The Intellectual History in the Islamicate World Research Unit examines the history of ideas in the world of Islam from a fundamentally new perspective. Instead of approaching their subject from one of the classic disciplines such as Islamic studies, Jewish studies, or Christian Orientalism, the researchers in this new unit at Freie Universität Berlin are using an interdisciplinary approach. They are taking into account the pluralism of rational thinking and the centuries-long cross-border nature of philosophical and theological scholarship. Historically, this phenomenon is based on an interaction between Jews, Christians, and Muslims, which fascinates even from today's perspective. For centuries, members of all three religions shared Arabic as a common language by which they exchanged ideas, concepts, and texts with each other.

The declared aim of the research center is to overcome disciplinary boundaries and to replace old patterns of thinking through unconventional collaborations. For this project, Muslim and non-Muslim scholars from various disciplines and cultures have come together. They work closely with colleagues and research institutions in Europe, the United States, and the Middle East. At the opening ceremony, members of the research group will be introduced, and they will present their work and goals.

Date and Location

• Tuesday, September 13, 2011, 5 – 6:30 p.m.
• Museum of Islamic Art (Pergamon Museum), Am Kupfergraben 5, Berlin-Mitte (Museum Island)

Advance Registration

Journalists and guests are asked to sign up in advance: Research.Unit.IHIW@gmail.com