Stereotyping of the Middle East by Turkish Academics: How does Middle East Studies Education Work

This study aims to investigate how education might affect the stereotypes patterns related to the Middle East (ME), proposed by Turkish academics. To explore common stereotypes and stereotyping-knowledge links concerning education in the region, a total of 40 (22 Middle East Studies (MES) and 18 non-MES) scholars were asked to define the ME, list characteristics they attributed to it, and position Turkey in relation to it. The results reveal significant differences in these two groups’ understanding and elaboration of the region in terms of using negative stereotypes. The paper then attempts to show how the literature on the ‘stereotyping-knowledge link’ connects in area studies education’s main discussions.
YDÜ Sosyal Bilimler Dergisi