Dr. Timur Kuran

Biography

Timur Kuran is the Gorter Family Distinguished Professor in Islamic Studies and a Professor in the Department of Economics and Department of Political Science at Duke University. His research encompasses social change, the evolution of preferences and institutions, and the economic and political history of modernization in the Middle East. Currently, he is engaged in projects investigating the role of traditional institutions in the Middle East and their impact on political performance, especially in the context of democratization. Kuran has published extensively on these topics, contributing to journals and participating in various editorial boards. His academic career spans several decades, during which he has held significant positions that include co-director of graduate studies in economics. He is an active member of the Duke Center for International Development, reflecting his commitment to understanding and addressing economic challenges in the Muslim world.

Research Interests