FAS faculty members are invited to submit proposals for funding to support their research projects related to Ancient History, such as: attending training programs and workshops; participating in exhibitions and performances; conducting archival or field research; disseminating scholarly and pedagogical products; meeting with collaborators.
Eligibility: FAS faculty members
Budget: Up to $5,000
Application materials: Apply online. Please upload in a single PDF file: 1. Proposal including abstract (no more than 200 words), description of the proposed activity and expected outcomes (no more than 1000 words), budget and budget narrative (indicating the anticipated use of the requested funds and all funds sought or secured from other sources), and timeline.
Application deadline: October 1; March 15
Contact: hy25@aub.edu.lb
2024-25
- Apocalyptic Silence: Voice in the Mamluk Literary Archive
Maha Abdelmegeed, Department of Arabic and NEL
This project places musical and literary forms in conversation. Drawing on theorization of voice across musicology, linguistics, and literary theory, this reads literary works from the Mamluk period (13th–15th centuries) outside the dominant periodization schemas and obsessions with diglossia or middle Arabic. Instead in turning to this often-marginalized period, this study listens to noise; it gives ear to the cacophony of voices that characterizes these works. In the process, it also proposes a language through which we can understand literary practice
I am currently in the phase of curating the primary sources I will be thinking along with in this project. For this application, I am proposing an archival visit to the British Library and Cambridge University Library where I am tracing a number of anonymous manuscripts describing crafts folks, often in a comedic register. These works have not been closely analyzed, but references to them can be found in scholarly analyses of the history of drama in Arabic, surveys of Mamluk literature, and thematic studies of the representation of crafts in literary production in Arabic. These works are important for one chapter in particular which is about the “Laughing Voice” where I try to think of these literary practices against ongoing contemporary discussion of tragedy as a political and aesthetic form. Of all the chapters in this project, this is one that I think is perfectly suited for a piece of public scholarship on patterning voices between music and literature which I plan to write in late summer 2025.
- Making the Fantastical Historical (Research Travel to Examine Manuscripts)
Enass Khansa, Department of Arabic and NEL
I am requesting funds to travel to examine manuscripts in the United Kingdom and in Spain, to conduct research towards an extensive study of a phenomenon I have identified in two works, one (has three manuscripts) in the United Kingdom, and the other (a single manuscript) in Spain. The fund will cover airfare and lodging to complete this research.
Expected Outcomes: Studies that both contribute to the field by research based on archival study, and an addition to my academic scholarly record, and enrich my profile in preparation for tenure application which I intend to submit in the coming academic year.
- Revisiting the Battle of the Hydaspes (326 BC): Uncovering Forgotten Narratives
Tariq Mehmood Ali, Department of English
Alexander III of Macedon, or Alexander 'the Great,' has been portrayed as the invincible leader who defeated empires and kingdoms in his conquest of the world. However, did he face a major defeat hidden from history? One such battle occurred in 326 BC on the banks of what is now called the River Jhelum—the Battle of the Hydaspes. Without defeating King Porus of Paurava (present-day Punjab), Alexander could not advance into India. It is undisputed that King Porus was not overthrown; Alexander's campaign in India came to an end, and his favorite horse was killed. He also sustained an injury from an arrow to the chest, and his body has never been found.
By examining both archives and consulting with local collaborators, experts, storytellers, and artists who have preserved their own mythical narratives of the events of 326 BC, I aim to uncover a new 'truth' of what may have occurred. I will present my findings as a scholarly paper and develop it into a piece of historical fiction.
- Thamarat al Funun: A Monthly Colloquium in Middle Eastern Studies
Varak Ketsamanian, Department of History and Archaeology
Tarek Abou Hussein, Department of History and ArchaeologyThrough the joint efforts of the Departments of History and Archaeology, the Arabic and Near Eastern Languages, as well as CAMES, this initiative seeks to create a monthly venue for early-career scholars and graduate students to present works in progress and solicit critical academic feedback. The colloquium, called Thamarat al Funun, would provide a platform for AUB members as well as for researchers affiliated with various centers/institutions in/around Beirut to present various topics relevant to Middle Eastern Studies broadly defined. Through interdisciplinary dialogues, such activities aim to foster a sense of an academic community and lays the groundwork for collaborative engagements.
The Terracotta Oil Lamps of Beirut
I am writing to request funding to partially cover my travel expenses to an international conference organized by the American Schools for Overseas Research (ASOR) for its annual meeting in Boston from November 20—23, 2024. I will be presenting the results of a three-year project related to the processing and publication of the archaeological finds collected from the excavations of central Beirut conducted in the aftermath of the Lebanese civil war. My paper has been accepted in the ‘Archaeology of Lebanon’ session to be held on November 23. My colleagues from the department, Drs. Hélène Sader and Hermann Genz, will also be participating in the same session. The goal of my lecture is not merely to present the material, but more importantly to raise awareness of the importance of archaeological work being conducted in Lebanon, despite the current political and economic crises. It is of the outmost importance to show the international community that Lebanese archeologists are continuing their work to preserve the nation’s cultural heritage from loss. The impact of my lecture is to disseminate the outcome of the project to a global audience. ASOR’s annual meeting is considered to be one of the biggest archaeological and cultural heritage gatherings. It is attended by hundreds of scholars and professionals, and therefore provides a perfect opportunity to meet and engage with potential collaborators. Additionally, the convention is the perfect venue to promote our Department of History and Archaeology and the American University of Beirut.