Research Paper: “The History of the Middle East” – 20 Topics to Inspire Students

In our previous guide, 10 Facts for a Research Paper on the History of the Middle East, we discussed key historical elements to help you compose a well-researched paper. However, selecting a suitable topic for your research paper can be challenging.

This guide provides 20 research topics related to Middle Eastern history that you can use or modify for your paper. Additionally, we have included a structured sample essay on one of the topics and references to assist you in your research.

20 Research Topics on the History of the Middle East

1. How the Great Pyramid of Egypt Has Remained Structurally Intact for Centuries
2. The Impact of Oil Discovery on the Middle Eastern Economy
3. Population Growth in the Middle East and Associated Risks
4. Why Turkey Remained Neutral During World War II
5. The Growing American Interest in the Middle East
6. Origins of Political Conflicts in the Middle East
7. The Role of Media in Middle Eastern Wars
8. The Origins and Causes of the Palestine Conflict
9. How Saudi Arabia Remained Safe During World War II
10. The Role of Foreign Powers in Middle Eastern Conflicts
11. Traditional Islamic Ideology and Its Influence on the Middle East
12. Religious History and Its Impact on the Middle East
13. Effects of War on Middle Eastern Nations
14. The Historical Roots of Conflict in the Middle East
15. The Growing Refugee Crisis in the Middle East
16. The Balance Between Western and Islamic Principles in Turkey
17. The Decline of the Ottoman Empire in the Middle East
18. The Role of Foreign Forces in the Israel-Palestine Conflict
19. The Rise of Saudi Arabia as a Regional Leader
20. The Historical Settlement of Jews in Palestine

These topics provide a solid foundation for writing a well-researched paper. Below is a sample essay based on one of these topics.

Sample Essay: How and Why Turkey Adopted Both Western and Islamic Principles

Introduction

The Middle East has long been home to diverse religions and traditions. Over time, cultural shifts have shaped the region, and Turkey serves as a prime example of this transformation. This paper explores Turkey’s adoption of both Western and Islamic principles and how its unique geographical position played a role in this process.

Historical Background

Turkey has historically been influenced by various cultures. As descendants of the Ottoman Empire, the Turkish people have inherited traditions from both Islamic and Western civilizations. The Ottoman rulers recognized the significance of Westernization and sought to implement reforms to modernize their empire, particularly as they began to lose global influence in the 19th century.

Western Influence and Cultural Integration

Modern Turkey reflects a blend of Eastern and Western cultures. The country’s transformation was largely driven by Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, who initiated reforms to secularize the nation. Some key changes included:

• Adoption of the Latin Alphabet: The Arabic script was replaced in favor of the Latin alphabet to promote literacy and align with the West.
• Secularization of Institutions: Religious influence in governance was reduced, and Western legal codes were introduced.
• Western-Style Education: Schools adopted European curricula to integrate modern sciences and philosophy.

Despite these changes, Islamic traditions remain integral to Turkish society. Many citizens continue to practice Islam while embracing Western cultural elements such as fashion, cinema, and cuisine.

The Role of Media and Literature

Western literature has heavily influenced Turkish writers, leading to translations of Western literary works into Turkish. A prominent thinker, Ziya Gökalp, stated:

“We belong to the Turkish nation, Islamic community, and Western civilization. Our literature must direct itself to the people and, at the same time, to the West.”

This reflects Turkey’s dual cultural identity, which continues to evolve today.

This guide provides a structured approach to writing a research paper on Middle Eastern history. Use these topics, the sample essay, and references to develop a well-researched and insightful paper.

Conclusion

Turkey stands as a bridge between Europe and the Middle East, blending aspects of both worlds. While the nation has embraced Western influences, it remains deeply rooted in Islamic traditions. This balance has allowed Turkey to modernize while preserving its cultural heritage, making it a unique and dynamic nation in the Middle East.

References

1. Regan Austin, Jesse DeLauder, Rebecca Luhrs, Laura Adriance, Austin Stockwell & Tese Wintz Neighbor (2008). Turkish Culture and Society: Where East Meets West.
2. Douglas Arthur Howard (2013). The History of Turkey. Greenwood Publishing.
3. Metz, Helen Chapin, ed. (1996). Turkish Origins.
4. Imber, Colin (2014). The Ottoman Empire, 1300–1650: The Structure of Power.
5. Schaller, Dominik J; Zimmerer, Jürgen (2008). Late Ottoman Genocides and Population Policies.
6. Rafis Abazov (2009). Culture and Customs of Turkey.
7. Mango, Andrew (2000). Atatürk: The Biography of the Founder of Modern Turkey.

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