Middle Eastern Studies (research)

Degree: Master of Arts in Middle Eastern Studies (research)
Mode of Study: Full-time
Duration: 2 years
Start date: September, February
Language of instruction: English
Location: Leiden
Croho/isat code: 60843
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Middle Eastern and Islamic studies in Leiden have a justly deserved worldwide reputation. Their breadth and depth are not only unparallelled in the Netherlands, but represent the very best of Middle Eastern and Islam-related research and teaching in Europe and beyond. The Research MA in Middle Eastern Studies allows you to focus on a region, such as the Arab world, North Africa, Turkey and the Persian world, or on a discipline, such as history, politics, religion, languages and literature, both regionally and cross-regionally.

The broad expertise of Leiden’s teaching faculty provides opportunities to explore the spectrum of Middle Eastern life and culture, from its Christian communities to Islamists and from the origins of Islam to the living, vibrant present. For those concentrating on Islamic studies, the programme embraces Muslim societies across Europe, the Middle East and Southeast Asia. The opportunity to work intensively in primary languages is offered in all tracks, but not demanded.

The programme, while paying special attention to regions and inter-regional relations, draws upon a comparative Area Studies approach. Middle Eastern Studies (research) not only encourages intra-Middle East comparisons, but closely co-operates with Asian Studies (research). This co-operation is institutionalised, for example, through a common introductory course on Area Studies.

Within Middle Eastern Studies, it is possible to focus on:

  • Turkish Studies;
  • Arabic Studies;
  • North African Studies;
  • Persian Studies;
  • Islam;
  • Eastern Christianity;
  • Modern Middle East Studies.

It is also possible to combine courses, allowing thus for more flexibility and a wider view on the region.

Dr. Seyed Gohrab

Seyed Gohrab

“Poetry is the most tangible icon of the identity of the Persian people.”

“I am a specialist of the New Persian language, literature and culture. Leiden University has a long history in studing New Persian. Shortly after the foundation of the University in 1575 Persian was being studied here, and masterpieces from Persian literature were being translated.Even today Leiden has an eminent reputation in this field, not only in Persian-speaking countries but also in Europe and America.

Persian is currently spoken in Iran, Afghanistan, Tajikistan and parts of Central Asia, but for a long time it was the cultural language of a much greater area. Until the nineteenth century Persian was a cultural language of India and a large part of the Ottoman Empire. When we talk of ‘Persian’, we are referring generally to this large area where Persian language and culture are or were important.

I am fascinated by the beauty of the Persian language. Poetry is the most tangible icon of the identity of the Persian people. Unlike in Egypt, for example, Persian kept its own language and culture after the invasion of the Islamic Arabs in Persian cultural areas.

Poetry is a bearer of Persian culture in all its facets. Astronomy and medical treatises were expressed in poetic form and even now we see on many ceremonial occasions, such as births and marriages, that classical Persian poems are recited. A TV presenter of a game show in Iran can readily recite a classical poem. Poets and writers have prominent status in Iran.”