The City as Art: Islamic Archaeology & Heritage

Embark on a fascinating exploration of Islamic archaeology and heritage as we present our online event, "The City as Art: Islamic Archaeology & Heritage." Join us for an enlightening journey where we bring together a panel of distinguished experts in Islamic archaeology and heritage from across the Muslim world. Prepare to uncover the hidden treasures and architectural marvels that adorn the cities shaped by Islamic civilization.

Our esteemed panelists are renowned experts in their fields, each bringing a wealth of knowledge and expertise. From the intricate tile work of Andalusian palaces to the grand mosques of the Middle East and the sprawling bazaars of Central and South Asia, these experts have dedicated their lives to studying and preserving the rich heritage of Islamic cities.

During this thought-provoking seminar, you will delve into the history and significance of Islamic architecture and urban planning. Explore the evolution of cities across the Muslim world, from their foundations in the early Islamic period to the golden age of Islamic civilization. Discover the distinctive elements that define Islamic architecture, such as the iconic domes, minarets, and geometric patterns, and gain insights into their symbolism and spiritual significance. Moreover, you will delve into the archaeological discoveries that have shed light on the daily lives, cultural practices, and artistic expressions of communities living within these cities.

Our panelists include:

Dr. Sara Ann Knutson is a historian and anthropological archaeologist working on the premodern world and an Assistant Professor of Teaching at UBC. Sara Ann's work explores the connections between the Islamic World and Northern Eurasia including in the context of the “Silk Road.” Her current teaching and research projects examine the enduring influence of the ‘Abbāsid Caliphate in present-day Islamic cultural heritage, including through the many meanings attached to Islamic coins. Her previous research examined questions of religious change in Islam, ancient trade and exchange, materiality, and diasporas. She received her PhD in Anthropology from the University of California, Berkeley.

Dr. Tareq A. Ramadan is an Arab- American anthropologist and interdisciplinary adjunct professor at Wayne State University in Detroit, Michigan and at Henry Ford College in Dearborn. Over the past fifteen years, he has taught several different classes in Arab, Islamic, and Near Eastern Studies, including a course titled “Islam in America”, as well as  courses in anthropology and archaeology.  Tareq is also a specialist in early Islamic numismatics and has participated in archaeological surveys and excavations at Petra and at  Shuqayra al-Gharbiya (the site of an early Islamic complex) in Jordan, with Brown University. He has also written several articles on early Islamic coinage, Umayyad-era lead seals, and whose doctoral dissertation was an archaeo-linguistic analysis  of early Islamic state formation in the 7th century Levant.  More recently, Dr. Ramadan has been one of the lead figures in efforts to restore the one-time home of former civil and human rights leader, Malcolm X, in Inkster, Michigan and also helped organize archaeological excavations at the property last year.

Mohammed Sibghatullah Khan, is an architectural and visual designer from Hyderabad Deccan, India who founded The Deccan Archive in 2018, an organization that works on preserving and documenting tangible and intangible cultural heritage of the Deccan region. The organization conducts heritage walks and events every weekend to raise awareness about the historic city of Hyderabad with Sibghat leading the walking groups. He has also authored a book called 'Hyderabad Deccan: Illustrated' in the year 2021 and is currently working on compiling Islamic epigraphic heritage of the region.

Join us as we celebrate the city as art, and delve into the captivating world of Islamic archaeology and heritage. Immerse yourself in the beauty and splendor of Islamic cities and gain a deeper understanding of their historical and cultural significance. This online seminar offers a unique opportunity to engage with experts who have dedicated their lives to unraveling the mysteries of Islamic heritage. Expand your knowledge, ignite your curiosity, and be inspired by the architectural wonders that have shaped the Muslim world throughout history.

Don't miss this extraordinary opportunity to join us for "The City as Art: Islamic Archaeology & Heritage." Reserve your spot today and embark on a remarkable journey through time and culture, where the city itself becomes a canvas of artistic expression and historical significance.

Sadeeq members attend this event free. For more information and to join, check out our Membership page.