All Session Tracks

• Track 01 – Colonial Legacies in the Modern Middle East
  This track explores the enduring impacts of colonial rule on contemporary Middle Eastern societies. It seeks to analyze how historical colonial encounters continue to shape political, social, and cultural dynamics in the region. Aligned SDGs: SDG 16 – Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions  |  SDG 10 – Reduced Inequalities  |  SDG 4 – Quality Education
• Track 02 – Postcolonial Identities and Nationalism
  Focusing on the formation of national identities in postcolonial contexts, this track examines the interplay between nationalism and cultural identity in the Middle East. Papers will investigate how colonial histories inform contemporary national narratives and identity politics. Aligned SDGs: SDG 10 – Reduced Inequalities  |  SDG 16 – Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions  |  SDG 5 – Gender Equality
• Track 03 – Resistance and Agency in Colonial Contexts
  This session invites discussions on various forms of resistance against colonial powers in the Middle East. It aims to highlight the agency of local populations in shaping their own histories and futures amidst imperial domination. Aligned SDGs: SDG 16 – Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions  |  SDG 10 – Reduced Inequalities  |  SDG 8 – Decent Work and Economic Growth
• Track 04 – Orientalism and Its Discontents
  This track critically engages with the concept of Orientalism and its implications for Middle Eastern studies. Participants will analyze how Orientalist discourses have influenced Western perceptions of the region and the responses from local intellectuals. Aligned SDGs: SDG 16 – Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions  |  SDG 4 – Quality Education  |  SDG 10 – Reduced Inequalities
• Track 05 – Decolonization Movements and Their Outcomes
  This session focuses on the various decolonization movements that emerged in the Middle East during the 20th century. It aims to assess the successes and challenges faced by these movements in achieving political and social autonomy. Aligned SDGs: SDG 16 – Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions  |  SDG 10 – Reduced Inequalities  |  SDG 5 – Gender Equality
• Track 06 – Cultural Encounters and Hybrid Identities
  Exploring the intersections of culture and identity, this track examines how colonial encounters have led to the formation of hybrid identities in the Middle East. Papers will discuss the complexities of cultural exchange and assimilation in postcolonial contexts. Aligned SDGs: SDG 10 – Reduced Inequalities  |  SDG 16 – Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions  |  SDG 4 – Quality Education
• Track 07 – Memory and Historical Narratives
  This session investigates the role of memory in shaping historical narratives of colonial and postcolonial experiences in the Middle East. It encourages contributions that explore how collective memory influences identity and social change. Aligned SDGs: SDG 16 – Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions  |  SDG 4 – Quality Education  |  SDG 10 – Reduced Inequalities
• Track 08 – Political Movements and Global Relations
  Focusing on the political landscape of the Middle East, this track examines the relationship between local political movements and global power dynamics. Papers will analyze how international relations have impacted regional political developments. Aligned SDGs: SDG 16 – Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions  |  SDG 17 – Partnerships for the Goals  |  SDG 10 – Reduced Inequalities
• Track 09 – Knowledge Production in Postcolonial Contexts
  This session addresses the production of knowledge in the postcolonial Middle East, emphasizing the role of local scholars and institutions. It seeks to challenge dominant narratives and highlight alternative epistemologies emerging from the region. Aligned SDGs: SDG 4 – Quality Education  |  SDG 10 – Reduced Inequalities  |  SDG 16 – Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions
• Track 10 – Historiography of Colonial Encounters
  This track engages with the historiographical debates surrounding colonial encounters in the Middle East. Participants will explore how different historical interpretations shape our understanding of colonialism and its aftermath. Aligned SDGs: SDG 16 – Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions  |  SDG 10 – Reduced Inequalities  |  SDG 4 – Quality Education
• Track 11 – Modernity and Social Change in the Middle East
  This session examines the relationship between modernity and social change in the context of the Middle East's colonial and postcolonial experiences. It invites papers that explore how modernization processes have influenced social structures and cultural practices. Aligned SDGs: SDG 9 – Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure  |  SDG 16 – Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions  |  SDG 10 – Reduced Inequalities

Alignment with the Sustainable Development Goals
Alongside its academic focus, the conference promotes responsible research, ethical practice and knowledge-driven development. Its session tracks collectively contribute to the following United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.

• SDG 4
  Quality Education
• SDG 5
  Gender Equality
• SDG 8
  Decent Work and Economic Growth
• SDG 9
  Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure
• SDG 10
  Reduced Inequalities
• SDG 16
  Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions
• SDG 17
  Partnerships for the Goals