New Books in Islamic Studies Chiara Formichi, "Islam and Asia: A History" (Cambridge UP, 2020)
6 snips
Jul 27, 2025 Chiara Formichi, an Associate Professor in Southeast Asian Studies at Cornell University and author of "Islam and Asia: A History," discusses the need to rethink the historical narrative of Islam in Asia. She emphasizes the importance of local contexts and the rich cultural dynamics of regions like Kashmir and Indonesia. Formichi also shares insights on her personal experiences along the Silk Road, critiques the polarization between Islamic and Asian studies, and highlights the complexities of conversion and cultural exchange throughout the region's history.
AI Snips
Chapters
Books
Transcript
Episode notes
Origin of the Book
- Chiara Formichi wrote her book out of frustration with how Islam in Asia is marginalized in scholarship and teaching.
- She wanted to create an accessible text that bridges Islamic studies and Asian studies for students and scholars.
Rethinking Islam and Asia
- Islamic studies and Asian studies have long been siloed, reflecting colonial academic divisions.
- Islam in Asia should be seen as a dynamic, interconnected space without notions of center and periphery.
Islam's Spread through Trade
- Islam expanded into Asia primarily through trade and mobile Muslim individuals, not military conquest.
- Islamic law influenced commercial ethics, shaping the cultural and material presence of Islam across Asia.
