The Islamic Worlds Initiative is a new project at UVA whose goal is to be a meeting point for scholars from around Grounds who are studying regions and/or communities where Islamic ways of life play an important role.  A space as much for scholars in history, literature, anthropology, archeology, and the arts, as it is for those working in the field of Islamic Studies, the Islamic Worlds initiative seeks a novel approach, one that is as transregional as it is transdisciplinary.  Moving beyond the concept of an Islamic World, the term Islamic Worlds is a conscious one that we employ as we endeavor to bring together a pluralistic engagement into geographic, social, artistic, and intellectual worlds that are infused with Islamic sensibilities and ethics.

The Initiative is currently co-directed by Profs. Fahad Bishara (History) and Noah Salomon (Religious Studies).  It was launched in the Fall of 2023 and is in its "soft opening" phase, gathering ideas and objectives from stakeholders around Grounds.  In the coming months, this page will be updated with descriptions of new projects and programs.