FSU historian awarded prestigious fellowship to advance Middle Eastern research at Durham University
A 糖心vlog faculty member has been honored as the 2025 Mohamed Ali Foundation Fellow by Durham University to further explore the institution鈥檚 archives, historical manuscripts and rare documents on Middle Eastern and Islamic studies.
Associate Professor of History Will Hanley鈥檚 work examines Egypt鈥檚 role in global systems, highlighting contributions from regions often overshadowed by traditional historical power centers. He will spend five weeks this spring in England at Durham University, affiliated with the Institute for Middle Eastern and Islamic Studies and Grey College, where he will deepen his expertise and focus on his forthcoming book 鈥淐airo, Capital of International Law.鈥
鈥淭his fellowship provides me with access to an archive ideally suited for my research on Egypt from the 1890s to the 1930s,鈥 Hanley said. 鈥淒espite the region鈥檚 significance, few historians specialize in this period, making this fellowship a perfect match for my interests. I am excited about the opportunities for discovery that lie ahead.鈥
While at Durham University, Hanley will engage with fellow scholars, attend lectures and take part in academic discussions focusing on areas of interest to enhance his experience.
鈥淏eing named the Mohamed Ali Foundation Fellow is a testament to Professor Hanley鈥檚 exceptional scholarship and dedication to advancing our knowledge of a pivotal moment in history, the development of international law at the turn-of-the-twentieth century,鈥 said Jennifer Koslow, Department of History chair and professor. 鈥淭his fellowship not only recognizes his past achievements but also provides a unique opportunity to further his groundbreaking research.鈥
Hanley emphasized the significance of this fellowship for both his role as a professor at FSU and as an educator guiding students in this field.
鈥淎 really important part of providing students with the best instruction is that I also have a vital scholarly agenda of my own,鈥 he said. 鈥淢y research infuses my teaching with enthusiasm, creating an exchange in this ecosystem of knowledge production between my primary research and the teaching of my students.鈥
鈥A really important part of providing students with the best instruction is that I also have a vital scholarly agenda of my own. My research infuses my teaching with enthusiasm, creating an exchange in this ecosystem of knowledge production between my primary research and the teaching of my students.鈥
鈥 Will Hanley, associate professor of history
Having taught at FSU for 16 years, Hanley has significantly contributed to the in the College of Arts and Sciences as a participating faculty member while researching legal history.
The Middle East Center, established in 2002 within the , offers an undergraduate degree in Middle Eastern Studies that promotes interdisciplinary scholarship and fosters a deeper understanding of the Middle East through various learning opportunities such as lectures, symposiums and an annual film festival.
While in graduate school, Hanley studied Arabic in Tunisia, Jordan, Syria and Egypt, and values the opportunities for the various language studies that FSU offers its students.
鈥淥ne thing you can do when you鈥檙e young is to try to acquire languages,鈥 he said. 鈥淥ur Middle East Center has excellent ; that language training is the foundation for any work you want to do in this part of the world.鈥
Hanley鈥檚 dedication to uncovering the rich history of the Middle East and his commitment to academic excellence continue to inspire both his students and colleagues at FSU.
鈥溙切膙log is one of America鈥檚 great public universities,鈥 Hanley said. 鈥淲e work to teach the citizens of the state, the children of the citizens of this state and to equip them to understand the world that we live in. We are very fortunate here to have a longstanding strong Middle East studies program.鈥
Hanley鈥檚 fellowship work will be published by Durham University, with the Mohamed Ali Foundation Fellowship. At Durham, he will deliver a lecture for the Middle East Papers Series and submit a chapter for an edited volume within four months.
For more information about FSU鈥檚 Department of History, visit . To learn more about the Middle East Center, visit .