Professor Christian Sahner (University of Oxford) presents the talk "Christian Martyrs under Islam: Religious Violence and the Making of the Muslim World"
Part of the IAIS Visiting Speakers Series
Christian Sahner is associate professor of Islamic History at the University of Oxford. He is principally interested in the transition from Late Antiquity to the Islamic Middle Ages, relations between Muslims and Christians, and the history of Syria and Iran. A graduate of Oxford and Princeton, where he earned his doctorate in 2015, he is the author of two books: 'Among the Ruins: Syria Past and Present' (Oxford/Hurst, 2014) and 'Christian Martyrs under Islam: Religious Violence and the Making of the Muslim World' (Princeton, 2018).
| An Institute of Arab and Islamic Studies seminar | |
|---|---|
| Date | 20 - 21 March 2019 |
| Time | 17:15 |
| Place | IAIS Building/LT1&2 |
Event details
Abstract
During the 7th century CE, many predominantly Christian regions fell under Islamic political control, including Spain, Egypt, Palestine, Syria, and the Caucasus. This began a long, complex process whereby these ancient Christian societies become medieval Islamic societies. Although forced conversion was relatively uncommon, tensions sometimes spilled over into violence, and Christians commemorated the victims as saints. This talk will introduce these Christian martyrs against the backdrop of early relations between Muslims and Christians, ancient ideas of martyrdom, and the formation of what is often called 'Islamic civilization.'
Tea and coffee will be served in the IAIS Common Room from 17:00. Everyone is welcome to attend and registration is not necessary.
Professor Christian Sahner
Christian Martyrs under Islam: Religious Violence and the Making of the Muslim World
Location:
IAIS Building/LT1&2
