Entangled Religions

The premodern Mediterranean, characterised by its diverse ethnic groups, religions, and societies, was a crucible for interreligious and sociocultural interactions. Recent advancements in historical studies and digital humanities have unlocked new avenues for exploring these relationships through literary and folk sources. This volume, arising from the ERC-funded project “Arabic Poetry in the Cairo Genizah” and a subsequent conference at Trinity College Dublin, seeks to explore the intertwined histories and cultures of Jews, Christians, and Muslims across the Mediterranean from the eleventh to the seventeenth centuries. It aims to illuminate the interconnectedness and mutual influences of these communities through their literary and folk exchanges, as well as their historical narratives.

Drawing on the concept of entangled histories and cultures, the volume examines how literary and poetic works serve as lenses to view the sociocultural dynamics of the time. These texts are not merely artistic expressions but vital historical sources that offer insights into education, religious values, and societal norms. Consequently, the contributions in this volume range from the exploration of Arabic epic literature’s appeal to Jewish readers, the portrayal of Europeans in Arab folk epics, and the role of poetry in reflecting historical events, cultural influences, and educational values, to the study of female religious conversions in early modern Spanish literature. Through these diverse perspectives, the volume presents a comprehensive picture of the premodern Mediterranean’s cultural and historical landscape, highlighting the enduring legacy of its entangled histories.

Note: The contributions are being published successively between December 2024 and summer 2024. Please return then for the full spectrum of contributions.

Image: Ship crossing the Mediterranean. Cambridge University Library, T-S NS 104.28 (lv)