Routledge Handbook of Sport in the Middle East

The Routledge Handbook of Sport in the Middle East provides a comprehensive overview of sport in the region, covering history, politics, society, economy, and nationhood. It offers a multi-disciplinary analysis of various sports, highlighting issues such as naturalization, female athleticism, sports media, and supporter cultures. Written by experts with firsthand experience in the region, the Handbook is valuable for academics and students in Middle East politics, sport, international relations, governance, and sociology.

Format: Hardback
Length: 384 pages
Publication date: 28 April 2022
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

This comprehensive Handbook offers a thorough exploration of the multifaceted realm of sport in the Middle East, drawing scholars from diverse geographical and disciplinary backgrounds (history, politics, sociology, economics, and regional studies), employing various methodological approaches, to establish itself as the definitive reference on the subject.

After an introductory chapter, the Handbook comprises 33 chapters authored by esteemed subject experts, covering a wide range of topics such as history, politics, society, economy, and nationhood. These chapters shed valuable light on how certain Middle Eastern countries have embraced an increasingly active role in international sports, as well as the strategic endeavors undertaken to position themselves as emerging global hubs for sports.

Organized into five distinct sections, the Handbook provides a multi-disciplinary analysis of a diverse array of sports across the geographical expanse of the Middle East. These sports include football, mixed martial arts, rugby, athletics, and cycling, among others. The authors not only highlight the unique characteristics and developments within these sports but also address critical issues such as the naturalization of athletes, the empowerment of female athletes, the role of sports media, and the vibrant supporter cultures that permeate the Middle Eastern sporting landscape.

What sets this Handbook apart from previous research is its unique perspective, as it features firsthand accounts of sport in the Middle East provided by authors who either reside in the region or have a longstanding history of conducting research there. This firsthand knowledge and expertise contribute to a more authentic and nuanced understanding of the sporting landscape, making it invaluable for academics and students alike.

The Routledge Handbook of Sport in the Middle East appeals to a wide audience, including scholars and students engaged in the fields of Middle East politics, sport, sport in the Middle East, international relations, governance, and sociology. It serves as a valuable resource for those seeking to deepen their understanding of the complex interplay between sport, culture, politics, and society in the Middle East, providing a comprehensive and interdisciplinary approach to the subject matter.

Dimension: 246 x 174 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780367470227