The Straits of Gibraltar: Connecting Africa and Europe with Dr. Sabahat Adil
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Bodies of water are often imagined in terms of how they separate people and land. Yet a closer look at various parts of the world, including the Mediterranean Sea, demonstrates that water serves to unify as much as it separates. This seminar will explore connections between Europe and Africa, particularly by focusing on the Iberian Peninsula and North Africa and the fascinating relationship between them since Antiquity into the medieval and early modern eras as well as in contemporary times. There will be a particular focus on politics, religion, and culture in order to better understand these links.
In this seminar, we will focus specifically on key moments in the history of the region, including the conquest of southern Iberia by Muslims in 711 via the Straits of Gibraltar, the Almoravid and Almohad invasions of Iberia, as well as the expulsion of Jewish and Muslim populations from Iberia during an inquisitorial era that forced many of the exiled to flee to cities such as Fez, Rabat, and more. In addition to a focus on this rich history, we will also explore the impacts of such exchange and interaction on art, architecture, and music.
Led by an expert on Mediterranean and Islamic history and culture, Sabahat Adil, this interactive seminar will explore the dynamic historical and cultural connections across the Straits of Gibraltar. Designed to inform curiosity as well as future travels, participants will come away with an increased understanding of the landmasses that lie on either side of the Straits of Gibraltar, which have been intertwined in intricate and dynamic ways historically as well as into present times.
Passionate about the past and its connections with the present, Sabahat Adil, PhD has expertise on the history of the Mediterranean and Islamic worlds, particularly in terms of cultural history. She earned her PhD from the University of Chicago and has taught extensively at a variety of institutions, including the University of Colorado at Boulder and the Newberry Library. Her research and publications focus on the history of North Africa and medieval Iberia. Sabahat has also worked in museum settings, including the Freer and Sackler in Washington, D.C. and the Field Museum in Chicago.
This conversation is suitable for all ages.
90 minutes, including a 30 minute Q&A.
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Excellent presentation by Dr Adil. Very good overview of the 711 - 1492 time period focusing in on interesting aspects from both cultural, religious, political and architectural perspective. Great interactive session with lots of time for dialogue and Q&A. Very educational and inspiring for my further reading. 1.5 action-packed hours that ALSO will lead to many more hours of follow-up studies.
A fine trip through history highlighted by amazing maps and slides.
This was a wonderful presentation with excellent narration and good visuals. Ms Advil is an engaging presenter and she was able to provide a good deal of information in a short hour. Makes me want todo further reading.
Dr Adil is very well versed in the history of the Gibraltar region and the bridge created between the 2 continents, Her seminar had a lovely, natural flow which paused at several points. entertain questions and comments. We would love an extension of this course which covers more modern day functioning of the Straits, Morocco and southern Spain.