University of Arkansas Middle East Studies Program

Summer is already here and somehow we’re still thinking about Souq UARK 🥹 It feels like it was just yesterday!

Thank you to everyone who came out and celebrated SWANA cultures and communities on campus with us! We are grateful for the RSOs and departments and well as Canopy who joined us and helped make this year’s Souq so special 🤍 From the music and food to the conversations and community, Souq UARK would not be the same without all of you!

Already excited for the next one, see you next semester ✨

Happy Finals Week everyone!☀️🌿

Our MEST community gathered to celebrate, connect, and honor the remarkable career of Professor Paradise. From delicious food and great music to heartfelt stories and shared laughter, thank you to everyone who joined us! To Professor Paradise, we wish you all the best in your next chapter. You will be truly missed!

In case you missed it ✨ MEST, in partnership with the Multicultural Center and the Latin American & Latino Studies Program, hosted an incredible First Friday event! Thank you to everyone who joined us for an afternoon of community, food, and meaningful conversation.

We had the pleasure of hearing from Christina Stephano de Queiroz (Federal University of São Paulo), who explored themes of hybridization in Arab-Brazilian writers and poets, touching on diaspora and orientalism, and Diogo Bercito (Georgetown University), who shared insights on intellectual mediation and Arab migration to Latin America, highlighting the histories, methods, and sources that shape this field.

We’re so grateful to our speakers and attendees for making it special. Stay connected and we’ll see you at the next event! ✨

📣📣HAPPENING NEXT WEEK!!!

Join MEST for SOUQ UARK, a campus market celebrating SWANA culture! Enjoy food, music, activities, and free trinkets, while learning more about the region through RSOs, campus departments, and community organizations!

🗓WEDNESDAY, APRIL 22 4-6PM
📍MULTICULTURAL CENTER (UNION 4TH FLOOR)

We hope to see you there!!

Looking for a class for next semester?👀

Check out these MEST and Arabic courses for the summer and fall! These can count towards a major or minor in Middle East Studies! Have questions? Reach out to [email protected]!

📣📣📣THIS FRIDAY!!

Please join us in celebrating Arab Heritage Month this year, hosted by MEST in partnership with the Multicultural Center and the Latin America and Latino Studies (LALS) program. We look forward to seeing you there!

📅 Friday, April 3
⏰ 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM
📍 Multicultural Center Art Gallery (ARKU 426)

Happy Spring Break!

MEST was proud to host Model Arab League for the very first time, welcoming over 250 attendees from local high schools for two days of debate, collaboration, and leadership!

From engaging committee sessions to thoughtful resolutions, it was incredible to see students step into the role of diplomats and tackle real-world issues with confidence and skill. A huge thank you to everyone who volunteered, chaired sessions, and helped make this event run smoothly, we couldn’t have done it without you!

We’re so excited to see this continue to grow in the future. Until next year!

Have you stopped by the MEST Office lately??

We’ve made some changes to make the office more cozy! Stop by to relax on the couch, grab a snack, or have some tea ☕🍪

Students are always welcome to use the microwave, hang out, or just come by for a chat!

📍 We’re located on the 2nd floor of Old Main (Main 202).

Hope to see you soon! 💛

Good news📣📣!!

The MEST Undergraduate Scholarship deadline (for new or renewing applicants) has been extended to March 1!

🎓 If you’re majoring (or planning to major) in Middle East Studies, this is a great opportunity to receive funding, from partial support up to the full cost of attendance.

MEST will be hosting an info session this week to answer questions and get help with the application. Stop by anytime to ask about eligibility or the application process!

📍 Info Session + Middle Eastern Refreshments
Wednesday, February 18
11:00 AM – 1:00 PM
MAIN 202 – MEST Center Office

If you didn’t apply for renewal this year but are still considering it, please feel free to come chat with us. You’re also welcome to bring along a friend who might be interested in learning more about MEST or applying for the scholarship.

We hope to see you there!