55th Annual Meeting of the Middle East Studies Association, October 28–31, 2021, Palais des Congrès, Montréal, Québec, Canada

The Middle East Studies Association of North America invites and encourages submissions for its 55th Annual Meeting to be held in the fall of 2021. Submissions by students are more than welcome.

MESA is a leading international forum for scholarship, intellectual exchange, and pedagogical innovation. Since its founding in 1966, it has been the hub for academic collaboration within the field of Middle East studies. The meeting features panels and roundtables on a wide variety of topics related to the broader Middle East and North Africa from the 600s until the present. Presentations and discussions are complemented by an exciting film festival of documentaries, features, and shorts related to the region, as well as a comprehensive book exhibit featuring the latest publications in the field, in addition to a variety of other events and opportunities related to academic and professional careers in Middle East studies.

Submissions may be in the form of pre-organized panels, pre-organized roundtables, or individual papers (to be formed into panels by the program committee). 

MESA’s purview is primarily the area encompassing Iran, Turkey, Afghanistan, Israel, Pakistan, and the countries of the Arab World (and their diasporas) from the seventh century to modern times. Other regions, including Spain, Southeastern Europe, China and the former Soviet Union, also are included for the periods in which their territories were parts of the Middle Eastern empires or were under the influence of Middle Eastern civilization. Comparative work is encouraged. The 2021 meeting does not have a theme.

MESA membership is a requirement to submit a proposal.