Middle Eastern Language and Cultures at Stockholm University

Arabic is relatively young subject at Stockholm University and received its first professor Heinz Grotzfeld in 1968. Attia Amer succeeded Grotzfeld and was a professor between 1976-1988.

With the appointment of Professor Kerstin Eksell, 1988-2001, a specialist on modern Arabic literature, the subject was developed with teaching and research on Middle Eastern literature.

Under the current professor Elie Wardini, 2002-, the subject area's focus has been further broadened towards area studies, and in June 2004, the subject area Middle East and North African Studies was established.

As of 2012, the main area is called Middle Eastern Language and Cultures.

Education today

In the field of Middle Eastern languages and cultures, one can today choose to study:

• Arabic with a focus on Middle Eastern and North African studies
• Middle East and North African studies

Our courses and educations can be read from beginner level to bachelor's and master's level. Doctoral studies in Middle Eastern Languages and Cultures consists of area studies with the focus on one or more of the main language and culture areas in the Middle East, North Africa and Turkey.

Research

In Eastern languages and cultures, research is currently conducted in classical and modern Arabic literature, semitic languages, history and religious studies, and economic and political development in the Middle East and Turkey.

Present staff

Today the permanent staff of the Middle Eastern Language and Culture section consists of the following positions: Professor in Middle Eastern Lanugage and Cultures, Elie Wardini, Professor of Human Rights, Hans Ingvar Roth, and four Associate Professors: Isa Blumi, Tania Al Saadi, Elena Chiti, Astrid Ottosson al Bitar and two lecturers Samim Elias and Martin Säfström.

Currently, Erik Sundbladand Elisa Viteri Marquez are PhD Candidates in Middle Eastern Language and Cultures.