Archive for 2026

https://brill.com/view/journals/ormo/105/1-2/article-p183_7.xml

3^nd workshop: RECOVERING ‘LOST VOICES’:

THE ROLE AND DEPICTION OF IRANIAN/PERSIANATE SUBALTERNS FROM THE 13TH CENTURY TO THE MODERN PERIOD

A multi-year research project funded by the British Institute of Persian Studies (BIPS).

The third workshop on subalterns across the entire Persianate world in the Zand and Qajar periods will be held at the University of Edinburgh, UK, on 27-29 October, 2026.

Papers from PhD students, ECRs and unaffiliated scholars – for whom limited financial support may be available – are encouraged.

Read more at:

http://www.shii-news.imes.ed.ac.uk/projects/the-subalterns-project/

RSVP to anewman@ed.ac.uk by Friday, 12 June, 2026.

2. Massachusetts Institute of Technology – MIT AKPIA 2026-2027 POSTDOCTORAL/POST-PROFESSIONAL FELLOWSHIPS FOR RESEARCH IN ISLAMIC ART, ARCHITECTURE, URBANISM, DESIGN, AND PRESERVATION 

https://networks.h-net.org/jobs/69703/massachusetts-institute-technology-mit-akpia-2026-2027-postdoctoralpost-professional

3. Le CeRMI a le plaisir de vous convier à la prochaine séance du séminaire “Sociétés, politiques et cultures du Monde iranien”, qui se tiendra le jeudi 29 janvier 2026, 17h-19h, en salle 3.03 à l’INaLCO(65 rue des Grands Moulins, Paris XIII, 5^eétage).

Nous sommes heureux d’accueillir notre collègue M. Marc Toutant, chargé de recherche au CNRS (CETOBaC), pour une conférence intitulée : Le Tuḥfat al-ṭālibīn, une grammaire moghole du turc oriental. Enseignements philologiques, culturels et politiques.

Résumé :

Le Tuḥfat al-ṭālibīn est une grammaire du turc oriental (ou « chaghatay ») rédigée en persan à la fin du xviii^e siècle par un certain Ḥayāt ‘Alī Dihlawī pour un dignitaire moghol. Conservé uniquement sous forme manuscrite dans plusieurs bibliothèques du sous-continent, l’ouvrage n’a jusqu’ici fait l’objet d’aucune étude. Parfois mentionnée brièvement dans les catalogues de manuscrits, cette grammaire fait pourtant partie des rares témoignages directs qui peuvent nous indiquer le rapport que les descendants de Babour (1483-1530), le fondateur des Grands Moghols, entretenaient avec leur langue maternelle. Bien que le persan se fût imposé définitivement dès le règne d’Akbar (1556-1605), il existe tout un ensemble de traités grammaticaux et lexicaux qui montrent que le turc conservait une certaine importance pour ces Timourides indiens (Babur était issu du lignage de Tamerlan), qu’il s’agit à présent de préciser. L’autre intérêt du Tuḥfat al-ṭālibīn est qu’il inclut de nombreuses citations de poètes centrasiatiques et fait à ce titre figure de répertoire culturel.

Fondée sur l’examen de trois copies provenant respectivement de Hyderabad, de Rampur et d’Islamabad, cette présentation aura ainsi pour objectif de répondre aux questions suivantes : comment écrit-on une grammaire du turc en persan durant la période moghole ? Que nous disent les nombreuses illustrations poétiques du Tuḥfat al-ṭālibīn à propos de la réception de la culture centrasiatique en Inde à la fin du xviii^e siècle ? De quelle façon le traité de Ḥayāt ‘Alī Dihlawī rappelle-t-il le lien des Moghols avec la dynastie de Tamerlan ?

Orientations bibliographiques :

– Alam (M.). 2015. “Mughal Philology and Rūmī’s Mathnavī”. World Philology, dir. par S. Pollock, B. A. Elman, K. Chang. Cambridge : Harvard University Press. 178-200.

– Guizzo (D.) 2002. I tre classici della lessicografia persiana d’epoca moghul: Farhang-i Ğahāngīrī, Burhān-i Qāṭiʿ e Farhang-i Rašīdī. Venise : Cafoscarina.

– Péri (B.) 2020. “Turki Language and Literature in Late Mughal India as Reflected in a Unique Collection of Texts”. Turkish History and Culture in India. Identity, Art and Transregional Connections, dir. par A. C.S. Peacock & R. P. McClary. Leyde : Brill. 367-387.

– Siddiqi (W.H). 1997. Fihrist Nuskhahā-yi khaṭṭī fārsī, Kitābkhāna-yi Rażā – Rāmpūr, Delhi: Diamond Printers.

– Turan (F.). 2009. “Turkic grammar books written in Mughal India during the 18^th and 19^th centuries”. Turkic Languages 13. 163-171.

Vous retrouverez l’intégralité du programme 2025-2026 du séminaire mensuel de recherche “Sociétés, politiques et cultures du Monde iranien” en ligne sur le site du CeRMI: https://cermi.cnrs.fr/seminaires-de-recherche/societes-politiques-et-cultures-du-monde-iranien-2025-2026/

Dans l’attente du plaisir de vous retrouver à l’occasion de ces séances, qui se déroulent en présentiel sur le site de l’INaLCO (65 rue des Grands Moulins, Paris XIII), nous vous adressons tous nos vœux les meilleurs pour la nouvelle année, à vous et à vos proches.

En ces temps si sombres, nos pensées sont avec les Iraniens. Puisse 2026 apporter paix et justice à nos amis et collègues en Iran, et à travers le monde.

Bien cordialement,

Les organisateurs –

Simon Berger et Justine Landau

Contact: justine.landau@sorbonne-nouvelle.fr

If you have not yet submitted an abstract, you may do so at: https://eur02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fislamic-college.ac.uk%2Fcall-for-papers-eleventh-annual-conference-on-shii-studies%2F&data=05%7C02%7C%7C9fc742b73b8d4708611e08de55108f93%7C2e9f06b016694589878910a06934dc61%7C0%7C0%7C639041728474672666%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C80000%7C%7C%7C&sdata=AoxRsJQ2N%2FOhTrMPv9%2B1j5hX14Ej0RGfE2%2FoYRq0SD0%3D&reserved=0

Conference information:

Date: 9 May 2026

Location: In-person at The Islamic College (London, UK) and online

Papers are welcome on any aspect of Shiʿi studies, including but not limited to theology, philosophy, mysticism, law and jurisprudence, contemporary issues, history, anthropology, sociology, art, literature, the ḥawzah, ritual practice, and interfaith/interfaith studies. Papers may address any branch of Shiʿism.

Special theme: Shiʿism and the study of the Qur’an. This year, we are hosting special panels on Shiʿi approaches to the study of the Qur’an. We particularly encourage the submission of papers on topics such as Shiʿi approaches to Qur’anic exegesis (tafsīr), past and present; the history and compilation of the Qur’an; Qur’anic manuscripts; translations of the Qur’an, classical and modern; or any other topic pertaining the study of the Qur’an which involves a Shiʿi angle.

Publication: Presenters will have their work featured in conference proceedings and/or an edited volume on the Qur’an published by ICAS Press, offering an opportunity for quick, quality publication of research.

Submit an abstract at: https://eur02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fislamic-college.ac.uk%2Fconference-on-shii-studies-submit-an-abstract%2F&data=05%7C02%7C%7C9fc742b73b8d4708611e08de55108f93%7C2e9f06b016694589878910a06934dc61%7C0%7C0%7C639041728474716909%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C80000%7C%7C%7C&sdata=MkRjGvls%2Fat5a1FW2Ux8r2BwRtkeIpyOQd6izEspLDU%3D&reserved=0
E-mail enquiries to: shiistudies@islamic-college.ac.uk

Abstract deadline: Due to current events, the deadline has been extended to 31 January 2026

Online presentations: Limited slots for online presentations are available. When submitting your abstract, indicate whether you would like to present in-person or online. This option cannot be changed.

https://mage.com/travels-in-persia-1617-1622-by-pietro-della-valle/

2. The British Society for Middle Eastern Studies invites submissions of interest for our upcoming conference‘War, Empire, and Sabotage in an Age of Genocide,’ co-hosted with the SOAS Middle East Institute. The conference will take place at SOAS University of London on 23-25 June 2026.

The submission deadline is next Sunday, 18 January 2026 at midnight (UK time).

In addition to submissions aligned with the conference theme, we welcome papers on a broad range of topics related to Middle East Studies. Relevant fields include, but are not limited to, politics, culture & society, literature, anthropology, economics, history, linguistics, and translation studies, with a focus on the MENA region. We welcome proposals for Panels, Roundtables, Individual/Co-authored Papers, and Creative Interventions.

https://www.brismes.ac.uk/conference/about-the-conference/conference-theme

3.  Advanced Persian through History of Art Texts

About the course:
This 12-week advanced Persian course strengthens students’ ability to read and analyze sophisticated Persian prose through foundational texts on the history, theory, and practice of Iranian art. Focusing on Persian treatises and art-related writings—such as manuals of calligraphy and painting, artists’ biographies (tazkiras), architectural descriptions, and courtly reflections on aesthetics—the course trains students to engage directly with technical vocabulary, stylistic conventions, and evaluative discourse in art history. Emphasis is placed on close reading, genre awareness, and contextual interpretation. The course is especially beneficial for advanced Persian learners, graduate students, and scholars of art history, Islamic art, Iranian studies, and manuscript culture who seek direct access to Persian art discourse in original sources.

Course Details:

Schedule: Fridays, 30 January 2026 – 10 April 2026

Time: 09:00–10:00 AM (US Pacific), 12:00–13:00 (US Eastern), 06:00–07:00 PM (Central European)

Format: 24 online sessions

Class days and times may be adjusted in accordance with the request of enrollees.

​​Registered participants will receive full access to recorded session videos and all course materials.​

Contact Email

admin@ghandeparsi.com

URL

https://www.ghandeparsi.com/winterschool/arttexts

4. The American Center of Research in Amman Archaeological Ceramics Courses, Summer 2026
The American Center of Research is pleased to announce two new courses for 2026, taught by Assistant Professor Sarah Wenner:

* Introduction to Classical Period Ceramics of Southern Jordan and Northern Saudi Arabia: Introductory

* Introduction to Classical Period Ceramics of Southern Jordan and Northern Saudi Arabia: Advanced.

APPLICATION DEADLINE: March 15, 2026.

For further information, please visit the course webpage:

https://acorjordan.org/ceramics-field-schools-2026/

5. Doctoral and Postdoctoral Fellowships at the Orient Institut Beirut (OIB)

https://networks.h-net.org/group/announcements/20137284/doctoral-and-postdoctoral-fellowships-orient-institut-beirut-oib

6. Between Veil and Vanguard: Ideological Battles over Afghan Femininity

Sayed Hassan Akhlaq
Review of Middle East Studies, Volume 59 / Issue 2, December 2025, pp 55 – 67

7. MESA 2026 Call for Papers Opens

https://mesana.org/annual-meeting/call-for-papers

Deadline for abstracts: 17 February 2026.

8. ONLINE Webinar Series “Empowering Muslim Women in Scientific Research” on “Gender Attitudes and Trends over the Last Decade: Examining Female Labor Force Participation” by Prof. Amaney Jamal (Princeton), University of Manchester & University of Sharjah, 28 January 2026, 14:00 – 15:30 CET

Female labour force participation in MENA has been and continues to be quite low when com-pared cross-nationally. Using data from the Arab Barometer, this presentation will examine ap-proximately 20 years of data capturing societal attitudes from across MENA on female employ-ment and empowerment. What progress has and has not been made over the last two decades?

Information and registration: https://tinyurl.com/mr2tsm6f

9. HYBRID Book Launch: “The Ascetic Qur’an and Its Kharijite Readers” by Nora K. Schmid (University of Tübingen), January 29, 2026, 15:00 – 17:00 CET

This book reframes Islamic asceticism away from premodern zuhd literature to the ascetic dimen-sion of the Qur’an and its Kharijite reception. Situating the asceticism of the Qur’an in late antiq-uity, it shows how interiorizing and enacting scripture shaped early Islamic culture. Respondents are Sean Anthony, Adam Gaiser, and Sebastian Guenther.

Information and registration: https://www.qasla.eu/book-launch-nora-schmid

10. European Workshops in International Studies (EWIS): “Diaspora Diplomacy Reconsidered: Mapping Possible Futures” (Focus MENA Countries), Izmir University of Economics, 1-3 July 2026

This workshop engages with the concept and practice of “diaspora diplomacy”, exploring how diasporas develop their own diplomacies and participate in a wider geopolitical worldmaking be-yond the state, and considering the geographies of their diplomatic practices. From state-led efforts to mobilise migrants as cultural ambassadors, to transnational diaspora political participation, “diaspora diplomacy” operates in spaces where international relations and everyday life intersect.

Deadline for abstracts: 11 February 2026. Information: https://tinyurl.com/yc42pnsvv

11. PhD Thesis Prize of the British Association of Islamic Studies (BRAIS) on the Study of Islam and the Muslim World

This international prize is awarded annually to an outstanding doctoral thesis. English-language submissions on any aspect of the academic study of Islam and the Muslim world, past and pre-sent, including Muslim-minority societies are accepted. Applicants can be based in any country.

Deadline for applications: 30 January 2026. Information: https://www.brais.ac.uk/prize

12. International Summer Academy: “Chagatai Manuscript Reading Course”, University of Münster, 29 June – 3 July 2026

The course aims to provide the participants with advanced knowledge of one of the central lan-guages of the Islamic world through the study of primary texts. Chagatai is not only one of the most important Turkic languages but also an essential source and literary language for studying

the history of Central Asia, Afghanistan and Northwestern China. However, due to the disciplinary division of this area between Slavic Studies, Sinology, Turkic, Islamic and Iranian Studies, Cha-gatai is rarely taught.

Deadline for applications: 13 February 2026. Information: https://tinyurl.com/4kvdzbvn

13. ONLINE “Politics Beyond Politics” in the Journal “Middle East Bulletin – A Greek Review of Middle Eastern Affair”, Vol. 47, January 2026, 51 Pages

Articles: The Politics of Turkish drama series. – Growth in a Desert of Censorship? Cinema in Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Iran. – Tourism as a Political Instrument in the Contemporary Middle East: The Cases of Israel, Turkey, Egypt and Dubai. – The use of social media during Israel-Palestinian & Iranian-Israeli conflicts. – Israeli Universities and Academic Boycott: The limits of neutrality. – Etc.

Table of content and direct access to the text: https://tinyurl.com/44zuadbm

Register at:
https://islamic-college.ac.uk/event-register/

Register via the site at the above link.

David Cumin : Guerre et paix en islam, géopolitique et polémologie des régions et des pays du monde musulman (XXe-XXIe siècles)

Tome 1 : Approche globale (268 pages – isbn: 9791093817149)

Tome 2 : Approche aréale (606 pages – isbn 9791093817156)

Ouvrage disponible – profitez du tarif de souscription jusqu’au 20 janvier 2026

https://editionsguilhem.com/catalogue/344977-Societe

2. Tuḥfat al-Mulūk fī al-Taʿbīr

Editors: Lina Jammal, Bilal Orfali

AUB Press, 2026

One of the earliest known Arabic works on dream interpretation, attributed to the Sistani ruler Abū Aḥmad Khalaf bin Aḥmad al-Sijistānī (d. 399/1009).

https://aub.edu.lb/aubpress/Pages/Tuhfat_al-Muluk.aspx

3. The Turn to the Environmentالاتجاه نحو المحيط

AUB Press, 2026

During the late 1980s, the artist Hanaa Malallah (b. Baghdad, 1958) made frequent visits to the Iraq Museum, sketching archaeological artifacts in an attempt to grasp the temporality by which they could at once belong to the past and yet exist in the present. In the wake of the Gulf war in 1991, when the museum was closed and sanctions isolated Iraq from the outside world, Malallah shifted her attention from the museum to its surrounding environment, and she began to explore the city of Baghdad as a field of traces with a temporal structure like that of the archaeological artifact. This research resulted in a distinctive manner of constructing her panels—using found materials to build patterns that seem to encode some indecipherable meaning but only communicate the meaning of time itself—and it set her on a path of further research that moved increasingly in the direction of semiotics and logic.

Malallah conceptualized this turn to the environment in dozens of short texts that she published in newspapers in Baghdad and London over the 1990s. This book gathers that body of art theory not only to provide insight into the evolution of Malallah’s practice, in its taking up a question first posed by Jewad Selim and renewed by Shakir Hassan Al Saʿid, of the relationship between the modern artwork and the historical artifact, but also to open a window into the practice of art in Iraq during a decade of intellectual isolation and material deprivation

https://aub.edu.lb/aubpress/Pages/turn-to-the-environment.aspx

4. Zahra Institute: Spring 2026 Kurdish Studies Courses & Speaker Series

Register Now for Spring 2026 Courses 

Zahra Institute is pleased to offer M.A. and Certificate programs in Kurdish Studies and Critical Muslim Studies. All courses are also available as standalone options for those seeking focused academic enrichment.

Our Spring 2026 courses include Kurdish Media, Approaches to Kurdish Studies, and language courses in Kurmanji.To register, contact:
admissions@zahrainstitute.org

2026 Spring Speaker Series Begins February 11

We are delighted to announce the launch of Zahra Institute’s 2026 Spring Speaker Series on February 11. This semester’s lineup brings together scholars and experts exploring a range of topics, including Kurdish politics, cultural heritage, literature and identity, Islamic intellectual history, and Muslim chaplaincy in the US.

For details on both see the website: https://www.zahrainstitute.org.