Middle East & North African History Courses
Discover the Rich Histories of the Middle East and North Africa
The Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region is a treasure trove of history and culture. The Mashriq (eastern Mediterranean, Arabian Peninsula, Egypt, and Sudan) and the Maghreb (western and central North Africa) together form a region of immense global significance.
A Cradle of Civilization
This region is where agriculture first blossomed, spreading to Europe and beyond. The MENA region also pioneered writing, organized religion, coinage, long-distance trade, and various forms of political organization. These innovations continue to shape our world today.
A Rich Historical Tapestry
Dive into the fascinating past of the Sumerians, Phoenicians, Carthaginians, Persians, Seljuks, and Ottomans. Discover the region’s maritime trading and religious connections with the Indian Ocean and the Atlantic. Learn about the region’s dynamic history, including its resistance to various imperial expansions and its vibrant cultural exchanges.
Modern Significance
Understand the region’s pivotal role in the global energy mix over the past century. Explore the social histories of communities living through the World Wars, their integration into the global market economy, and the dynamics of transnational migration.
Join our courses to engage with the rich histories of the Middle East and North Africa. We offer both short and long courses, available online and face-to-face. Embark on a journey of discovery and deepen your understanding of this vibrant region.
- The Persian WarsCourse start date: Mon 13 Apr 2026
Location on this date: Keeley Street
Tutors: Sean GabbJoin Sean Gabb to discover the history of the Persian Wars and the significance of the relationships between the Greeks and their surrounding civilizations..
Full fee £199.00 Senior fee £159.00 Concession £129.00 - Global Encounters: The Later Crusades, 1209-1500
Course start date: Thu 16 Apr 2026Location on this date: Keeley Street
Tutors: Vanessa KingThe loss of Jerusalem saw a shift in Crusading strategy. Going on crusade became a seasonal event, first against the Cathars in France and then with the Knights Hospitaller against pagans in the Baltic.Full fee £179.00 Senior fee £143.00 Concession £116.00 - Science in the Islamic Golden Age Course start date: Sat 25 Apr 2026
Location on this date: Keeley Street
Tutors: Tas RahmanAn introductory course on the development of science in Islamic Empires, some of the key achievements, and how these helped to later fuel the Renaissance in Europe.
Full fee £69.00 Senior fee £55.00 Concession £45.00 - A History of Iran: From c.550BC-c.1900 (With V & A visit)Course start date: Sat 25 Apr 2026
Location on this date: Keeley Street
Tutors: T HussainJoin us for a brief introduction to the history of Iran and its civilization, from c.550 BC through to 1900. A morning lecture will be followed by an afternoon visit to the V&A in South Kensington.
Full fee £69.00 Senior fee £55.00 Concession £45.00 - The Ottomans and the Sublime Porte (1299-1922): Istanbul's control of the Mediterranean and the BalkansCourse start date: Sun 17 May 2026
Location on this date: Keeley Street
Tutors: Roberta MarinThis course will offer an insight into the long and complex history of the Ottoman empire and of Istanbul, its iconic capital.Full fee £69.00 Senior fee £55.00 Concession £45.00 - Iran in the 20th CenturyCourse start date: Sat 23 May 2026
Location on this date: Keeley Street
Tutors: Jean-Baptiste de VaulxAn introduction to modern Iranian history, tracing the rise and rule of the Pahlavi dynasty, the revolution, and the Islamic Republic, while exploring recurring themes of power, reform, resistance, and social change.
Full fee £69.00 Senior fee £55.00 Concession £45.00 - The Post-Ottoman Arab WorldCourse start date: Sat 11 Jul 2026
Location on this date: Keeley Street
Tutors: Jean-Baptiste de VaulxAn introduction to the modern Arab world, tracing its transformation after the Ottoman Empire through colonialism, nationalism, independence, and ongoing struggles over identity, power, and culture.
Full fee £69.00 Senior fee £55.00 Concession £45.00 - What the Islamic Golden Age did for us Course start date: Sat 25 Jul 2026
Location on this date: Keeley Street
Tutors: Tas RahmanAn introductory course on the achievements of the Islamic Golden Age, across all areas of civilisation, how these inspired Europe, and helped to bring about the modern world we live in.
Full fee £69.00 Senior fee £55.00 Concession £45.00 - The Byzantine EmpireCourse start date: Mon 5 Oct 2026
Location on this date: Online
Tutors: Sean GabbExplore the dramatic history of the Byzantine Empire from its Roman roots to its fall in 1453. This course offers a concise yet penetrating look at an empire that shaped both Europe and the Islamic world.
Full fee £189.00 Senior fee £151.00 Concession £123.00
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