Cordoba in the Age of the Caliphs

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OVERVIEW

• A masterclass introducing Cordoba's UNESCO world heritage sites and museum collections, focusing on the medieval Islamic art, architecture, and archaeology of this important historical city

Application deadline: 31 January

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OUR APPROACH

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This is an immersive short course for those committed to understanding the medieval Islamic Iberian Peninsula (al-Andalus) and the global medieval and Islamic past through tangible cultural heritage (architecture, art, archaeology, material culture).

We invite applications from those who share the Digital Lab's commitments to:

- positive social impact through education, GLAM (Galleries, Libraries, Archives, Museums) and games, entertainment, and XR+

- inclusion, collaboration, and respect

You will learn from specialists in the art, architecture, and archaeology of Cordoba and al-Andalus, and exchange ideas with a diverse group of fellow participants from the Digital Lab's growing global interdisciplinary community.

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What past participants say

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"The Digital Lab trip to Cordoba not only allowed me to rediscover my heritage, but also introduced me to new people and innovative methodologies in studying Islamic architecture. Engaging with various institutions, scholars, and diverse experiences proved invaluable to my research and understanding of the Islamic past."

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"The DLIVCC curated a unique experience that included site visits and explanations from the leading scholars of Islamic Cordoba, who were not only able to teach us about its rich history but make it come aive in the immersive experience."

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Organizer, Dr. Glaire Anderson (Founding Director, DLIVCC)

Glaire Anderson is an award-winning author and historian of medieval Islamic art and architecture, with a focus on Córdoba and the age of the caliphs. Her latest book, A Bridge to the Sky: The Arts of Science in the Age of ‘Abbas Ibn Firnas, published by Oxford University Press in 2024, focuses on the famous 9th c. Cordoban ‘scientist’ and polymath. Beyond the academy Anderson is best known for public education and impact work through videogames, as an historian and art historian for Assassin's Creed Mirage (Ubisoft, 2023).

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Collaborators:

Dr. Rafael Blanco (University of Córdoba)

Rafael Blanco is a specialist in Islamic archaeology and heritage, with a focus on the urban planning and architecture of Córdoba. He has led and collaborated on numerous Spanish and international projects, conferences and publications on Roman and Islamic Córdoba over the last fifteen years. He has a special interest in the use of digital technologies to connect heritage and people.​

Dr. Sarah Slingluff (DLIVCC/Walters Art Museum)

Sarah Slingluff is Education Coordinator at the Digital Lab. Her research focuses on the material culture of al-Andalus in the eighth and ninth centuries in the Southern Meseta (central Spain) and the ways in which laws passed in twentieth century Spain affect the display of Andalusi heritage in cultural sites. She partners with public-facing institutions (specifically art museums), and creative industries (video games, movies, childrens' television, etc) to foster community connection.

Inma Villafranca Jiménez (University of Córdoba)​
Inma Villafranca is an archaeologist, currently completing her PhD on the architectural decoration of Cordoba's medieval suburban estates (munyas)

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Gain a new understanding and appreciation of the medieval Islamic West, its cultural heritage, and how it shapes our understanding of Europe and its connection to the global past now.

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Join an international community bridging industry, cultural heritage, and academic sectors. Together you'll experience the city's fascinating past, learning how ancient Roman, late antique, and medieval Islamic histories are entertwined, and why these traces of the past matter today

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Experience iconic works of Islamic art and architecture, and come away with a new appreciation for complex and evolving histories of the global medieval past, in Europe and elsewhere​

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Experience UNESCO world monuments and cultural heritage sites and collections that illuminate life in one of the great medieval world cities.

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WHAT TO EXPECT

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A four day intensive course with daily lectures and site visits. Participants are invited to introduce themselves and their work/relevant projects on the introductory day.

Brief talks by local and visiting experts will be held in the mornings, followed by guided excursions.

Past participants include researchers with interests in Digital Humanities for historical visualisation, Islamic art and history academics, artists, and games/entertainment industry professionals.

Solo and independent travelers, women, BIPOC/BAME, LGBTQ+, and anyone identifying with a marginalised community are all welcome.

WHAT'S INCLUDED

• Expert talks on art, architecture, and archaeology of Cordoba and al-Andalus, within their broader Iberian, Mediterranean, and Islamic contexts
• Networking with a diverse international group actively working across academic, Digital Humanities, Creative Industries, videogames/entertainment, XR+, and GLAM sectors
• All admissions fees to sites and monuments
• Welcome reception
• All supplemental learning materials
• Certificate of Participation
• Speaker honoraria and all taxes, organisation, and administrative fees

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Key Information

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Places are limited. Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis until all places are filled, or until the final deadline (31 January 2025).

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Application:

£104 (applied to registration if accepted onto the trip)

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Registration (deadline 31 January)

Student: £1300

Early career: £1500

Professional: £1700

Payments are processed securely online via Stripe, with automatic currency conversion. Payment plans available

*Please note registration does NOT include travel to/from Spain, accommodation, or meals apart from the welcome/farewell receptions

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APPLICATION DEADLINE

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FAQ

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Is the field trip open to anyone?

The field trip is aimed at those in academic, games, entertainment, XR+, and creative industries, and in the cultural heritage/museum sector. However, anyone looking for an-depth introduction to medieval Islamic civilisation through this important medieval capital and its art, history, and culture is welcome.

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Are accommodation and meals included in the fees?

Meals and accommodation are not included. We do provide suggestions for accommodation and halal restaurant options that we've used in the past in onboarding information for registered participants.

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Is there a student discount available?

Yes, students receive a reduced rate. Additionally, instalment payment plans are available

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Do I need to speak Spanish to participate?

It's helpful but not necessary - we can provide translation as necessary.

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Do I need travel insurance?

Yes, all participants are required to have travel insurance in place to cover medical and travel costs as necessary

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Do you offer funding?

We regret we do not offer funding, however we do provide an official letter of acceptance that participants may use to seek funding independently. Additionally, instalment payment plans are available

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WHAT ELSE SHOULD I KNOW?

Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis until all places are filled. Provide your information below and click the link. This will take you to the online application form. Instructions and additional information will be sent upon official acceptance.

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​APPLY NOW

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