History and Development of Anthropology in the Arab World
Dr. Ali Z. Alzuabi

Abstract
This study documents the context of Anthropology as an academic enterprise in the Arab world, and the nature of its development over the last fifty years. It does not consider Anthropological studies conducted by foreign or non-Arab researchers about the Arab area. It aims to record the historical development of Anthropology in the Arab world by looking at the endeavors of its Arab pioneers, whether on the academic or on research level. This study focuses on the following questions: What did Anthropology represent in Arab societies? What was it expected to offer? How did Anthropology develop in the Arab world? What is the nature of the research contributions made by Arab Anthropologists? What impacts has Anthropology had on the structure of Arab society? What is the role of Anthropology in the new millennium? What role will Anthropology play in the Arab world in the coming years? This study was conducted using critical, historical, and descriptive methodologies, and this paper is organized into five sections. The first one discusses the origin and history of Anthropology in Arab countries. The second section explores the nature of the Anthropological inquiry and thematic foci in the Arab world while the third one discusses the impact Anthropology has had on the cultural and social structure of Arab society. Forth segment examines how Anthropology has developed in the Arab world, and the final one reflects the future of evolvement of Anthropology in the Arab world in the future.

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