MESA Book Awards Nomination Guidelines
Nominations for all three awards (Albert Hourani Book Award, Nikki Keddie Book Award, Fatema Mernissi Book Award) are made simultaneously, and can be made by either the publisher or the author. Although there is no limit on the number of titles that authors or publishers may submit, we ask that they exercise discretion in the selection of books nominated. Below is a list of criteria that should be met:
1. Books must be non-fiction scholarly monographs based on original research published in English between April 1, 2024 and March 31, 2025*. Authors need not be members of MESA.
2. Subject matter must deal with the Middle East. Areas primarily of interest include Iran, Turkey, Afghanistan, Israel, Pakistan, and the countries of the Arab World from the seventh century to modern times. Spain, Southeastern Europe, the Soviet Union and other regions also are included for the periods in which their territories were part of the Middle Eastern empires or were under the influence of Middle Eastern civilization.
3. Works not eligible include edited collections and compilations, proceedings of symposia, new editions of previously published books, bibliographies, dictionaries, textbooks, and surveys.
4. Nominations must be made by April 15, 2025, with books delivered to the readers by April 25, 2025, for books to be eligible for the competition. (Emailed nominations are acceptable)
The author of each of the awards will receive $1000. In the event of co-winners, prize money will be divided evenly among the winners. Honorable mentions also receive a certificate of award. Winners will be announced at the Awards Ceremony at the 59th MESA Annual Meeting. As well, the results will be posted on MESA’s website and in other publications as deemed appropriate by MESA.
TO NOMINATE A BOOK
By April 15, 2025: Send an email that includes the full title of the book, author’s full name, publisher, and publication date along with a pdf copy or eBook of the nominated book to the MESA Secretariat.
2025 MESA Book Awards Competition
secretariat@mesana.org
AND
By April 25, 2025: A print copy of the book us to be sent to each of the six readers on the Book Awards Committee.
Please note that contact information is provided to submit copies of the book; direct all questions and correspondence to the Secretariat and not to individual members.
* If a book has been printed and is available for distribution but has a publication date after March 31, 2025, please contact the Secretariat.