The nature and evolving structure of strategic knowledge production compel institutions that possess the capacity and responsibility to generate such knowledge to undergo transformation as well.
The Center for Middle Eastern Studies (ORSAM) is a Türkiye-based think tank that aims to produce strategic knowledge on the Middle East region, focusing on security, foreign policy, social transformation, and economic dynamics. ORSAM seeks to contribute to regional peace, stability, and prosperity by conducting scientific research for the public good and by developing policy recommendations.
Founded in 2009, ORSAM closely monitors current developments and adopts a data-driven, analytical approach in its work for decision-makers, academic circles, and the public. Drawing from field-based research, it operates from its headquarters in Ankara, observing and analyzing developments in the Middle East and generating forward-looking strategic projections.
ORSAM researchers aim to interpret regional transformations and contribute to decision-making processes through meticulously prepared reports, analyses, and policy briefs. In addition to its publications, ORSAM provides a constructive and pluralistic platform for discussion by organizing conferences, seminars, and workshops that bring together experts and policymakers.
Since its establishment, ORSAM has conducted extensive research on critical issues such as the Syrian civil war, Iraq’s reconstruction, Iran-Gulf dynamics, the Palestinian issue, political deadlocks in Lebanon, and civil wars in Libya and Yemen. In recent years, technological transformation, digitalization, and the diversification of data access channels have also significantly influenced ORSAM. The center closely follows global changes in knowledge production capacity, the speed of data access and processing, and analytical methodologies. In the face of emerging challenges such as artificial intelligence and big data, ORSAM continues to offer academic and strategic-level reference analyses on Middle East policies, relying on its qualified human capital and access to new information networks, to address the challenges Türkiye may face in this new era.
Today, ORSAM stands as a respected center of knowledge and analysis not only for Türkiye but also for international actors interested in the region. ORSAM’s work provides high-quality reference sources for policymakers, diplomats, researchers, and media professionals seeking to understand and influence the impact of regional developments.
Policy rooted in knowledge is shaped by strategic thinking — and ORSAM is one of the most prominent representatives of this approach in the region.
