The Seljuqs: Islam Revitalized?
International Symposium
13-14 September 2008
University of Edinburgh
The arrival of the Seljuqs, who ruled over Persia and large swaths of the Islamic world in the 11th-13th centuries, marks a pivotal moment in the history of Iran and the Near East. This symposium brings together scholars from both Europe and the Middle East in order to assess the state of Seljuq studies, advance knowledge in the field, and discuss future avenues of research. Organised in association with: The Binks Trust, Edinburgh; Iran Heritage Foundation; Centre for the Advanced Study of the Arab World, University of Edinburgh; The Royal Society of Edinburgh; Dean’s Fund, University of Edinburgh, DEMARS Insaat, Turizm TIC LTD STI, BAYMAK Makina ve Ticaret A.S. Convened by: Dr Christian Lange (University of Edinburgh) Songül Mecit (University of Edinburgh) Hosted by: Islamic and Middle Eastern Studies, University of Edinburgh School of Divinity, University of Edinburgh Introduction The study of the Seljuq period is confronted by a number of specific challenges. Not only did a number of intellectual traditions peak in the Seljuq period, but a massive reorganization occurred on social, economic and political levels. Examples of this are the introduction of institutions of higher learning, the iqta’ system, and the establishment of the sultanate. This makes synthetic judgements about Seljuq history and social organization difficult. Intellectual, political, social and material historians of the Seljuq period have all too often worked intensively in their own fields to the detriment of inter-disciplinarity. This conference seeks to bridge this divide by creating an interdisciplinary forum of discussion for an international group of leading Seljuq specialists. Day one of the conference will examine aspects of Seljuq political, social and legal history. Special attention will be given to Seljuq strategies of political legitimization; to the relationship between Seljuq nomadic groups and the city-dwellers; and to developments in legal theory and practice. Day two will be devoted to Seljuq religious and material history. Emphasis will be laid on doctrinal as well as institutional changes, such as the emergence of the madrasa system, and on literature and architecture under the Seljuqs. This symposium will thus attempt to synthesize results and sketch out the future of Seljuq studies. It aims to place the Seljuqs firmly on the current map of Iranian and Islamic Studies and, through publication of its proceedings, communicate the richness and creativity of this important period in Iranian history to a wider public. Registration Participation is by invitation. For further information, please contact Dr Christian Lange ( ) or Songül Mecit ( ).
