Paper short abstract:

The Cultural diversity of the Middle East has been neglected for long. However, the Arab spring’s consequences, notably the emerging conflicts, have shown that the ethno-religious, and in general cultural diversity of the Middle East is not an issue that can be dispensed with.

Paper long abstract:

Middle Eastern studies have traditionally been preoccupied with history more than anything else. Both orientalist and the non- or anti-orientalist studies were primarily preoccupied with history, either narration of history or using historical data, in order to prove certain (hypo-)theses. Although, the usage of history—in either way—is inevitable, the Middle East can be studied in the same way as any other region: its current issues can be studied conceptually and theoretically using (historical or other types of) data. The popular images of the Middle East describes the region as an Arab, Muslim region. Although the better-informed scholars know it better, this image has persisted over decades, if not centuries, and has had impact on the (Western) policy making about that region. As exceptions to the rule were often mentioned Turkey (non-Arab), and Iran (non-Arab and Shiite). Even mentioning such exceptions are short-sighted. Both Iran and Turkey have bon-Arab as well as Arab population, and in both countries Shiites as well as Sunnis live. In other words; the cultural diversity of the Middle East has been largely neglected for decades and centuries. The Arab spring's consequences, notably the emerging (ethnic sectarian) conflicts, have shown that the ethno-religious, and in general cultural diversity of the Middle East is not an issue that can be dispensed with. As the news, and the local sources—notably the discussion forums used by the youth—testify cultural diversity and its effect on political and social behavior is paramount and deserves professional (academic) attention.