Explore the period from the 8th to the 13th centuries in the Islamicate East, characterised by remarkable intellectual flourishing, scientific innovation, vibrant intercultural exchange, and dynamic participation in Silk Road trade networks.
Uniquely, this course will centre the periphery of this empire - modern day Afghanistan and Central Asia - in an exploration of treasures of the medieval islamicate world.
This era, often referred to as the Islamic Golden Age, parallels the European Renaissance in its transformative impact on knowledge production, artistic expression, and cross-cultural interaction.
This day event will offer a window into life in the medieval Islamicate East during a period of major transformation and reform. Students will be introduced to the sources for this history, in a region spanning from Iran to Afghanistan, Central Asia and western China, in interactive lectures from Oxford Lifelong Learning researchers and their colleagues.
Please note: this event will close to enrolments at 23:59 on 25 March 2026.
Programme details
Saturday 28th March, 2026
9.45am
Registration
10am
Rise and Fall of Caliphs and Sultans
Hugh Kennedy
11.15am
Tea/coffee break
11.30am
The Barmakids: Stories of a Glamorous and Tragic Family
Arezou Azad
12.30pm
Lunch break
1.30pm
Walk to Bodleian
1.45pm
Document and Manuscript Session
3pm
Walk back to Rewley House
3.15pm
Tea/coffee break
3.45pm
Scribes, Subject and Surprises from Life Outside the Palace Walls Nadia Vidro
5pm
End of day
For full details and to book your place please visit Oxford Lifelong Learning's website.
