The Cairo Genizah as a Treasury of Arabic Literature

The Cairo Genizah is a collection of Jewish manuscripts from the Middle Ages found in an ancient synagogue in Al-Fustat, Egypt. It is a valuable resource for understanding the history, culture, and everyday life of Jews in the medieval Islamic world. Recently, it has been recognized for its significance in the study of Arabic literature and culture, as Jews in the Genizah also wrote and copied poetry in Arabic for both sacred and leisurely purposes. This panel discusses the Genizah Collection’s role in helping us understand medieval culture, and highlights the collection’s Arabic poetic literature, showcasing the enduring role of poetry in communal life. Speakers Benjamin Outhwaite, Head of Genizah Research Unit, Cambridge University Library Mohamed Ahmed, Al Maktoum Associate Professor, Near & Middle Eastern Studies, Trinity College Dublin In conversation with Nathaniel Miller, Humanities Research Fellow for the Study of the Arab World, NYUAD