Brief Information
Islamic Archives Summer School 2026 is an intensive, fully funded academic program hosted by the Austrian Academy of Sciences in Vienna. Taking place from June 7–12, 2026, the summer school focuses on archival practices, record-keeping, and historical sources related to Islam in the territories of the former Russian Empire. The program is designed for a small, highly selected group of graduate students seeking advanced methodological training and hands-on archival experience.
Key Dates & Details
- Program Name: Summer School – The Archives of Islam in the Russian Empire (16th–early 20th Centuries)
- Application Deadline: February 28, 2026
- Program Dates: June 7–12, 2026
- Location / Type: Vienna, Austria (In-person)
- Venue: Anton-Zeilinger-Salon, Dr. Ignaz Seipel-Platz 2, 1010 Wien
- Target Group: Graduate students (MA/PhD level)
- Number of Participants: Maximum 15
- Language of Instruction: English
- Funding: Tuition, accommodation, lunches + travel subsidy
- Organisers: Commission for the Study of Islam in Central Eurasia (ÖAW)
Table of Contents
Overview
The Islamic Archives Summer School 2026 is designed to explore scholarly approaches to the hermeneutics of records and the formation of archives documenting Islam in the former Russian Empire from the 16th to the early 20th centuries.
The concept of “archive” is used broadly, encompassing all forms of record-keeping and information management related to Muslim communities across Inner Asia, Siberia, Central Asia, and the Caucasus—from the fall of the Khanate of Kazan (1552) to the end of the Russian Empire.
By bringing together archival science, Russian studies, and Islamic studies, the summer school encourages critical reflection on the institutions and individuals involved in the creation of imperial repositories. These include archivists, historians, Orientalists, translators, and intermediaries whose work shaped how Islam and Muslim societies were documented and understood.
Participants will take part in hands-on reading sessions based on original archival materials in:
- Russian
- Church Slavonic
- Turki (Tatar and Chaghatay / Eastern Turkic)
- Ottoman Turkish
Special emphasis is placed on Cyrillic handwriting (including skoropis) and Arabic-script sources, offering practical training in palaeography, diplomatics, manuscript identification, and archival reading strategies.
Eligibility
Applicants to the Islamic Archives Summer School 2026 must meet the following criteria:
- Be a graduate student (MA or PhD level) in history, Islamic studies, Eurasian studies, or related fields
- Demonstrate strong academic motivation related to archives and historical sources
- Have English proficiency equivalent to at least TOEFL 550
- Possess reading knowledge of Russian
- Have reading knowledge of at least one Turkic language (Ottoman Turkish, Tatar, or Eastern Turkic/Chaghatay)
- Working knowledge of Persian is highly desirable but not mandatory
Application Details
To apply for the Islamic Archives Summer School 2026, candidates must submit the following documents:
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Motivation Letter (clearly explaining research interests and relevance)
- One Letter of Recommendation
Applications must be sent by email to:
📧 paolo.sartori(at)oeaw.ac.at
📅 Application Deadline: February 28, 2026
Funding & Travel Support
- Tuition fees are fully covered
- Hotel accommodation and lunches are provided for the full duration
- Travel subsidies:
- Up to €450 for participants traveling from within Europe
- Up to €750 for participants traveling from outside Europe
Selected participants must provide proof of purchased travel tickets by May 1, 2026. Failure to do so may result in removal from the program.
For general guidance on preparing competitive academic applications, you may consult this resource:
https://www.oeaw.ac.at/sice/events/summer-schools
FAQ
Is the Islamic Archives Summer School 2026 fully funded?
Yes. Tuition, accommodation, lunches, and partial travel costs are covered.
How many participants will be selected?
A maximum of 15 graduate students will be admitted.
Is prior archival experience required?
Not mandatory, but strong interest and relevant academic background are essential.
Can PhD students apply?
Yes. Both MA and PhD-level graduate students are eligible.
Official Link
👉 Call for Applications (Official Source):
https://www.oeaw.ac.at/sice/events/summer-schools
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