Description
In this fascinating conversation, we explore the historical, cultural and religious significance of one of the world’s oldest and most contested cities, which is holy to the three major Abrahamic faiths.
Jerusalem’s rich tapestry of history includes periods of conquest, conflict and coexistence, each leaving its mark on the city’s identity. From the ancient walls of the Old City to the revered sites like the Western Wall, the Church of the Holy Sepulchre and the Dome of the Rock, Jerusalem serves as a focal point for millions of believers worldwide. In the modern context, what does the ancient city of Jerusalem stand for today?
Join us for an informative event and discover Jerusalem through the ages, and its testament throughout time.
Please note, this venue has changed from the printed programme.
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About the Speakers
Matthew Teller
Matthew Teller writes on place and culture, with a special focus on Palestine and the wider Middle East. His 2022 book, Nine Quarters of Jerusalem: A New Biography of the Old City, was a Daily Telegraph Book of the Year. Teller produces and presents documentaries for BBC Radio, and his journalism is published by the BBC, Guardian, Independent, Times and Financial Times, among others. He is the author of several travel guides, and a collection of his journalism and travel writing from around the Middle East came out in 2020. His next book is Daybreak in Gaza: Stories of Palestinian Lives and Culture, evoking Gaza’s past and present through articles, extracts, diaries, memoirs and war testimonies by the people themselves. It’s due out in October, with proceeds supporting the charity Medical Aid for Palestinians.
Abdul Rahman Azzam
Dr Abdul Rahman Azzam is a graduate of Oxford University where he completed his BA and PhD in history. He is the author of Rumi and The Kingdom of Joy (Muhammadi Trust, 2000) and in 2007 Longman published his biography of Saladin to critical acclaim.
About the Chair
Selma Dabbagh
Selma is a British Palestinian writer of fiction. Born in Scotland, she has lived in Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Bahrain, France, Egypt and the West Bank. Her fictive work includes the novel Out of It (Bloomsbury), which is set between Gaza, London and the Gulf. She is also the editor of We Wrote In Symbols; Love and Lust by Arab Women Writers (Saqi, 2021). Her short stories are published in numerous anthologies. She has also written radio plays and for stage and screen. Her non-fiction includes a recent series of blogs for the London Review of Books. She is qualified as a solicitor and has worked in the field of human rights and international criminal law with organisations in Jerusalem, Cairo and London. She holds a PhD from Goldsmiths University in Creative Writing.
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