Witchcraft in the Middle East

The belief in witchcraft in the Middle East has a long history. Belief in witchcraft as malevolent magic is attested from ancient Mesopotamia. In ancient Judaism, there existed a complex relationship with magic and witchcraft, with some forms of divination accepted by some rabbis, yet most forms were viewed as forbidden or heretical. In the medieval Middle East, under Islamic and Christian influences, witchcraft's perception fluctuated between healing and heresy, revered by some and condemned by others. Today diverse witchcraft communities have emerged.

The stereotypical witches mentioned in the Mesopotamian sources tended to be socially marginalized. Their ranks included women, foreigners, actors, and peddlers (traveling salesmen). They were opposed by the ašipu, a type of exorcist or incantation-priest. These exorcists were predominantly male representatives of the state religion.

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