MENARAH

Reimagining Middle Eastern Studies Classroom: Gaming and Digital Platforms for Pedagogy, Research, and Representation This panel organized by Ali Alibhai (UT Dallas), Sarah Slingluff (Walters Art Museum) and Michael Ernst (Temple University) seeks to explore how digital technologies—particularly video games, virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), and also other interactive visual tools—can transform research and pedagogy in the field of Middle Eastern Studies and medieval Islamic art. In an era where digital landscapes increasingly shape cultural and educational experiences, these technologies offer novel pathways for analyzing, interpreting, and teaching the histories and artistic legacies of the Middle East and North Africa. According to a 2024 Pew Research poll, 85% of U.S. teens report playing video games, with nearly 40% engaging daily. This surge in digital interaction presents an opportunity for scholars to harness gaming and immersive technologies as dynamic tools for reimagining pedagogy and academic inquiry. We invite papers that address: •⁠ ⁠The role of video games, VR, and AR in reshaping narratives and visual representations of Middle Eastern art, architecture, and history. •⁠ ⁠Case studies of classroom integration of gaming technologies to engage students in Middle Eastern Studies. •⁠ ⁠Theoretical approaches to analyzing how Middle Eastern cultures, histories, and identities are portrayed in gaming environments. •⁠ ⁠Collaborative digital projects that incorporate historical reconstruction or interactive storytelling focused on the Middle East. •⁠ ⁠Digital decolonization: Challenging Orientalist tropes and reimagining the Middle East through digital tools. •⁠ ⁠The use of immersive simulations in public history, museums, and cultural heritage preservation. •⁠ ⁠Insights into how digital media can bridge academic research and pedagogical practice fostering new modes of engagement with the medieval Middle East's rich cultural and historical landscapes. Organized by: Ali Alibhai Submit a 300-400 words abstract clearly outline the scope, methodology, and significance of the proposed paper and a short bio (150 words) to Ali Alibhai (aliasgar.alibhai@utdallas.edu) by February 1st, 2025.

CALL FOR PAPERS

EODIAH Hybrid Workshop: The Medieval Kairouan Mosque Video Game Simulation Dr. Ali Alibhai, Assistant Professor of Islamic Art History and Material Culture at the UT Dallas Harry W. Bass Jr. School of Arts, Humanities, and Technology and The Edith O’Donnell Institute of Art History (EODIAH) and his research team will publicly debut some of their ongoing digital projects. Attendees (both online and in person) will experience Phase I of the open-source digital learning tool for the 7th c. Great Mosque of Kairouan, including a hands-on experience with video game simulation and the opportunity to explore the medieval monument in an immersive digital environment. Additionally, participants will learn about the architectural features of medieval mosques, cultural history of Ifriqiya (modern-day Tunisia), and significant medieval Islamic art historical objects within the simulation. This self-guided, interactive scholarly approach will help participants gain insights into art history and cultural heritage using innovative game-based and art historical pedagogy.

EODIAH Hybrid Workshop: The Medieval Kairouan Mosque Video Game Simulation
FEB. 27th, 2025
The University of Texas at Dallas

EODIAH Hybrid Workshop: The Medieval Kairouan Mosque Video Game Simulation Dr. Ali Alibhai, Assistant Professor of Islamic Art History and Material Culture at the UT Dallas Harry W. Bass Jr. School of Arts, Humanities, and Technology and The Edith O’Donnell Institute of Art History (EODIAH) and his research team will publicly debut some of their ongoing digital projects. Attendees (both online and in person) will experience Phase I of the open-source digital learning tool for the 7th c. Great Mosque of Kairouan, including a hands-on experience with video game simulation and the opportunity to explore the medieval monument in an immersive digital environment. Additionally, participants will learn about the architectural features of medieval mosques, cultural history of Ifriqiya (modern-day Tunisia), and significant medieval Islamic art historical objects within the simulation. This self-guided, interactive scholarly approach will help participants gain insights into art history and cultural heritage using innovative game-based and art historical pedagogy.

EODIAH Hybrid Workshop: The Medieval Kairouan Mosque Video Game Simulation
FEB. 27th, 2025
The University of Texas at Dallas