Danyel Reiche and Paul Michael Brannagan (eds.) (2022). Routledge Handbook of Sport in the Middle East

Rarely does one come across scholarly works on sport in the Middle East. This is surprising given that the region has a vibrant sports culture and unique traditional sports such as falconry and camel racing. Moreover, some modern sports, especially football/soccer and motor racing, are hugely popular throughout the region. Further, the emergence of the Arab Gulf monarchies as a sporting hub has escaped serious scholarly attention. Hence, the Routledge Handbook of Sport in the Middle East is notable. The volume has been edited by Danyel Reiche and Paul Michael Brannagan, who have focused on Middle East sports culture and its intersection with politics and policy.

The volume is divided into five parts, first focusing on the history and origin of different sports in several Middle Eastern countries. The second concentrates on politics around sports in Iran, Israel, Bahrain, Türkiye, and Syria. In the third section, the societal barriers to sports and sports education are the focus. The section also addresses sustainable development in sports events such as the FIFA World Cup 2022 in Qatar. Part four addresses the economy, shedding light on countries such as Iran and Saudi Arabia. Finally, the volume focuses on other issues, such as naturalized East African athletes and their contribution to sports culture, especially in the Arab Gulf States.

Among the notable chapters in the volume is “‘I was as Lebanese as Anyone’: The Story of David Saad, Lebanon’s Last Jewish Olympian,” that analyzes the question of identity and nationality in sports. David Saad was a Jewish-Lebanese judoka who competed in the 1976 Olympic games representing Lebanon, but being of Jewish heritage, he did not receive the support of his compatriots during his campaign. Another notable chapter focuses on the issue of human capital in sports management in the context of Qatar’s preparations for the FIFA World Cup 2022.

The handbook offers an interesting collection of essays on the relationship between sports and politics in the Middle East while focusing on a frequently understudied aspect of its culture and civilization. With an emphasis on historical developments, sociocultural contexts, and the political ramifications associated with sporting events in the Middle East, the handbook offers a nuanced understanding of the relevance of sports.

The eclectic collection of essays in the handbook offers a thorough overview of various facets of sports in the Middle East. It explores the subtleties of sports using a lens that considers historical patterns, sociological situations, and the complex political implications of sports (p. 45). This in-depth research, which identifies the historical and cultural underpinnings that have molded the sports environment, can help the readers comprehend the complexities of sports in the Middle East. The handbook examines the connections between sports and society, politics, and identity, making it a crucial resource for anybody attempting to understand this dynamic and ever-changing field.

The essays examine traditional sports like camel racing and wrestling and contemporary ones like football, illuminating their respective cultural and historical roots (p. 67). The handbook covers a variety of themes going beyond the apparent to show how these activities are intertwined with regional culture. The book also examines the complex gender dynamics within Middle Eastern sports, illuminating how these pursuits are woven into the regional social fabric. This sheds light on the complex picture of gender and sports in the Middle East.

The handbook is a valuable reference for academics, researchers, and sports fans interested in this region. One of its main advantages is the wealth of diverse viewpoints that the essays present. The book brings together comments from various academics, each bringing their perspectives and experiences to the topic.

The essays go beyond the usual emphasis on mainstream and offer a platform for underappreciated sports with important cultural importance, such as camel racing and wrestling. They dive deep into the development of numerous sports historically and how they have woven themselves into the area’s complex tapestry of customs and cultural practices. They demonstrate how sports are more than just physical activity; they also have cultural, social, and historical value.

While providing some important insights, the handbook also has some drawbacks. One of the main issues is the language, which mainly addresses researchers and academics, which could be difficult for a larger, nonacademic readership. Casual readers and those generally interested in sports in the Middle East but the thick and occasionally jargon-filled language typical of academic literature may put off a nonacademic reader. The book’s geographic concentration is another area where it shows possible limitations. It focuses mostly on the Arabian Peninsula and the Levant, exploring these regions’ sports scenes in great detail. While this narrow focus allows for an in-depth analysis of particular places, some readers may want a wider perspective that includes more in-depth coverage of other Middle Eastern countries.

In conclusion, those eager to understand the complexities of sports in the Middle East will find the handbook an invaluable resource. It provides an engaging and scholarly reading thanks to its comprehensive coverage, range of viewpoints, and in-depth historical context. Hence, it is a vital resource for scholars, researchers, and students interested in this dynamic and developing field, providing a wealth of information on the varied world of sports in the Middle East.