The current centrailty of markets and market institutions in many Middle Eastern countries, and recent reactions against them, triggered this track. We want to investigate how selling and buying of commodities interact with societies, cultures, and states in the region. The track seeks submissions on past and present (c.1850-2011) markets. It would investigate local and international influences on market-making, marketing systems, and consumption patterns of the region. Three panels in the track will aim at the following themes:

a. Market-making—Continuity and change in markets, their establishment and socio-cultural and political roles over time. How did new markets for imported and exported markets came into being? What happened to markets for older/traditional commodities? Local, regional, and international market-makers (individuals and enterprises involved in Middle Eastern markets). Imperial and national interference in the making of markets.

b. Marketing systems—What socio-economic and cultural influences shape local marketing systems? What is the role of religion in the way goods and services are marketed? What kinds of changes took place over time in distribution, advertising, and sell of good and services?

c. Consumption and consumers—When did transitions to mass consumption (consumer society) take place? How do local consumer societies impact local culture, social stratification, and states? National consumers, Islamic consumers, middle class consumers, global consumers; how do they interact with markets and marketing in the Middle East?

Submissions
Submissions of competitive papers should be sent no later than Monday, January 9, 2012, to the respective track chair(s). Manuscripts should be
− limited to 5 pages
− double-spaced throughout
− New Times Roman 12-point font
− A4 size page formatting
− 2.5 cm margins on all sides

The pages required to list the references are additional. Acceptance of a paper implies that at least one of the authors must attend the conference and present the paper. All papers must show a clear indication of the purpose of the research, research method, major results, implications and key references. Authors should also indicate the session in which they would like to present their paper. Papers will be evaluated through a double blind review process, and authors will be notified of acceptance/rejection by end of February 2012.