A faculty member from Florida State University has been recognized as the 2025 Mohamed Ali Foundation Fellow by Durham University to delve deeper into the institution’s archives, antiquarian manuscripts, and unique documents related to Middle Eastern and Islamic studies.

Associate Professor of History Will Hanley’s research investigates Egypt’s involvement in global frameworks, accentuating contributions from regions frequently eclipsed by conventional historical power hubs. 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 aims to expand his knowledge and concentrate on his upcoming publication “Cairo, Capital of International Law.”

“This fellowship grants me access to an archive perfectly aligned with my research on Egypt from the 1890s to the 1930s,” Hanley stated. “Despite the region’s importance, few historians focus on this era, making this fellowship an ideal fit for my passions. I am looking forward to the chances for exploration that await.”

During his time at Durham University, Hanley will collaborate with fellow academics, participate in lectures, and engage in scholarly dialogues centered on areas of interest to enrich his experience.

“Being appointed the Mohamed Ali Foundation Fellow is a testament to Professor Hanley’s remarkable scholarship and commitment to enhancing our understanding of a crucial period in history, the evolution of international law at the turn of the twentieth century,” remarked Jennifer Koslow, chair and professor of the Department of History. “This fellowship not only acknowledges his previous accomplishments but also offers a distinct opportunity to advance his innovative research.”

Hanley highlighted the importance of this fellowship for both his position as a faculty member at FSU and as an educator mentoring students in this domain.

“A really vital aspect of delivering the finest education to students is that I also maintain an active scholarly agenda of my own,” he remarked. “My research energizes my teaching, establishing a dynamic interaction in this ecosystem of knowledge production between my principal research and the instruction of my students.”

“A really vital aspect of delivering the finest education to students is that I also maintain an active scholarly agenda of my own. My research energizes my teaching, establishing a dynamic interaction in this ecosystem of knowledge production between my principal research and the instruction of my students.”

— Will Hanley, associate professor of history

Having instructed at FSU for 16 years, Hanley has made substantial contributions to the Middle East Center in the College of Arts and Sciences as an active faculty member while exploring legal history.

The Middle East Center, founded in 2002 within the Department of Modern Languages and Linguistics, provides an undergraduate degree in Middle Eastern Studies that fosters interdisciplinary scholarship and encourages a deeper comprehension of the Middle East through various educational initiatives such as lectures, symposiums, and an annual film festival.

During his graduate studies, Hanley learned Arabic in Tunisia, Jordan, Syria, and Egypt, and appreciates the opportunities for diverse language studies that FSU provides its students.

“One thing you can achieve when you’re young is to strive to acquire languages,” he said. “Our Middle East Center offers outstanding language training; that language education forms the basis for any work you wish to undertake in this region.”

Hanley’s commitment to revealing the rich history of the Middle East and his dedication to scholarly excellence continue to motivate both his students and colleagues at FSU.

“Florida State University stands as one of America’s prestigious public universities,” Hanley commented. “We strive to educate the citizens of this state, the children of the citizens of this state, and to equip them to comprehend the world in which we reside. We are extremely fortunate to have a robust Middle East studies program here.”

Hanley’s fellowship work is set to be published by Durham University, alongside the Mohamed Ali Foundation Fellowship. At Durham, he will present a lecture for the Middle East Papers Series and submit a chapter for an edited volume within four months.

For additional details regarding FSU’s Department of History, visit history.fsu.edu. To discover more about the Middle East Center, visit mec.fsu.edu.

The article FSU historian awarded prestigious fellowship to advance Middle Eastern research at Durham University first appeared on Florida State University News.