Reference Sources
Reference articles like these can be invaluable for providing an overview of a topic, as well as summarizing the scholarly conversation and pointing to key readings for further research.
The United States in the Middle East: A Historical Dictionary
This historical dictionary brings together information about the people, institutions, and events that brought the United States in contact with the Middle East and have played a significant role in shaping our relations with the area from the eighteenth century to the present time. Each entry lists books and articles about the subject.

Encyclopedia of Women and Islamic Cultures
Reflecting current research on gender studies and the Islamic world, this online resource contains entries on women and Islamic cultures in every region of the world, past and present, where there have been significant Muslim populations.
Encyclopaedia Islamica
One of the major comprehensive reference works on Islam and the Muslim world.