The World of Shah ʿAbbas

The British Museum in association with the Iran Heritage Foundation

Bank Julius Baer
Targetfollow plc.

Dr. Sheila Canby - The British Museum

Planned in conjunction with the special exhibition, 'Shah ʿAbbas: The Remaking of Iran', this symposium will cover the period of Shah ʿAbbas the Great, who ruled Iran from 1587 to 1629, from a variety of points of view. This period is recognised as one of great importance not only for art and architecture but also for the expansion of trade into Europe and Asia, the reinforcement of Iran's borders and the establishment of the rule of law. Scholars from Iran, Japan, the USA, France and the UK will deliver papers at this symposium. Thanks to recently discovered historical texts, some of the papers will reassess Shah ʿAbbas's place in history. Others will consider the art of Iran in this period and its impact on the arts in Turkey and India. The economic, religious and legal aspects of Shah ʿAbbas's reign will also be discussed. While two days cannot possibly exhaust the number of topics relevant to the period of Shah ʿAbbas, the symposium will certainly provide a well-rounded view of this ruler's achievements and historical legacy.

Click on 'Programme' in the left column of this page for the conference programme

Click on 'Abstracts and Biographies' in the left column of this page for abstracts of the papers that will be presented at the conference plus short biographies of the speakers

£50 (Full Price)
£20 (BM Friends, senior citizens and full time students subject to proof of status)

Click on 'registration' in the left column of this page to register for the conference
It is only possible to register for the entire conference. There are no single day registrations. Registration fee is not refundable.