Main Content
Resources
Before beginning a scientific project, researching the existing body of scholarly literature is key. There are various ways to search through catalogs, databases and reference books for keywords, titles, or subject areas. In order to not just obtain information, but to methodically analyze a topic, you need to build a full image of the topic you will be studying. At Philipps-Universität Marburg, catalogs are available to you such as the Online General Catalogue of the Philipps-Universität Marburg OPAC and the Hessen Union Catalogue HEBIS. The Karlsruher Virtual Catalogue KVC is a meta-search engine for verifying over 500 million pieces of media in catalogs worldwide. As well as library catalogs, databases are also very helpful when conducting research. Databases are made available by the University of Marburg and related to Near and Middle Eastern Studies. Databases like the Middle East Virtual Library MENALIB, Index Islamicus, Encyclopedia of Islam, Almisbah and many can be found in the Database Information System (DBIS). In addition to this, there’s the database OLC-SSG from the Middle East special collection area of the ULB Halle. The “Jara’id” project of the Center for Modern Orient (CMO) in Berlin also offers a research tool for Arabic periodicals from the 19th Century (1800-1900).
Beyond library catalogs, databases are also very helpful when conducting research. Databases are made available by the University of Marburg and related to Near and Middle Eastern Studies. Databases like the Middle East Virtual Library MENALIB, Index Islamicus, Encyclopedia of Islam and many others can be found in the Database Information System (DBIS).
In addition to this, there’s the database OLC-SSG from the Middle East special collection area of the ULB Halle. The “Jara’id” project of the Center for Modern Orient (CMO) in Berlin also offers a research tool for Arabic periodicals from the 19th Century (1800-1900).
Search engines that provide information on catalogs, databases, and the availability of media at a glance are also available for extensive research. One example is the digital library DigiBib or the Bielefeld Academic Search Engine BASE. BASE is a search engine designed specifically for accessible, i.e. Open Access scientific documents available online. Using research platforms such as Web of Science you can access various information from the social sciences and humanities.
Journals are an important source of scientific information. Islamic Studies has several journals available in print and/or online. You can access free e-journals or e-journals made available by the University of Marburg using the Electronic Journal Library EJB. The Journal Storage JSTOR portal offers a collection of journals and provides direct access to articles and journals made available by the University of Marburg.
As a starting point for your research, we have compiled the most important databases, reference works, magazines, journals, and online resources relating to Near and Middle Eastern Studies.
Tools - Link list - Writings - Working techniques
Study resources
Inhalt ausklappen Inhalt einklappen 1. Study resources
Calendar converter from the Eastern Department of the University of Zurich[ATQ1]
Transcription rules for Arabic into German
Trancription rules for Arabic into English : https://www.cambridge.org/core/services/aop-file-manager/file/57d83390f6ea5a022234b400/TransChart.pdf
Yamli – an Arabic keyboard without writing Arabic (online)
Microsoft Maren - automatic Arabic transcription computers (Windows)
Kalimāt: Arabic for Islamic Studies and Arabic Studies – a collection of databases to support students of Arabic Studies and Islamic Studies in learning basic Arabic vocabulary and morphology. From the Eastern Department of the University of Zurich.
Dandanāt: Lebanese-Arabic – a website for Lebanese teachers and students from the Eastern Department of the University of Zurich.
Writing workshop – Writing your first research paper? Want to write your final dissertation efficiently and professionally? Have a question about scientific writing? The writing workshop held by the University Library and Departmental Libraries offers students individual advice and workshops on scientific writing.
Inhalt ausklappen Inhalt einklappen 2. Foundations in Arabic
Internet Archive is a non-commercial online library
Islamport is an online library for Arabic books on Islamic topics
Aaltafsir is a free, non-commercial online collection of Quran commentaries.
Quran in Translation by Rudi Paret and Commentary (only accessible within the University of Marburg)
Inhalt ausklappen Inhalt einklappen 3. Introductory resources
The Little Lexicon of Islam by the Federal Agency for Civic Education (bpb)
Hans Wehr Arabic Dictionary (and here online)
Encyclopedia of Islam (only accessible within the University of Marburg)
Inhalt ausklappen Inhalt einklappen 4. Database
DBIS Near and Middle Eastern Studies (only accessible within the University of Marburg)
Inhalt ausklappen Inhalt einklappen 5. Magazines, journals, blog
Qantara – An internet portal for discussions with the Islamic world by the Federal Agency for Civic Education (bpb), Deutsche Welle (DW), the Goethe Institute (GI) and the Institute for Foreign Cultural Relations (ifa).
INAMO – German-language journal published by the Information Project Near and Middle East eV Berlin.
Fikrun wa Fann – A publication by the Goethe InstituteZenith – Journal for the East
Alsharq – Platform for young Near and Middle East researchers
al-bab.com Blog – A country-by-country listing of Arabic press and press-related websites
Al-Monitor - News page with sections for all countries of the MENA region
Al-Jazeera Media
Mideastwire – Provides translations of Arabic press from 22 Arab countries, Iran, and the Arab diaspora.
Middle East Research and Information Project MERIP, informative website about politics, culture, and society.
Jadaliyya – A free and independent magazine in English, Arabic, French, and Spanish
Inhalt ausklappen Inhalt einklappen 6. Working groups, associations, and professional societies