Literary Topographies: Storied Landscapes of the Premodern Muslim World

Date: 25–27 October 2027
Location: Tunis, Tunisia
Abstract: Approximately 300 words
Abstract deadline: 16 November 2026
Languages: Arabic, French and English
Travel & accommodation: Provided by Leiden University
Submit to: f.c.lindo-dunn@hum.leidenuniv.nl

Leiden University is organizing an international conference titled “Literary Topographies: Storied Landscapes of the Premodern Muslim World c. 650–1650 CE”, which will take place in Tunis, Tunisia, from 25 to 27 October 2027. The conference explores how literary and narrative traditions shaped the way places were remembered, imagined and understood across the premodern Muslim world, from the Atlantic coast to Sindh.
Rather than viewing landscapes simply as physical settings for historical events, the conference examines how stories, memories and literary traditions gave places cultural and historical meaning. It will consider cities, forts, battlefields, shrines, cemeteries, ruins, rivers, deserts and mountains as sites shaped by narratives including hagiographies, chronicles, biographies, poetry, geographical writings, religious literature, epics and legends.
The organizers invite papers addressing questions such as how literary topographies contributed to local identities, how ancient civilizations were remembered, how political and dynastic interests influenced representations of places, and how stories circulated across different regions. Contributions may also examine the ways landscapes expressed claims to power, ancestry, holiness and belonging, as well as interactions between local and transregional geographical traditions.
The call is open to senior and junior scholars, advanced graduate students and independent researchers. Selected papers will have 20 minutes for presentation followed by 20 minutes of discussion, and the organizers plan to publish the papers in a collected volume. The conference languages are Arabic, French and English. Importantly, Leiden University will provide travel and accommodation for participants.