From 2019 to 2023, the MIDA (Mediating Islam in the Digital Age) project brought together a diverse and talented group of researchers who worked tirelessly toward a shared goal. The overall aim of the project is to draw a complex picture of the ceaselessly repeated invention of new traditions, as a new means of expressing the sense of belonging to Islam (identity, community, political, social, and religious practices, beliefs, and representations). This documentary captures that journey and highlights the contributions of our incredible team.
From Mohamed El-Moursi’s work on the biography of Abd Allāh B. Buluggīn to Lena Richter's research on non-religious everyday activism in Morocco and the Moroccan diaspora in Europe, each scholar brought a unique perspective. Rayane Al-Rammal examined digital artivism in Lebanon, while Eleonora Landucci explored multilingualism and digitization in Moroccan Islamism through ethno-netnographies among politico-religious groups.
Elmozafar Abdelhafiz focused on Arab-Muslim encounters with Orientalism in the colonial age, and Mustafa Çolak analyzed Turkish historical drama series. Robin Cognée worked on mosque architecture and scripture in Bosnia and Herzegovina, offering insights into religious spaces.
Mahdieh Tavakol studied the history of a collection of manuscripts in the Astan-e Quds library in Iran, while Elaheh Habibi delved into war photography in Iran. Hayat Douhan focused on Islamic authority and knowledge transmission among the Moroccan diaspora in Europe, and Aleeha Ali contributed with her research on digital mourning through YouTube Majlis among Shi’a Muslims in Europe.
Justin Benavidez worked on an Andalusian Quran commentary and its relevance today, while Rukayyah Reichling explored how Mecca was captured in a darkroom, studying Muslim pilgrimage, photography, and the colonial gaze. Zeynep Aydin examined the role of Islamophobia in hashtag activism after terror attacks in Europe. Finally, Mounir Saifi’s work challenged the idealized vision of a utopian al-Andalus, providing a more nuanced understanding of its historical reality and its significance today.
This collaborative effort has enriched both academic discourse and public understanding, making a lasting impact. To learn more about the project visit itn-mida.org.
It is time to say Thank you! In the name of MIDA's Dissemination and Communication department, I would like to thank the initiators, the supervisors, the partner organizations and of course the 15 researchers for their time and this wonderful opportunity to create meaningful stories with you.
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Philipp Rückriem
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