The Domain of Middle Eastern Studies discussed in this paper covers mainly the study of the Arabic, Turkish, and Persian languages and literatures, and the history and cultures of the region where these languages are spoken. Thus, Hebrew and Jewish studies, Armenian studies, and the study of the languages and cultures of the pre-Islamic Middle East are not included.

The introductory section on the history of the field is followed by sections on the programs, on research conditions and trends, and on institutes and foundations concerned with Middle Eastern Studies. The paper does not aim at a historical analysis of the development of Middle Eastern Studies in relation to the specific historical factors (e.g., Calvinism, Asian trade, colonialism) which shaped the field. The accent is on the present-day conditions that seem to determine its current fate.