21st Colloquium of the Ernst Herzfeld-Gesellschaft | Ernst Herzfeld Society.

This graduate student meeting offers an opportunity for graduate students in the fields of Islamic Art History, Archaeology, and Architecture to present their ongoing research while providing a platform for discussion and networking. It is organised by Salma Azzam of Vienna University and will take place at the Goethe University in Frankfurt am Main on July 2, 2026 in conjunction with the 21st Colloquium of the Ernst Herzfeld Society for Studies in Islamic Art and Archaeology.

Format:
The graduate meeting will consist of papers given by graduate students based on their current research. Any topic relating to Islamic Art and Architecture or Islamic Archaeology is welcome. Each presentation is limited to 15 minutes, followed by 15 minutes of discussion. This is an opportunity to present research findings as well as open questions and the methodological and practical challenges of individual projects. Thus, speakers are encouraged to include open questions to be addressed as a group in the follow-up discussion. The aim is to provide an open and constructive setting for exchange in which we can gain perspective on our own research and be inspired by other participants’ ideas.

Participation:
The only pre-requisite is to be a graduate student and a member of the Ernst Herzfeld Society.
Advanced BA students may also be considered if there are available time slots. The aim of the graduate student meeting is to provide a supportive setting in which participants can practice various forms of scholarly communication, experiment with something new, possibly make mistakes, and discuss the challenges of their project, if they wish to do so. By attending the graduate meeting, all participants agree to give and receive feedback with an open mind, and to actively contribute to the meeting’s constructive atmosphere.
While the graduate student meeting is designed to give graduate students a platform for exchange and collaboration, it also wishes to encourage discussions on an equal footing between all members of the scholarly community. More experienced scholars are welcome to attend and to participate in the discussions of graduate students’ exciting new research.

Application:
Please submit your proposal for a paper by December 15, 2025 to Salma Azzam: salma.azzamunivie.ac.at. The proposal should include a title and an abstract of 250-300 words. You should also include your full name, the name of your university, and whether you are an advanced BA student, an MA student, or a PhD student. Papers are given in English. Acceptance will be notified by January 15, 2026.

We kindly request that speakers and participants make their own travel and accommodation arrangements. We recommend having a look at possible funding opportunities offered by your university or other funding bodies. Early booking generally allows you to get better rates.

Information about becoming a member and membership fee payment can be found here:
https://ernst-herzfeld-gesellschaft.com/en/mitgliedschaft/. Membership fees can be paid to the society’s treasurer at the time of the colloquium.

Registration for and participation in the colloquium is free for members of the Society. More information about the colloquium is also available on the society’s website.