Print this page Minorities in the Middle East

The Middle East is home to diverse ethnic, linguistic and religious groups, some of which have experienced substantial reduction in size and may disappear (e.g. Sabean/Mandeans, Yazidis). Others with substantial numbers and/or power (such as the Alawis) are maintaining their presence. Although a comprehensive list will be provided, this discussion group will focus on selected minority groups including The Middle East: the ethno-religious map; Turkey: Kurds and Alevis; Iraq: Kurds, Yazidis and Assyrians; Syria: Alawites and Ismailis; and Maronites and Druzes.  

This is a Discussion Group course, if you aren’t already part of a group please see ‘Getting Started’ below.

COURSE INFORMATION

Course Author: Racho Donef

Course Code: D259

Supplied Material: Course Booklet

Units & Pricing: 5 units / $68 per person

GETTING STARTED

Start your Group: Anyone can start a Discussion Group – seek out some like-minded friends or put up a notice in your local library, bookshop or workplace. Please note a minimum of 6 people is required to start a new discussion group.

Arrange the Meetings: New groups need to decide where and when to meet, and for how long – whatever best suits members' particular situations.

Run your Group: Choose a secretary to liaise with WEA and your tutor, a Discussion Leader to chair meetings, a reporter to take discussion notes to send to your tutor, and maybe a librarian to look after the books.

Start the Course: Contact WEA Sydney to enrol. Bookings can be made for one year, divided into two terms – Term 1 commences in February, Term 2 in July (Groups may make forward bookings for popular choices). Please indicate in what order your Group wishes to study the courses, if more than one course is booked.