Klara Ćapalija, Ph.D. student, University of Zadar. Photo: private.

–During the period from June 6th to 9th 2023, I had the privilege of participating in the COST-Action "Islamic Legacy: East, West, North, South of the Mediterranean (1350-1750)" and its training school titled "Scandinavia and Islam: Scandinavian Borders and Non-contact Zones in Late Medieval and Early Modern Times." This international event brought together colleagues from diverse parts of Europe and the Mediterranean region, fostering a multidisciplinary exploration of the interactions between Scandinavian and Islamic cultures.

As a doctoral student just embarking on my research journey, I eagerly joined the training school with a keen interest in the Islamic heritage in the eastern Adriatic—an area characterized by direct border contact. My intention was to gain insights into how the concept of religious otherness is approached in a region not traditionally associated with conflict, and to explore perspectives from various humanistic disciplines. Little did I know that this experience would broaden my horizons beyond my initial research scope.

The training school proved to be a transformative experience, where scholars from different fields, such as religion, historiography, architecture, and art, came together to examine the entangled histories of Scandinavia and the Islamic world. Engaging presentations and thought-provoking discussions delved into the attempts at mutual understanding, challenges faced during encounters, and the positive aspects of embracing 'otherness.'

By shifting the focus from my own research to the broader themes explored during the training school, the significance of this international gathering becomes more evident.

Moreover, the training school facilitated meaningful connections with like-minded colleagues, creating opportunities for future collaborations and a vibrant exchange of ideas. I express my sincere gratitude to the organizers, Kurt Villads Jensen, Joachim Östlund, and Jan Loop, for their meticulous planning and invaluable guidance throughout the event, enriching our experience with their enlightening presentations. By shifting the focus from my own research to the broader themes explored during the training school, the significance of this international gathering becomes more evident. It served as a platform for fostering cross-cultural dialogue, challenging preconceived notions, and cultivating a deeper understanding of the complexities of historical and contemporary interactions between Scandinavian and Islamic cultures.

By: Klara Ćapalija, Ph.D. student, University of Zadar

Excursion to Uppsala and visit to the Cathedral. Photo: Private.

                   
The summer school was arranged by Centre for Medieval Studies, Stockholm, in cooperation with Lund and Copenhagen Universities. It was financed by an EU COST-action, and attended by 14 PhD students from Macedonia, Algeria, Turkey, Croatia, Sweden, Norway, France, Germany, England, Denmark, Georgia, Egypt, and Albania.