This chapter is an introduction to the origins and development of Museums in Middle Eastern Societies. The author establishes three criteria to select what museums would be included in the study: it has to be nonprofit, it has to be designed as a museum by the government, and it has to have a educational purpose rather than just providing an exhibition space. Consequently, museums other than art museums are included in the list, although art museums are the most important ones. The chapter also deals with the establishment of museums, a western construct, in non-western societies, and the participation of women in their foundation and development.
