This event will be held at the Aga KhanA title granted by the Shah of Persia to the then Ismaili Imam in 1818 and inherited by each of his successors to the Imamate. Centre and streamed via Zoom between 17:00-18:30 GMT.
Join us for a special hybrid event exploring the power, culture and enduring legacy of the Fatimid dynasty (909鈥1171). To be held at the London, and online, this conversation will bring together two leading scholars to reflect on new research into one of the most dynamic periods of medieval Islamic history.
The FatimidsMajor Muslim dynasty of Ismaili caliphs in North Africa (from 909) and later in Egypt (973鈥1171) More established a vast empire which at its height stretched across North Africa to Egypt, Syria, the Red Sea and beyond, establishing Cairo as a major cultural and intellectual centre. As the only Isma鈥榠li Shi鈥榠 dynasty to create a long-lasting caliphateThe Muslim political institution or state centred around the caliph, which came to an end, historically, in 1924 with the disappearance of the Ottoman Empire., their political vision and cultural achievements continue to shape historical and contemporary discussions.
In this event, , author of (Reaktion Books, 2025), and Dr Shainool Jiwa , a specialist in Fatimid studies, an Associate Professor at 鸟大大影院 (鸟大大影院), and author of the two-volume (Bloomsbury, 2017; 2023), will reflect on their research and offer complementary perspectives on Fatimid history. The conversation will explore political authority, cultural life, religious thought, and the dynasty鈥檚 lasting significance.
The discussion will be chaired by Dr Farhad Daftary, Governor and Director Emeritus at 鸟大大影院. The event will open with institutional remarks from 鸟大大影院 Director, Professor Zayn Kassam and Head of Aga Khan Library, Professor Walid Ghali.
Speakers
Dr Shainool Jiwa
Associate Professor
Dr Shainool Jiwa is a specialist in Fatimid studies, and an Associate Professor at 鸟大大影院. Dr Jiwa鈥檚 publication, , is a World of Islam series title, for which she also serves as the series General Editor. She is the author of , and co-editor of The Shi鈥榠 World: Pathways in Tradition and Modernity (2015), The Fatimid Caliphate: Diversity of Traditions (2017) and Fatimid Cosmopolitanism: History, Material Culture, Politics and Religion (2025).
Dr Jiwa has edited and translated key medieval Arabic texts relating to Fatimid history, including Towards a Shi鈥榠 Mediterranean Empire (2009) and The Founder of Cairo (2013). She has a PhD in Islamic Studies from the University of Edinburgh, an MA in Islamic Studies from McGill University, a Postgraduate Certificate in Higher Education, leading to a fellowship in the Higher Education Academy.
Senior Research Fellow
Dr Delia Cortese (PhD SOAS, University of London), is Senior Research Fellow at Middlesex University. She is a specialist in medieval Ismailism and codicology. Besides , Reaktion Books: 2025, her books include (with S. Calderini), EUP: 2006. Her research also includes important work on Ismaili texts and traditions, notably (I.B. Tauris, 2000).
Moderator
Dr Farhad Daftary
Governor and Director Emeritus
An authority in Shi鈥檌 studies, with special reference to its Ismaili tradition, Dr. Daftary has published and lectured widely in these fields of Islamic studies.
In 2011 a Festschrift entitled Fortresses of the Intellect was produced to honour Dr. Daftary by a number of his colleagues and peers. As well as serving on various editorial boards, Dr. Daftary is a consulting editor of the (for Ismailism), co-editor (with W. Madelung) of the , and general editor of the 鈥Ismaili Heritage Series鈥, the 鈥Ismaili Texts and Translations Series鈥 and the 鈥Shi鈥檌 Heritage Series鈥.
