, and the variance in practices
of daily life, we need each other and we need to learn to live together.
It has often been said by outside observers that our Middle East Center is a microcosm of
the Middle East. I assume this comment is a reflection of the challenge in presenting such
an extremely diverse and complicated area. Many of the world’s major religions exist side by
side in the Middle East. Four very unique and very different languages are covered in our
area of study: Turkish, Persian, Hebrew and Arabic. Our student coursework and our
lecture programs span many disciplines including political science, anthropology, sociology,
business, history, economics, art, literature and music. The diversity in the Middle East is
certainly reflected in the programs of the Middle East Center.
Our mission at the Middle East Center reflects how dependent we are upon the community:
local, regional and national. Our community of K-12 teachers makes up the audiences in
our numerous outreach trainings and helps to shape the programs of the future. Due to
their diligence, eagerness and willingness to share, our trainings are absolutely amazing
(simply attend one and I’m sure you’ll agree). Our lecture series rely heavily upon faculty,
analysts, researchers, writers and political figures to provide history, viewpoints, and personal
insights that will enrich, increase understanding and perhaps even change our perceptions of
the Middle East. Much of our funding comes from University, state and federal sources.
We depend on our faculty at the University of Utah to provide engaging coursework and
programs and to raise a generation of students ready to affect a positive change on our
world.
Our program evaluations reflect the need the community has for information on the Middle
East. Our students often give glowing testimonies of their educational experiences at the
MEC (one such story is included in this newsletter). Even the Department of Education
recognizes the importance of the mission of the Middle East Center by granting federal
funding. Yes, we do need each other and we do seem to make the world a better place when
we recognize, accept and build on that philosophy.
Shari Lindsey
Events Coordinator
Middle East Center