The Middle East plays a unique role in the annals of human civilization and is also the birthplace of the three monotheistic religions of Judaism, Christianity and Islam. Ranging from Morocco in the West to Iran in the East and from Turkey in the North to Yemen in the South, the region is characterized by its broad social, cultural and political diversity. Our Department explores the history, politics, society and culture of this fascinating and dynamic space with special emphasis on the study of Islam in the region and in the entire Islamic world. Israel is also part of the Middle East; thus, a profound multidisciplinary understanding of the region as a whole is of utmost importance to its security, economic development and socio-cultural prosperity.