Aesthetic approaches between the early Christian, Byzantine and early Islamic world

Call for Application

This is a call for application in an international and interdisciplinary project between Goethe University Frankfurt and Gutenberg University Mainz (Germany), Boğaziçi University Istanbul and Atatürk University Erzurum (Turkey) funded by the German Academic Research Council (DAAD).


What is the project about?

Orient and Occident were in continuous contact in particular during the first millennium CE, exchanging people and ideas, motifs, goods and practices. There are manifold allusions to and appropriations of the other, reflecting an intense cultural contact and exchange besides all the hostile events that took place. To that respect, Orient and Occident cannot be separated when trying to understand and contextualize creative and aesthetic processes of this period in particular in the East Mediterranean. This project focuses on aesthetic interaction and aims to connect different disciplines and bring students from Turkey and Germany together through scientific and cultural dialogues.

Who can apply?

The project is open to advanced BA and MA students, PhD candidates as well as Early Career Researchers (ERCs) of disciplines such as Art History, Byzantine Studies, Archaeology, Islamic Studies, Sociology, etc. The common language will be English; knowledge of Turkish would be advantageous.

What is your contribution?

The project includes three “schools” comprising reading classes and excursions to Germany and Turkey over 2023 and 2024. Participants receive reading assignments within small groups, are supervised by the organizers, and are supposed to prepare presentations on the subjects. While the preparations will be held digitally, the whole group will meet in person during the excursions. A joint virtual exhibition is planned towards the end of the project. You will need to attend one initial information session, then you will be able to prepare the readings with your fellows within the group. Your contribution can span about 2 hours per week.

Our Schedule:

Autumn School” (Jul – Sep 2023), including a ten-day excursion to Frankfurt and Mainz
Winter School” (Oct 2023 – Jan 2024), including a ten-day excursion to Istanbul
Summer School” (Mar – Jul 2024), including one week excursion to Erzurum
Exhibition “Women & Art. The female in early Christian, Byzantine and early Islamic art production”

How can I apply?

Please send the following documents via email to: Dr. Fatemeh Rahmati

  • Short academic CV (including your research interests)
  • Letter of motivation and letter of reference from your supervisor or academic teacher
  • Proof of proficiency in English

Deadline: 26th of June 2023

What do you get?

You will discover how art has been or can become a platform for exchange, understanding and communication between different nations and religions. You will work with international specialists in the field, make friends across disciplines and countries, visit exciting places and get stirring experiences. All participants will receive a joint certificate after completion of the project.

JProf. Dr. Hagit Nol
Dr. Fateme Rahmati
Prof. Dr. Dirk Wicke

  

PD Dr. Sergei Mariev



  

Prof. Dr. Nevra Necipoğlu
Prof. Dr. Koray Durak
Prof. Dr. Oya Pancaroğlu
Prof. Dr. Çiğdem Kafescioğlu

  

Prof. Dr. Mahdi Mohammadzadeh
Prof. Dr. Nevin Ayduslu


(Goethe University Frankfurt)

 

(Gutenberg University Mainz)

 

(Boğaziçi University Istanbul)

 

(Atatürk University Erzurum)