Archive for November, 2016
- November 08, 2016
- by Andrew Newman
- 0 Comment
Shii News – Academic Items
1.CFP: “Asian Perspectives of the Mediterranean Studies: exchange and dialogue” (11 March: Busan, South Korea)
The Asian Federation of Mediterranean Studies Institutes (AFOMEDI) is pleased to announce the launching of its first conference, which will be held on the 11 March 2017 at the Institute for Mediterranean Studies, Busan University of Foreign Studie
http://us9.campaign-archive2.com/?u=e1ae5bef9757e58afec01a89a&id=b9fe57ad9a&e=97c9058ecf
2. British Library/The Met: Jerusalem 1000-1400: Four Gospels in Arabic
http://www.metmuseum.org/exhibitions/listings/2016/Jerusalem
3. ANNOUNCEMENT OF TRAVEL GRANTS FOR YOUNG SCHOLARS
Spatial Thought in Islamicate Societies, 1000–1600: The Politics of Genre, Image, and Text
As a complement to the closed call for papers to the conference on “Spatial Thought in Islamicate Societies, 1000–1600,” the convenors invite young scholars to apply for up to four travel grants.
Candidates will ideally be pursuing a research project concerning a subject of direct relevance to the conference theme. Also, work on the project, presumably on the level of a doctoral dissertation, will have advanced beyond the initial steps of planning so that the candidate already has a presentable command of sources, state of the art, methodical approach, and hypothesis. Projects may be situated in the fields of Islamic, Persian, or Ottoman Studies, the Study of the Christian Orient, the History of Geography, the History of Cartography, or any other discipline that addresses primary sources of the Islamicate world with a focus on, or close to, the period 1000–1600 CE.
Successful candidates will be invited to attend the conference, actively participate in panel discussions, and present a poster on their research project including a five-minute introduction during a poster session. We expect to be able to cover expenses for international or domestic travel to Tübingen and accommodation on 30 March through 1 April 2017.
Eligible candidates are requested to submit a statement of intent along with a project description of at most 1000 words, a CV, and a letter of recommendation to spatial-thought@aoi.uni-tuebingen.de.
Please submit these no later than 15 December 2016. We also ask that all recipients of this call look out for eligible candidates
Kurt Franz, Eberhard Karls Universität Tübingen
Zayde Antrim, Trinity College, Hartford, Conn.
Jean-Charles Ducène, École pratique des hautes études, Paris
http://www.spatial-thought.uni-tuebingen.de
spatial-thought@aoi.uni-tuebingen.de
4. Academic Workshop: “Diasporas and Transitional Justice: Local, National, and Global Dimensions” prior to ISA Baltimore, 21 February 2017, and Warwick University, 3 April 2017
The workshop aims to explore the comparative dimension of diaspora mobilizations for a wide range of transitional justice processes, and to analyze how diasporas’ embeddedness in different global locations impacts on such mobilizations in local, national, and global politics. We are looking for papers from different world regions, including the Middle East.
Deadline for abstracts: 20 November 2016. Information: www.warwick.ac.uk/fac/soc/pais/research/researchcentres/cpd/diasporas/news/erc_diasporas_and_transitional_justice_workshop_advertizement.pdf
5. International Conference: “Religion and the State”, Tunis, 24-25 March 2017
The Arab Association of Constitutional Law with the support of Harvard Law School’s “Islamic Legal Studies Program” will hold this conference. Panels will focus on Islam and the State, Islamic Constitutionalism, and Islam and Social Cohesion.
Submission deadline: 18 November 2016. Information: www.constitutionnet.org/event/call-papers-international-conference-religion-and-state
6. Annual International Graduate Student Conference: “Interdisciplinary Research in Arabic and Islamic Studies”, Yerevan State University, 28-29 June 2017
Research papers are accepted on all aspects of Arabic and Islamic studies: Islamic Studies (History, religion, politics) – Arabic Literature and Linguistics -History of Arabic countries – Intercultural dialogue, etc.
Deadline for abstracts: 25 March 2017. Contact: graduateconferenceysu@gmail.com
7. Research Position in Modern and Contemporary History of Iran, Oriental Institute, Czech Academy of Sciences, Praha
The research focus implies history of pre-1979 Iran (i.e. from the early 16th century). The candidates must hold a PhD degree in a relevant field and a working knowledge of Persian language. The duration of the position is 3 years with the possibility of extension.
Deadline for application: 23 January 2017. Contact: mailto:zouplna@orient.cas.cz. Information: www.orient.cas.cz/lide/kariera.html
8. Call for papers:
Turning the Page: New Directions in South Asian Book History
A two-day workshop at the University of Chicago Center in Delhi.
March 9-10, 2017
In March 2017, the University of Chicago Center in Delhi will host a two-day workshop on South Asian book history organized jointly by members of the Dept. of South Asian Languages and Civilizations, University of Chicago, and Prof. Abhijit Gupta, Dept. of English, Jadavpur University, Kolkata. We invite early career scholars and researchers based in South Asia, as well as South Asian doctoral students currently completing their PhDs to submit proposals for the workshop. A presentation may be on any aspect of book history, from any period and in any language, as long as it pertains to the region of South Asia. Presentations that connect the book history of South Asia to other geographical and cultural regions are also encouraged.
Over the past two decades, book history and print culture studies has become established as one of the most productive and dynamic fields of research within South Asian Studies, mirroring the rise of the History of the Book as a discipline in the global academy. South Asian book history has helped shape debates about the nature of the book, manuscript and print cultures, and the histories of writing and reading not only in the Indian subcontinent but also with regard to other regions and cultures. This workshop will bring together young researchers and established scholars working in both pre-modern and modern book history to share their work, assess the state of the discipline, and plot a course for future cooperative projects.
Format:
This two-day workshop will provide an opportunity for scholars to present their work and receive feedback from other participants. Individual presentations will last 30 minutes, followed by 15 minutes for discussion. Renowned South Asian bibliographer and book historian Graham Shaw will give the keynote address on the evening of March 9th. Presenting participants will receive domestic round-trip travel and two nights of accommodation in Delhi, as well as meals for the duration of the conference.
Proposals:
Proposals should be submitted no later than 25th November 2016, and should include:
1) An abstract of no more than 500 words outlining your research presentation.
2) A current curriculum vitae.
3) A completed contact information form, available at the end of this document or at: http://home.uchicago.edu/~twwilliams/tww_uchicago/cfp_turning_page.pdf
Please email these materials to Ishani Palandurkar at ishanip@uchicago.edu with “Turning the Page Proposal” in the subject line.
Proposals may also be sent via mail to the following address:
University of Chicago Center
Attn: Ishani Palandurkar
DLF Capitol Point
Baba Kharak Singh Marg
New Delhi, India 110001
9. Symposium Worlding Iran: Contemporary Iranian Culture and the World
School of Arts and Media, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
8-9 December 2016
Organizers: Dr Michelle Langford and Dr Laetitia Nanquette
For centuries Iran stood at the crossroads of civilizations and was a pivotal site for the exchange of cultures. However, the contemporary focus on its politics tends to obfuscate how Iran continues to contribute to the global circulation of ideas and cultural products. The success of Iranian cinema globally is a key example reminding us of the connectedness of Iranian culture to the world. This symposium will study how Iranian local/global culture dynamically exchanges with the world.
Enquiries and free registration: worlding.iran@unsw.edu
More details about the symposium as well as the full program of the symposium can be found here: https://sam.arts.unsw.edu.au/events/call-for-papers-worlding-iran-contemporary-iranian-culture-and-the-world/
This event is supported by UNSW International Distinguished Visitor Scheme and a School of Arts and Media Research Grant
10. CfP: The Origins of the Islamic State: Sovereignty and Power in the Middle Ages
February 16th-17th 2017, University College London
Deadline for abstracts: December 4th 2016.
Organiser: Corisande Fenwick (UCL)
The medieval roots of the Islamic state have never been more relevant or misunderstood. Early Islamic history is used to bolster Daesh propaganda of establishing a new caliphate as well as to justify the imposition of strict Sharia law, the oppression and genocide of religious minorities, and the destruction of Islamic (and pre-Islamic) heritage at an unprecedented rate. In turn, Daesh and other Wahhabi and Salafi groups are often critiqued as medieval in their methods and stance. These developments pose significant challenges for scholars of the early Islamic world.
A two-day colloquium hosted by the UCL Institute of Archaeology and generously funded by the British Academy under its Rising Star Engagement Award scheme seeks to bring together historians, archaeologists and art historians to discuss and debate the emergence and development of the earliest Islamic states and the nature of Muslim sovereignty between 600-1000CE, and to open up discussions about how to challenge static and simplistic notions of Islamic statehood outside the academy. The focus is global and comparative and papers are invited from across the early Islamic world – the Middle East, Islamic West, Central Asia, sub-Saharan Africa and beyond – that consider these issues. The aim is to explore the problem of the early Islamic state from these different disciplinary and regional perspectives and open up a range of ways looking at power and politics in the Islamic context..
Papers of ca. 20 minutes in length are invited on the following themes:
- Theoretical and methodological approaches to Islamic states
- Discourse, authority and legitimization in different media (documentary, epigraphy, architecture, art, numismatics etc.)
- Muslim sovereignty and rulership
- The workings of the early caliphate and Islamic states
- The use and abuse of early Islamic history today
Funding is available to support the travel and accommodation costs of early career scholars from the UK and overseas (defined as being within 10 years of award of PhD or advanced postgraduates) who work on the history, archaeology or art history of the early Islamic world. Scholars funded through this scheme will also attend a workshop before the conference “Researching the Islamic State: New Challenges and New Opportunities”.
Abstracts of 200-250 words should be sent to Corisande Fenwick (c.fenwick@ucl.ac.uk) by Sunday, 4 December 2016. Presenters will be informed by Friday December 9th, 2016.
- November 08, 2016
- by Andrew Newman
- 0 Comment
Shii News – Course on Shi’ism (Iran, March, 2017)
4th 10-DAY Course ON Shi’a Islamic Studies (IRAN, MARCH 2017)
The University of Religions and Denominations (Qom, Iran) is pleased to offer the 4th short-term course on Shi’a Islamic Studies to be held March 4-14, 2017.
This 10-Day English program focuses on Shi’a Islamic beliefs and practices, as well as Shiite authority, rituals and ceremonies in the contemporary Iran. The program includes guided visits to the local and cultural sites of the capital of Iran (Tehran) and three important cities of Qom, Mashhad and Isfahan in order to provide a view of day-to-day life in Iran. All faculty, students and researchers in related fields are invited to apply.
The regular course fee is $1450 including all local costs (accommodation, transportation, meals, insurance, airport transfer, course certificate, etc.). The early birds discount and some limited scholarships are available to qualified applicants.
The University of Religions and Denominations takes care of the applicants’ visas. However, the international flights and the visa costs will be on participants.
You will find more information in our website at http://shiacourse.urd.ac.ir. Please don’t hesitate to email us via shiacourses@gmail.com with any questions.
- November 07, 2016
- by Andrew Newman
- 0 Comment
- November 07, 2016
- by Andrew Newman
- 0 Comment
Shii News – Protest Shia Killings in Karachi (Los Angeles, 4.11.16)
PROTEST – Regarding Recent Shia Killings in Karachi
See The Independent story on this event.
- November 04, 2016
- by Andrew Newman
- 0 Comment
Shii News – ‘In the Presence of the Sublime Qur’an’
In the Presence of the Sublime Qur’an: A Commentary on Part 30 (Chapters 78-114)
The volume comprises a commentary on 37 short chapters (chapters 78-114) found at the end of the Qur’an along with chapter 1 (al-Fatihah). The author’s fresh and innovative approach, characterized by an easy-to-understand and non-polemical style empowers all readers, not just a privileged class of experts or specialists, to “operationalize” the Qur’an by making it meaningful and relevant within his or her own time and cultural framework and consequently develop a close relationship with it as a Book of Guidance (Hidayah). As such, his commentary seeks to at least partially address the lamentation of Ali Shariati: “The ‘prayer book’ was brought from the graveyard into the city while the Holy Quran was taken away from the citizens in the city and given to those at the graveyard who read for the souls of the dead.”
Praise for the Book:
“The Qur’anic commentary of Abdolali Bazargan provides an important example of contemporary Muslim thinking about the sacred text, well informed by tradition but original in its approach. Rich in moral reflection, and deeply informed by the internal connections within the Qur’an, this interpretation is a valuable resource for any serious student of the Qur’an.”
Professor Carl W. Ernst
William R. Kenan, Jr., Distinguished Professor of Religious Studies
The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
“A masterly exposition of the short chapters of the Qur’an for a modern audience in an easily understandable language.”
Professor Abdullah Saeed, AM FAHA
Sultan of Oman Professor of Arab and Islamic Studies
Director, National Centre of Excellence for Islamic Studies
Asia Institute
University of Melbourne
Victoria 3010
Australia
- November 03, 2016
- by Andrew Newman
- 0 Comment
Shii News – Academic Items
1.Canon to critique: the future of Islamic education
(Bradford, UK)
Saturday 19 November | 11.00–13.00
Book now >
https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/canon-to-critique-the-future-of-islamic-education-tickets-27751101291
For at least a decade there has been a growing movement of young British Muslims who choose to travel abroad to study at religious seminaries (madrasas). However, the madrasa system is controversial: on one hand, it is perceived in the West as a conduit of extremism and, on the other, as an institution lacking pedagogic criticality. In a lecture by Dr Tajul Islam (University of Leeds), followed by a dialogue between Dr Islam and Dr Mustapha Sheikh (University of Leeds), probing questions will be asked about the classical madrasa model, the problems associated with non-critical engagement with canonical texts in pedagogic settings, and ways of approaching texts from a position of both critical engagement and sensitivity/respect. An academic discussion of this kind within the setting of a mosque makes for a unique opportunity not to be missed. There will also be an opportunity for audience participation following the presentation and conversation.
Free Admission | Booking required
This event is part of University of Leeds’ series Journeys of hope and fear
Event enquiries: M.Sheikh@leeds.ac.uk
Led by: University of Leeds
In partnership with: Bait ul Aman Mosque Committee
www.beinghumanfestival.org/event/canon-to-critique-the-future-of-islamic-education
2. Conference: “Does Religion Make a Difference? Discourses and Activities of Religious NGOs in Development”, Faculty of Theology, University of Basel, 9-11 November 2016
This conference explores the particularities of religious NGOs participating in international development cooperation. The conference is open to the public and the entrance is free of charge.
Program and information: https://theolrel.unibas.ch/fileadmin/theorel/redaktion/Veranstaltungen/ZRWP-Tagung_Nov_16_WEB.pdf
3. Ninth Biennial Conference: “The Qur’an: Text, Society and Culture”, Centre of Islamic Studies, SOAS, London, 10-12 November 2016
The conference series seeks to provide a forum for investigating the basic question: how is the Qur’anic text read and interpreted? Our objective is to encompass a global vision of current research trends, and to stimulate discussion, debate, and research on all aspects of the Qur’anic text and its interpretation and translation.
Program and information: http://www.soas.ac.uk/quran-2016/
4. Teaching Fellow in Middle Eastern Studies, King’s College, London
This is a full-time post offered on a fixed term contract for 9 months. It will provide teaching cover from January 2017 to September 2017.
Closing date: 24 November 2016. Information: michael.r.kerr@kcl.ac.uk
5. Assistant Professor in Modern Middle Eastern History, Central Connecticut State University
PhD or ABD with completion date within one year required. Must have completed or be actively enrolled in a PhD program in Modern Middle East history or studies. Proficiency in a language such as Arabic, Hebrew, Persian, or Turkish required.
Deadline for application: 31 December 2016. Information: www.h-net.org/jobs/job_display.php?id=53922
6. Semester-long Fellowships in Support of Arab-Region Social Science in Fall 2017, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Applications are invited from social scientists affiliated with universities in the Arab world. Early-career scholars, including advanced doctoral candidates or faculty members within five years of their Ph.D., may be given preference.
Deadline for application: 4 January 2017. Information: http://mideast.unc.edu/jobs/university-of-north-carolina-at-chapel-hill-carnegie-fellowships-in-support-of-arab-region-social-science/
7. Contributions pour numéro MIDÉO 33 (2018) « Théologie musulmane des religions »
Le MIDÉO 33 (2018) accueille la publication d’articles ou d’éditions de texte qui permettent de contribuer à la mise en perspective d’une théologie musulmane des religions.
Date limite pour l’envoi des résumés : 1 avril 2017. Information: www.ideo-cairo.org/fr/2016/07/theologie-musulmane-des-religions/
8. CFP – Before Orientalism: The “images” of Islam, 15th-17th c. (Madrid, 18-19 May 17)
9. University of California, Riverside – Assistant Professor in Art and Material Culture of the Islamic World
https://www.h-net.org/jobs/job_display.php?id=54054
Macalester College (Minnesota, U.S.) – Assistant Professor- Ancient/Medieval with Islamic Art sub-specialty
https://www.h-net.org/jobs/job_display.php?id=54059
- November 02, 2016
- by Andrew Newman
- 0 Comment
- November 01, 2016
- by Andrew Newman
- 0 Comment
- November 01, 2016
- by Andrew Newman
- 0 Comment