CALL FOR PAPERS

Thursday, November 14, 2024

                    CALL FOR PAPERS

RETRACING AND INTERROGATING THE FOOTSTEPS OF PERSIAN CULTURE AND CIVILIZATION ON THE EAST AFRICAN COMMUNITIES

 

The intersection of Persian culture and civilization with the East African coast left an indelible mark on the region's historical trends, society and heritage. From the ancient maritime trade routes to the establishment of settlements and cultural exchanges, the influence of Persian civilization is evident in various aspects of East African coastal life today.

We invite scholars, researchers, historians, archaeologists, anthropologists, linguists and cultural enthusiasts to contribute to a comprehensive exploration of the theme "Retracing and interrogating the Footsteps of Persian Culture and Civilization on the East African Coast" through a multidisciplinary lens in a conference aiming to foster dialogue, exchange ideas, and deepen our understanding of the rich history of between Persia and the East African coast.

We welcome abstracts/papers on the following topics; Historical interactions, Cultural Linguistic influence, Persian culinary contributions, Architectural Heritage and Urban Planning, Religious and Spiritual Connections, Contemporary Perspectives, Cultural and Artistic Traditions, and Cultural Diplomacy and Soft Power.

Topics and Subtopics:

  1. Historical Interactions:
  • Exploration of ancient trade routes linking Persia and the East African coast.
  • Examination of Persian migration to the East African coast and its impact on local populations.
  • Analysis of cultural exchanges between Persians and East Africans, including language, art, and customs.
  • Lamu, Mombasa, Malindi towns and their Persian Connections
  • Merchants, Traders, and Cultural Exchange along the Maritime Silk Road.

 

  1. Cultural-linguistic Influence:
  • Study of Persian linguistic influences on Swahili and other East African languages.
  • Linguistic Borrowings and Adaptations.
  • Persian Literary Influences in East African Poetry, Prose and Folklore
  • Preservation and Promotion of Persian Language and Literature in Contemporary East Africa.

 

 

  1. Investigation of Persian culinary contributions to East African cuisine.
  • Key Persian Ingredients and Their Integration into East African Dishes 
  • Persian Cooking Techniques Adopted in East African Culinary Practices 
  • Shared Culinary Traditions and Ceremonial Foods 
  • Influence of Persian Dishes on East African Recipes 

 

4. Architectural Heritage and Urban Planning:

  • Persian Architectural Influence in East African Mosques, Palaces, and Forts.
  • Urban Design and Layout: Persian Concepts in East African Cities and Towns.
  • Conservation and Restoration Efforts of Persian-Influenced Architecture.
  • Exploration of Persian architectural elements in East African cities and towns.

5. Religious and Spiritual Connections:

  • Discussion on the spread of Islam and Sufi orders from Persia to the East African coast.
  • Persian Influence on East African Spiritual Traditions.
  • Establishment of Islamic communities and institutions.
  • Adaptation and integration of Persian traditions into local belief systems.
  • Examine transmission of religious beliefs and spiritual practices through trade networks.

 

  1. Contemporary Perspectives:
  • Exploration of the contemporary Persian diaspora communities in Kenya and neighboring countries.
  • Discussion on efforts to preserve and revitalize Persian cultural heritage in East Africa.
  • Evaluation of cultural diplomacy initiatives aimed at strengthening ties between Iran and East African nations.

 

  1. Cultural and Artistic Traditions:
  • Persian Influence on East African Music and Festivals.
  • Calligraphy and Illumination: Persian Artistic Techniques in East African Manuscripts.
  • Symbolism and meaning in Persian-Inspired East African Artifacts.
  • Persian poetic influence on the East Africa Coast.

8. Cultural Diplomacy and Soft Power:

  • Diplomatic Relations between Persia and East African Sultanates and Kingdoms.
  • Cultural Exchanges and Diplomatic Gifts: Persian Influence on East African Court Culture.
  • Contemporary Diplomatic and Cultural Initiatives to Strengthen Persian-East African Relations.

CALL FOR ARTEFACTS: TRACING PERSIAN HERITAGE ON THE EAST AFRICAN COAST

As part of this significant event, we are calling on communities, historians, museums, and private collectors to contribute artefacts, documents, and historical items linked to the early Persian presence and influence in the region for exhibition purposes during the exhibition.

If you possess or have access to any items, such as tools, manuscripts, pottery, textiles, or other artifacts that reflect the interactions and heritage of early Persians along the East African coast, we invite you to contribute to this unique exhibition. Your participation will help illuminate the shared history between our regions and foster a deeper understanding of our interconnected past.

Please contact us at Email: iranlib@yahoo.com, culture@irankenya.org and CC: enekesa@uonbi.ac.ke  or for more information on how to participate and contribute items for display.

Important Dates:

  • Send out call for Abstracts: 15th  Nov 2024
  • Abstract Submission Deadline: 25th Nov 2024
  • Notification of Acceptance: 30th November 2024
  • Full Paper Submission Deadline: 15 January 2025
  • Conference Dates: 6-7 February 2025

Submission Guidelines:

  • The abstract should be in Word format, font size 12 Times New Roman, single-spaced in justified alignment.
  • Abstracts should be submitted in English and not exceed 250 words and should consist of:
    • Title of the Abstract
    • Author(s) Affiliation
    • Author(s) (indicate the corresponding author and their Email)
    • 3-5 Keywords
    • The body of the Abstract (to consist of a brief introduction or background, Methods, Results, Conclusion and Recommendations)
    • Each submission should indicate the sub-theme of focus and can only be submitted for one sub-theme. The paper abstract should not have been submitted or considered for publication before.
  • Full papers should be between 4000 to 6000 words, including references.
  • Please submit your abstracts and papers through the email below Email: culture@irankenya.org or iranlib@yahoo.com cc: enekesa@uonbi.ac.ke
  • Submissions must follow the provided template and formatting guidelines.

Conference Proceedings and Publications:

All papers submitted for the conference will be included in a book for future reference.

Conference Venue: University of Nairobi

 

Contact Information:

For inquiries and submission details, please contact (culture@irankenya.org or iranlib@yahoo.com cc: enekesa@uonbi.ac.ke

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