Islamic and Middle Eastern Studies

News

Read about the experiences of our students, staff and alumni in Islamic and Middle Eastern Studies.

In memoriam: Professor Jaakko Hämeen-Anttila

Photo of Jaakko Hämeen-Anttila with text saying in memoriam
Colleagues in Islamic and Middle Eastern Studies reflect on the passing of Jaakko Hämeen-Anttila, renowned scholar of classical Arabic and Persian literature, culture and historiography.

Meet our graduates: Lynn Houmdi

Photo of Lynn standing outside in a cobbled lane looking at the camera
Twenty years after her first degree, Lynn completed an award-winning MSc in Islamic and Middle Eastern Studies and now drives forward skills and training for social businesses tackling global challenges.

Meet our graduates: Zara Zaman

Having graduated in 2021 in Arabic and French, Zara is the co-founding Director of the Inspire Launch Grow Awards emerging enterprise finalist, Edventure.

Meet our graduates: Emily Lewis

A graduate in Arabic and French, who won awards for her student volunteering work, Emily is now a journalist in Beirut, Lebanon.

Putting the tee into translation

MA (Hons) Arabic and French student, Emma Penney, talks about the student-run charity SolidariTee and how translating for refugees has helped shape her future.

PhD graduate wins Man Booker International Prize 2019

Jokha Alharthi reflects on her time in a "literature paradise" as a postgraduate student of Islamic and Middle Eastern Studies in Edinburgh.

What our Teaching Awards mean to us

As nominations roll in for the Students’ Association Teaching Awards, we talk to previous winners about the impact of being recognised in this annual celebration of excellence.