Excerpt:
Arab and Islamic studies have flourished at universities over the past decade as revolutions and turmoil rock the Middle East and young Muslims in Australia seek to know more about their cultural heritage.
Educators say they have experienced solid growth in their Arab and Islamic programs with some reporting a more than 200 per cent increase in numbers since 2008.
Charles Sturt University's Mehmet Ozalp, who teaches religious and Islamic studies, says his students have even included war veterans who served in Middle East countries.