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Sent: 21 October 2009 14:34
Postdoctoral research fellowship (Mamluk history) Dept. of Near Eastern
Languages and Cultures Ghent University (Belgium)
Research project: MMS (ERC-Starting Grant 240865) "The 'Mamlukisation'
of the Mamluk sultanate. Political traditions and state formation in
15th century Egypt and Syria.
Principal Investigator: Jo Van Steenbergen
On 1 October 2009, a new research project on Mamluk political history
has started at the department of Near Eastern Languages and Cultures,
Ghent University (Belgium). Within this project, sponsored by a European
Research Council Starting Grant, there is a vacancy for one postdoctoral
research fellow.
The projects aims to radically reconsider the traditional account of the
history of the Mamluk sultanate (1250-1517). The objective of the
project is a comprehensive and coherent reconstruction of the political
traditions that, in the interplay between individuals, institutions and
social interactions, dominated the Syro- Egyptian Mamluk sultanate in
the 15th century (1412-1517). In doing so, we will be aiming to validate
the ambitious and revisionist hypothesis that a surprisingly thorough
transformation of this regime took place, as a very different set of
traditions emerged that were constructed around the criterion of
military slavery ('mamlukisation'). If successful, a new framework for
historical enquiry will emerge, that will enable, and even urge for, the
consideration and reconsideration of all aspects of late medieval
Islamic history, including from a comparative, trans-cultural and
trans-regional perspective.
Within this large remit, the postdoctoral research fellow will be
expected to follow up the 'individuals' component of the project,
researching the nature and composition of the political elite of Egypt
and Syria between 1412 and 1517.
Requirements:
- a Ph.D., D.Phil or equivalent degree in (Islamic) history, Arabic,
Middle or Near Eastern Studies, or an equivalent diploma in any similar
field of study
- fluency in English (spoken en written) as well as at least a working
knowledge of Arabic, French and German
- good communicative skills
- ability to work independently, in group, and in an international
context
- good organisational skills
- adequate knowledge of the history of the Mamluk sultanate
- adequate knowledge of research methods and of the current state of
research in the field of Islamic history, of Mamluk history in
particular
- no prior postdoctoral appointments or fellowships in any institute of
higher education or research
Tasks:
- full collaboration to the creation of the project's core research
tool, the database (April 2010 - September 2011)
- comprehensive study of the individuals that made up the political
elite of Egypt and Syria between 1412 and 1517 (October 2011-September
2014)
- writing of regular interim reports (monthly progress reports & 8
research papers) and preparation of these and related research results
for publication as articles within the framework of the project and with
due reference to it
- assistance for the application of complementary and supplementary
funding at national and European levels
- assistance for the organisation of annual colloquia, for the final
interdisciplinary conference in 2014, and participation in any
conferences which are relevant for the dissemination of project results
The successful applicant will start between 1 April and 1 October 2010
and will be appointed, on the condition of a positive mid-term
evaluation, for a fixed term ending 30 September 2014.
For further information on the contents of the position:
Jo.VanSteenbergen@UGent.be
Applications (in Dutch, French or English) should be submitted by 15
December 2010. They should consist of a cover letter stating your
motivation for this position, a CV, a sample of written work (max. 10
pages), and two references.
The application should be sent to: Jo.VanSteenbergen@UGent.be
(preferably), or to
Prof. Dr. Jo Van Steenbergen
Sint-Pietersplein 6
B-9000 Gent
Belgium
 Humanities & Social Sciences Online 
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