This hugely successful, ground-breaking book is the first introductory textbook on the Modern Middle East to foreground the urban, rural, cultural and gender histories of the region over its political and economic history. Distancing himself from more traditional modernising approaches, Ilan Pappé is concerned with the ideological question of whom we investigate in the past rather than how we investigate the past. Pappé begins his narrative at the end of the First World War with the Ottoman heritage, and concludes at the present day with the political discourse of Islam. Providing full geographical coverage of the region, The Modern Middle East:

• opens with a carefully argued introduction which outlines the methodology used in the textbook


• provides a thematic and comparative approach to the region, helping students to see the peoples of the Middle East and the developments that affect their lives as part of a larger world


• includes insights gained from new historiographical trends and a critical approach to conventional state- and nation-centred historiographies


• includes case studies, debates, maps, photos, an up-to-date bibliography and a glossarial index.

This third edition has been brought right up to date with recent events, and includes the developments through the Arab Spring, more economic history, much more focus on gender history and discussion of religion in the region from a broad perspective.

Accessible and original, The Modern Middle East continues to energise discussion and stimulate debate on the region’s history, and provides new insights and perspectives on its story.