The Carolina’s Outstanding Contribution to Middle East and Islamic Studies Book Award is presented annually to a North Carolina scholar to recognize a publication of exceptional quality and impact in the field of Middle East and Islamic Studies. This prestigious award honors authors whose work has made a significant contribution to advancing scholarly understanding and public awareness of Middle Eastern and Islamic cultures, histories, and societies. This award is offered annually by the Center for Middle East and Islamic Studies at UNC-Chapel Hill to an author whose work demonstrates excellence in research and clarity in writing, exemplifying the highest standards of scholarship and contributions to the field. Eligibility for the award extends to authors of monographs and edited volumes published within the past year (2024). Preference will be given to junior faculty/scholars. The recipient of this award will be selected by a committee of NC faculty, and the winner will receive an invitation to deliver a lecture, sharing their insights and engaging with UNC students, faculty, and the broader community.
Eligibility:
- Authorship:
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- The book must be authored or edited by a scholar affiliated with a North Carolina institution.
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- Preference will be given to junior faculty or emerging scholars.
- Publication Date:
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- The book must have been published in the year 2024.
- Format:
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- Eligible submissions include monographs and edited volumes.
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- Textbooks, second editions, and translations are not eligible.
- Focus:
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- The book should focus on topics related to Middle East and Islamic Studies, contributing significantly to the understanding of Middle Eastern and Islamic cultures, histories, or societies.
Submission Process:
- Nominations:
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- Books can be self-nominated by the author or nominated by a colleague, department, or publisher.
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- A nomination letter must be submitted for each submission, including a brief statement (no more than 500 words) explaining the book’s significance and impact on the field.
- Submission Materials:
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- One physical and a digital copy of the book must be submitted for review.
- Deadline:
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- All nominations and materials must be submitted by the end of September 2025.
Review and Selection:
- Review Committee:
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- A committee of three faculty members from various North Carolina institutions will review all eligible submissions.
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- The committee will evaluate books based on the rubric provided, considering factors such as scholarly contribution, research quality, writing clarity, public impact, and relevance to Middle East and Islamic Studies.
- Review Period:
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- The committee will have approximately five months to review the submissions, from October 2025 to March 2026.
- Announcement:
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- The winner of the Carolina Outstanding Contribution to Middle East and Islamic Studies Book Award will be announced in early April 2026.
Award:
- Recognition:
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- The award recipient will receive a formal recognition from the Center for Middle East and Islamic Studies at UNC-Chapel Hill.
- Keynote Lecture:
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- The award winner will be invited to deliver a keynote lecture at UNC-Chapel Hill, engaging with students, faculty, and the broader community.
- Award Ceremony:
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- The award ceremony will take place during a special event in April 2026 or the following academic year, where the recipient will be honored for their contribution to the field.
Please send your nomination letter to Dr. Claudia Yaghoobi, along with a digital and a hard copy of the book by September 30, 2025.
Email: yaghoobi@email.unc.edu
Mailing address:
Center for Middle East and Islamic Studies (room 3018)
301 Pittsboro St, The University of North Carolina at, Chapel Hill, NC 27516
2025-2026 Selection Committee Members
Chair, Prof. Charles Kurzman, UNC Chapel Hill
Member, Prof. Emek Ergun, UNC Charlotte
Member, Prof. William Sherman, UNC Charlotte
