The Middle East Studies Center at The Ohio State University

Are you a student of the Middle East? a person with Middle Eastern heritage? a teacher who wants to incorporate more content related to the region? or simply curious to learn more? From public talks on history, politics, and global security to hands‑on foodways workshops, performances, and holiday celebrations like Nowruz, we have something for you. Whether you are new to the topic or building on existing interests, you can connect with faculty, students, and community partners through lectures, forums, and creative programs held on campus, online, and in the Columbus community. Image: Khan el-Khalili, Cairo Egypt. By Erica Chang via
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Learn About the Middle East Through Immersive Experiences, Conversations and the Arts Learn about the Middle East through immersive experiences, conversations, and the arts. Help us bring artists, authors, and scholars.

Are you a student of the Middle East? A person with Middle Eastern heritage? A teacher who wants to incorporate more content related to the region? Or are you simply curious to learn more? We have something for you.

Learn About the Middle East Through Immersive Experiences, Conversations and the Arts Learn about the Middle East through immersive experiences, conversations, and the arts. Help us bring artists, authors, and scholars.

William Schniedewind — Synagogues, Scrolls, and the Divine Voice

Join us for a talk with William Schniedewind on Tuesday, March 31, 2026 at 5:15 PM (ET).

Details (including location): https://nesa.osu.edu/events/william-schniedewind-synagogues-scrolls-and-divine-voice

William Schniedewind - Synagogues, Scrolls, and the Divine Voice Professor William Schniedewind will visit The Ohio State University to present a talk on his forthcoming book, Synagogues, Scrolls, and the Divine Voice.Before the word of God was a book, it was a voice.

We are going to be hosting a conversation about careers with three of our graduates on Monday at 2:30pm. Tyler Parker, Abbie Levine, and Noor Omar. All are using their Arabic language and knowledge of the Middle East in three jobs in very different fields. This Middle East Studies Forum brings together alumni working in higher education, business, and policy to share their career experiences and network with students and faculty in an informal, community-building setting. Join us in-person in Enarson, room 100, or online. More details and registration: go.osu.edu/careers26

What makes a definition of a contested term “reasonable”? Join us for a facilitated dialogue exploring standards for defining terms like Zionism and Intifada in public discourse. Fri, Feb 27, 2026 | 9:00–10:30 AM | Ramseyer Hall, Room 59 https://mesc.osu.edu/events/mcrme-event-what-makes-definition-contested-term-zionism-or-intifada-reasonable

Join us on February 28th from 10:00 to 3:00 as we form actions around food and foodways of the Middle East. Our focus is on conscious food choices, cultural affirmation, and cultural exchange. Collaborations focus on youth education and intergenerational knowledge transfer. Seed to Menu is a unique opportunity to connect with others and take actions to support local farmers, local businesses, and raise awareness about the role of foodways in transforming local food systems.

We will be hosting multimedia artist Dege Feder on campus this week. She’s our first speaker with the Multi-ethnic Cultural Reproductions in the Middle East (MCRME) project and we are really excited about the conversations and activities with her about creative process, dance, culture, and more. Please join us! All the events are here: https://meltoncenter.osu.edu/events

Financial Crime Challenges in the Middle East: Global Risk and Mitigation Series, Zoom: We invite you to join our upcoming Global Risk & Mitigation speaker event series to discuss the current and emerging risks of doing business in the
Middle East, as well as the mitigation strategies needed to be successful in the global marketplace.

Feb 17, 2026 12:00 PM

Speakers will include:
o Erin O'Loughlin – Senior Director Training, CFCS
o Thomas Mangine – Financial Crimes Compliance Consultant, Ernst & Young Global
Consulting Services
o 12:00 p.m. - 1:30 p.m. EST, Register
https://osu.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_s3DmwW8DTzquxrFEGrFRFw #/registration
Hosts/co-sponsors: Middle East Studies Center (MESC) and the Center for International Business Education and Research (CIBER) at the Fisher College of Business

Applications are open for the Fred C. & E. Maxine Moose Bruhns Scholarship for Study in the Middle East, a funding opportunity for Ohio State University undergraduates majoring or minoring in International Studies. This award offers a unique opportunity to fund their language studies in one of the world's most culturally and historically rich regions.
Multiple awards of $2,300–$3,500 are available to support OSU-approved study abroad programs in the Middle East or North Africa during Summer 2026 or the 2026–2027 academic year, and all funded programs must include coursework in Arabic or Persian.
Students should complete the online scholarship application by April 15, 2026. Further information and contact details are available through the Undergraduate International Studies Program, see:

Moose Bruhns Scholarship for Study in the Middle East We're proud to announce applications are open for the Fred C. & E. Maxine Moose Bruhns Scholarship for Study in the Middle East! This award offers Ohio State University undergraduates majoring or minoring in International Studies a unique opportunity to fund their language studies in one of the worl...

2026-01-26-Podcast Episode with Professor Rattan Lal

In this episode of Keys to Understanding the Middle East,” soil scientist Professor Rattan Lal explores how soil health underpins food systems, human well‑being, and the rise and fall of civilizations. Introduced by Dr. Melinda McClimans, who highlights his global contributions and philanthropy, Dr. Lal outlines his “one health” philosophy—that the health of soil, plants, animals, people, and the environment is inseparable....

2026-01-26-Podcast Episode with Professor Rattan Lal In this episode of Keys to Understanding the Middle East,” soil scientist Professor Rattan Lal explores how soil health underpins food systems, human well‑being, and the rise and fall of civilizati…