Berkeley Center for Middle Eastern Studies (CMES)

Founded in 1963, the Center for Middle Eastern Studies (CMES) promotes the interdisciplinary study of the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) at the University of California, Berkeley, and beyond, raising public awareness of the region’s diverse peoples, languages, cultures and their connection to wider global contexts.  Our 66 Senior Research Scholars cover a depth and breadth of disciplinary expertise, including but not limited to, anthropology, archaeology, Egyptology, Islamic studies, Jewish studies,  political science, and sociology.  We provide a number of funding opportunities for students and faculty across campus, including language fellowships and support for Area Studies course content.