leidenislamblog — page 4

Art, literature and media

Hidden Treasures in Leiden University Library: Illustrations in Arabic Publications, 1960–1980

Leiden University library holdings include a substantial collection of Arabic fiction. Some Arabic publications from the 1960s and ’70s are richly illustrated by renowned artists. Judith Naeff highlights these hidden treasures

Residues in the Kitchen, or The Flavour of Home(sickness)

Cookbooks are more than instructions for recipes: they are also a collection of memories, journeys, and experiences. Erica Moukarzel describes the taste of home and how it travels.

History

Listening to the History of Islam in Europe

No history is as present in today's world as the history of Islam in Europe, argues Maurits Berger. He made a podcast about it.

History

Getting Done With Snouck

The 165th birthday of Christiaan Snouck Hurgronje on 8 February, also the dies natalis of Leiden University, is marked by the publication of a new book on his life and work, edited by Léon Buskens, Jan Just Witkam, and Annemarie van Sandwijk. What does it offer?

History · State, politics and society · International relations · Interreligious relations

The Mantle of Roger II and the Fatimid Festival of Sacrifice

During the Festival of Sacrifice, Fatimid rulers publicly sacrificed a camel. Maribel Fierro discusses the political and religious significance of this ritual, and traces later versions under other dynasties. She argues a visual re-imagination even appears on the mantle of the Norman king of Sicily.

United in Life, Divided in Death: Religion and Gender at the End of the Lifecycle in Egypt

Islamic family law studies often focus on marriage and divorce, but what about death? What are the rituals and procedures at the end of the lifecycle, and what role do religion and gender play? Nadia Sonneveld searched for preliminary answers during a recent visit to Cairo.