My researcher’s heart beats for Iranian cultural history in the longue durée − in all its facets. From the use of tattoos throughout centuries and millennia to the longstanding tradition of Persian verse chronicles. Courses I taught and co-taught here in Munich include Truth and Lie, Order and Disorder. Iran from 2000 BCE until Today; Women in Iranian History; and Yeki bud, yeki nabud: History and Present of Iranian Arts in Exile. Some events I have held more recently include a workshop on Persian historiography in verse; and a film screening attended by the director Narges Kalhor. I also initiated the Norouz Lecture, which now takes place annually at the institute − a celebration of Iranian culture on occasion of the Iranian New Year!
In the context of the Research Center, I have the wonderful task of bringing Iran more into focus − for example, by organizing a workshop on Judeo-Persian.
Areas of Interest
Iranian Cultural History, Material Culture of Iran, Amulets and Magic Discourses in Iranian History, Persian Autobiographical Literature
Historical Periods
Late Antiquity’ to 13th century; Safavids
