Ibn Hamdis of Sicily: A Medieval Life in Modern Circumstances
Paper by William E. Granara
Given at Harvard University on April 29, 2022
Summary: Ibn Hamdis is the only Muslim Sicilian whose voice we hear from in medieval times. His poetry – about 370 poems survive – is autobiographical and tells us much about his life and experiences. His work is significant because it shows the complexity of medieval Muslim life in the Mediterranean world. The talk also addresses the significance of the title “Medieval Life in Modern Circumstances” and how Ibn Hamdis’s poetry speaks to contemporary issues.
William Granara, who is the Gordon Gray Professor of Practice of Arabic at Harvard University and the Director of the Center for Middle Eastern Studies. He is interested in literature and history of the Arab Mediterranean in both medieval and modern periods, including Ibn Hamdis the Sicilian: Eulogist for a Falling Homeland.
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Top Image: A Muslim Poet Musician at the Norman court of Sicily – Cappella Palatina (12th century) Palermo, Sicily – photo by Agilulf2007 / Wikimedia Commons
Ibn Hamdis of Sicily: A Medieval Life in Modern Circumstances
Paper by William E. Granara
Given at Harvard University on April 29, 2022
Summary: Ibn Hamdis is the only Muslim Sicilian whose voice we hear from in medieval times. His poetry – about 370 poems survive – is autobiographical and tells us much about his life and experiences. His work is significant because it shows the complexity of medieval Muslim life in the Mediterranean world. The talk also addresses the significance of the title “Medieval Life in Modern Circumstances” and how Ibn Hamdis’s poetry speaks to contemporary issues.
William Granara, who is the Gordon Gray Professor of Practice of Arabic at Harvard University and the Director of the Center for Middle Eastern Studies. He is interested in literature and history of the Arab Mediterranean in both medieval and modern periods, including Ibn Hamdis the Sicilian: Eulogist for a Falling Homeland.
Top Image: A Muslim Poet Musician at the Norman court of Sicily – Cappella Palatina (12th century) Palermo, Sicily – photo by Agilulf2007 / Wikimedia Commons
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