The Finnish Institute in the Middle East and the University of Helsinki (Middle Eastern Studies) invite proposals for the Eighth Finnish Colloquium of Middle Eastern and North African Studies, to be held on 27–28 May 2027 in Helsinki.
Beginning in October 2023, the Middle East (MENA) has undergone an exceptionally intense and still unfolding processes of transformation. These changes are closely tied to shifting interstate relations, the regional power dynamics, and the region’s relationship with the Global North. In addition to geopolitical developments, these processes encompass much more. What is the future of the Palestinians after the destruction of Gaza? What will become of Iran in the aftermath of the brutally suppressed popular uprising and the subsequent attack by the United States and Israel? What will the new post-Assad Syria look like? All of these are examples of transformations that generate a need for recovery, a desire for reconciliation, and a reason to reassess existing realities. Such moments are not historically unprecedented; similar phases have recurred throughout the history of the Middle East. The colloquium asks how societies recover from past and present challenges, reconcile competing narratives and experiences, and reconsider inherited assumptions in order to envision viable and sustainable futures.
Keynote speakers:
- Professor Nadine Sika, American University in Cairo (AUC)
- Senior Research Fellow Charlotte Lysa, Norwegian Institute of International Affairs
We welcome panel proposals or individual papers that address themes of recovery, reconciliation, and reconsideration within any current or historical context of the Middle East. The colloquium is multidisciplinary: contributions drawing on a wide range of disciplinary or methodological approaches are encouraged, including history, political science, security studies, anthropology, sociology, religious studies, linguistics, Ancient Near Eastern studies, archaeology, cultural studies, and media studies.