Middle East and North Africa Studies (MENA Studies)

Some useful Library of Congress subject headings used in the Toronto Metropolitan University Library catalogue:

Architecture, Ancient

Architecture, Domestic--[subdivided by place], for example, Architecture, Domestic-Africa, North

Art, Ancient

Art, Iranian 
other similar headings for national regions, for example Art, Turkish

Coptic art

Islamic art

Islamic architecture

Islamic decoration and ornament

Islamic textile fabrics

Jewish art

Middle East--Antiquities
look for heading that use --Antiquities following the names of countries, cities, or provinces, for example Cyprus--Antiquities, or, Aden (Yemen)--Antiquities

Textile fabrics--[subdivided by countries or regions] for example, Textile fabrics--Morocco

[name of a city and country]--Buildings, structures, etc.
Cairo (Egypt)--Buildings, structures, etc.
Istanbul (Turkey)--Buildings, structures, etc.
Jerusalem--Buildings, structures, etc.
 

Diasporic art and architecture may be found using headings such as the following:

Arab Canadian art

Consider using subject headings of the sort:

Cooking, Israeli

Cooking, Jewish

Cooking, Middle Eastern
see other headings of this form, for example, Cooking, Turkish

Food habits [subdivided by place] for example Food habits--Iraq, or, Food habits--Morocco

Halal food 

Kosher food

A sampling from the Toronto Metropolitan University Library:

Cinema Studies
Consider using subject headings of the sort:

Documentary films--Israel
Motion pictures--Africa, North
Motion pictures--Palestine
Motion picture industry--Arab countries
Women motion picture producers and directors--Middle East

A sampling from the Toronto Metropolitan University Library:

Dance
Consider subject headings of the sort:

Belly dance
Dance--Arab countries
Women dancers--Middle East

A sampling from the Toronto Metropolitan University Library:

Music
Consider using subject headings of the sort:

Arabs--Music
Folk music--Tunisia
Hymns, Coptic
Islamic music
Jewish chants
Music--Iran
Music--Middle East
Music, Byzantine
Musical instruments, Ancient
Popular music--Israel
Singers--Turkey
Women singers--Syria

A sampling from the Toronto Metropolitan University Library:

Popular Culture, and, Civilization
Consider using subject headings of the sort:

Iran--Description and travel
Islam and culture
Libya--Civilization
Popular culture--Middle East
Turkey--Social life and customs
Women--Arab countries--Social conditions

A sampling from the Toronto Metropolitan University Library:

Consider using subject headings of the sort:

Bahai Faith--Iran
Christians--Arab countries
Coptic Church
Copts
Islam--Middle East
Ismailites
Israel--Religion
Jews--Africa, North
Judaism--Relations--Islam
Muslims--Morocco
Nosairians
Religion and state--Israel
​Religious minorities--Middle East
​Religious pluralism--Islam
Religious tolerance--Iran
Saudi Arabia--Religion
Shi'ah
Sufis
Sufism
​Sunnites
Yezidis
​Zoroastrians

The subject headings listed above are examples that will take you into the subject index of the catalogue.
Emphasis has been placed on religion as part of cultures, rather than from a theological or doctrinal point of view.

The Toronto Metropolitan University Library does have some theological works and examples of sacred texts that relate to the main religions practiced in the region (Islam--Qur'an ; Christianity--Bible ; Judaism--Torah / Bible. Pentateuch). Ancient religions may be found using subject headings such as Egypt--Religion, and, Civilization, Assyro-Babylonian, or, Iraq--Civilization-To 634.

The following website that includes versions of sacred texts from around the world
Internet Sacred Text Library

A sampling from the Toronto Metropolitan University Library: