Throughout the eighteenth century, Muslim diplomats from the ʿAlawī kingdom of Morocco and the Ottoman Empire traveled around the Mediterranean, writing extensively about their journeys.

Despite myriad documents, the intellectual context of Muslim diplomats as international actors remains understudied. Did Islam play a role in their thought and practice? Is it even possible to speak of Islamic diplomacy in the eighteenth century?

This talk puts into conversation diplomatic texts from Morocco and the Ottoman Empire to approach eighteenth-century international thought as told from Islamic perspectives. It highlights ideas of cooperation, justice, and friendship as key elements of an ethical framework that Muslim diplomats used to position themselves as religious and political intermediaries.

Speakers
Peter Kitlas, Humanities Research Fellow, NYUAD

Moderated by
Suphan Kirmizialtin, Visiting Assistant Professor of Middle Eastern History

In Person (NYUAD Campus) and on Zoom

The seminar is open to the NYUAD community and by invitation. Registration has closed.