The study of Chrisanity in northern Mesopotamia during the late Sasanian and early Islamic periods (6th-10th centuries), particularly within the context of monasticism, offers critical insights into how Christian communities were shaped by the intersection of religious, cultural, and politcal dynamics. This era was characterized by significant religious diversity, with Christian, Jewish, Zoroastrian, Manichaean, and Islamic communities coexisting in the region.

Northern Mesopotamia, encompassing regions like the Tur Abdin plateau, the Jazira plain, and the upper and middle Tigris valley, was a significant center of Christianity and monasticism. The region was home to numerous monastic communities that functioned not only as religious centers but also as hubs of religious education and cultural interaction.

The workshop will explore the archaeological, architectural, social, and cultural dimensions of monascism and investigate the role of monasteries in shaping the socio-religious landscapes of northern Mesopotamia. The presentations of case studies, along with the discussions that follow, will contribute to a deeper understanding of the spatial organization, communal life, and broader societal impact of these monastic communities. Additonally, the workshop aims to highlight the ways in which monasteries functioned as centers of religious practice, education, and cultural exchange, providing new insights into the dynamics of interfaith interaction and the region’s historical development.

Workshop at the Goethe-Universität Frankfurt organized by Dr. Mustafa Ahmad (Goethe-University Frankfurt) and Prof. Alexander Pruß (Johannes-Gutenberg-University Mainz).

Registration until Ocotber 16th per e-mail to m.ahmad@em.uni-frankfurt.de