Center for Middle Eastern and North African Studies (CMENAS)

The Center for Middle Eastern and North African Studies (CMENAS) enhances awareness of the peoples, cultures, and languages in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA). This vitally important region of the world constitutes a highly diverse cultural area now undergoing rapid and large-scale change.

Study of the MENA region began at U-M in 1889. Since the inception of the program in 1961, U-M has been committed to area studies and language training. In 1993, CMENAS became a member of the U-M International Institute, which seeks to stimulate research and teaching on critical areas of the world and to foster cooperation among the university’s departments, schools, and colleges.