Three Approaches to the Cultural Anthropology of the Middle East

In: Middle East Studies Association bulletin, Band 5, Heft 2, S. 24-53

Abstract

Apart from the fact that anthropology has long been considered the bastard of the social sciences and the stepchild of the humanities, it is quite appropriate that a syllabus in Middle Eastern anthropology should follow those on geography, political science, and history. I cannot think of a single cultural anthropologist of my acquaintance dealing with Middle Eastern materials who has not urged, if not insisted, that his students familiarize themselves with the geography of the area, its ancient, medieval, and modern history, its religions, and its languages. Since most cultural anthropologists do field work in ar least one culture area, and many do it in two, the latter requirement is usually met with some degree of proficiency by anthropologists themselves and their graduate students. However, despite the obvious relevance of such great religious traditions as Islam, Christianity, and Judaism to the study of particular communities and regions within the Middle East, the acquaintance of anthropologists (not to mention students) with historical and religious materials remains sadly deficient, if only because of the richness of the literature available.