Mission Statement

The Middle East Studies Association (MESA) is a non-profit association that fosters the study of the Middle East, promotes high standards of scholarship and teaching, and encourages public understanding of the region and its peoples through programs, publications and services that enhance education, further intellectual exchange, recognize professional distinction, and defend academic freedom in accordance with its status as a 501(c)(3) scientific, educational, literary, and charitable organization.

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Annual Meeting  


The Middle East Studies Association’s 60th annual meeting will be held in Boston, MA from November 21-24, 2026.

The MESA 2026 Program Committee decisions will be available on April 30. To be included on the program, accepted participants should pre-register by May 15.

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Advocacy


The Middle East Studies Association (MESA) advocates on behalf of its members on issues that are central to its mission.

This includes statements and letters from MESA's Board of Directors, MESA's Committee on Academic Freedom, the Task Force on Civil and Human Rights, and the MESA Global Academy.

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Become a MemberTea cup and plate


Be a part of a community of scholars who are passionate about the pursuit of academic knowledge on the MENA region. Help MESA defend academic freedoms. Share your research at the annual meeting. Access the best, cutting-edge scholarship in person at the conference or online in our journals.

Join or renew today!

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Member Announcements

MESA 2026 Call for Papers

The 60th MESA Annual Meeting will be held November 21-24, 2026, at the Hilton Boston Park Plaza. 

Program decisions will be available on April 30.  

Advisory regarding U.S. Travel Ban

MESA's Board of Directors and Task Force on Civil and Human Rights have issued an advisory regarding the latest travel restrictions enacted by the Trump Administration.

Issues of IJMES, RoMES, and IMES available

To access, select the Publications tab in your myMESA account then click the publication image.

Webinar to Launch New Website Supporting Academic Freedom and Challenging Repression on North American Campuses

MESA’s Task Force on Civil and Human Rights established the Academic Freedom Initiative (AFI) in October 2024 to produce analysis and resources for MESA members and the wider public to support academic freedom and to challenge repression on North American campuses. The AFI website includes data on topics such as Title VI lawsuits, congressional hearings of higher education representatives, cases of retaliation against employees on university and college campuses, and information about interference with campus events related to Palestine since October 7, 2023. The website also features resources for academic freedom advocacy and Know Your Rights and FAQ documents about visa and immigration issues. 

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Pinned Story

Letter regarding the Forced Resignation of AGMI Director Gzoyan

Our letter expressing concern about the forced resignation of Dr. Edita Gzoyan, Director of the Armenian Genocide Museum Institute-Foundation (AGMI), following her hosting of U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance at the museum in February 2026, calling for her immediate reinstatement and urging the Armenian government to restore the AGMI's institutional independence and uphold its commitment to academic freedom.

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Letter about the decision of the Los Angeles Public Library to rescind invitations to two authors and effectively cancel Read Palestine Week

Our letter expressing dismay concerning the Los Angeles Public Library’s decision to cancel an event featuring the writers Jenan Matari and Nora Lester Murad that was slated for the library’s 2025 Read Palestine Week, scheduled for 29 November-5 December 2025.

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Letter to government of the Islamic Republic of Iran regarding its violent response to the protests in the country

Our letter expressing concern about the unprecedented lethal state violence against the nationwide protests in Iran since 28 December 2025, including the killing of over 3,700 civilians and thousands of arrests, among them many students and faculty members, and calling for an immediate end to violence and arrests, and the restoration of internet access.

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Stay Connected

MESA offers several ways to stay connected: Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, as well as listservs and trusty email notifications. To find out more, please follow the link below.

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