Urban Studies in The Middle East

Abstract

Urban civilization began in the Middle East and today this area is one of the most urbanized regions in the Third World. Yet, scholarly research in Middle Eastern urban affairs has lagged behind both the growth of urban studies for other areas of the world and the interest in other aspects of Middle Eastern society. The city is a viable focus for research and such fields as urban geography, urban sociology, urban anthropology and urban history have been increasing in importance in their respective disciplines. This interest is only beginning in Middle Eastern studies, although substantial recent progress has been made as this review will show.