Though Western scholars have decided to dispose of
the term “orientalism” and “Orientals” in their international conference held
in Paris in 1973, they continued their interest in studying Islam and Muslim
peoples. So the term orientalism became
obsolete the studies concerning Islam and Muslim countries continues. These
studies include everything about Islam and Muslims ranging from faith, tenants,
dogma, worshiping practices to economy and politics of the Muslim World.
A single scholar called the orientalist executed
these studies in the past, however these studies are undertaken nowadays by
scores of scholars or specialists, American and European students and by Muslim
and Arab students studying in the west. At the University of California at
Berkeley eighteen departments are involved in the study of Islam and Muslim
countries such as: Agriculture, Anthropology, Architecture, Economy. Sociology, Political Sciences ….etc. All these
departments coordinate their work through “Middle Eastern Studies Center”
One might ask the question what is the difference
in the outcome between the old studies “Orientalism” and area studies or
regional studies”? The old studies lacked academic specialization or following
the discipline of the present social sciences such as psychology, sociology,
anthropology, Political Sciences. Etc.... Though the old studies were supported
by colonialist powers (Britain, France,
Soviet Union) The present studies are utilized and supported by the same
countries but without direct empirical intentions. But rather they are used to
continue serve the political and economical goals of the west in the Muslim
World.
In the last few years, for example, the American
Consulate in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia held many activities that serve the purpose
of gaining deeper knowledge of the intellectual circles in Saudi Arabia. They
also helped American scholars- Middle Eastern Specialists- to collect data and
information for their research. Sometimes these gatherings at the Consulate
served the purpose of strengthening political relations. The chairman of the
religion department at a leading American University visited Saudi Arabia to
give a lecture about the status of these studies at American universities. The
question that arises is why the American Consulate would provide the place,
invite people and spend a lot of money if such lecture would not serve their
purposes?
Another example is the visit of Dr. Joseph
Kechichian of Rand Corporation to Jeddah to conduct a study about the Future
security of Saudi Arabia. This study is considered classified material at Rand.
This specialist is also interested in Oman and the Islamic Political movements
(fundamentalism). While visiting Jeddah the American Consulate invited a score
of Saudi Scholars to meet with him and provide him with ideas, insights and
information about their country and the Arab and Muslim World.
So, Orientalism is not the mere activity of
secluded scholars in their ivory towers in their universities or with their
students, it is much more than that.
Few years ago, I was visiting Princeton University
(1988) and there I met an American officer pursing his studies in Middle East
Department. He was taking a course in Arabic and a course in Middle East
Contemporary Political Thought.
Muhammad Ben Saud University in Riyadh established
a small research unit-but effective-
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