‘Ottoman Journeys: Life and Afterlife in Greenwich’, has been developed through a partnership between staff and students from the University of Greenwich, the staff and volunteers of the Royal Greenwich Heritage Trust, and Muslim, interfaith, and Turkish community groups living in the borough. It is part of the wider programme of activities supported by the Greenwich Heritage Network.
The exhibition centres on an 18th-century Ottoman gravestone that was identified and translated by Dr Michael Talbot, Associate Professor in the History of the Ottoman Empire and Modern Middle East.
The university’s research team consisting of Dr Talbot, Dr Sara Pennell, Dr Rania Hafez, and level 5 History student Nadia Lopes, has worked alongside heritage and community partners to co-produce an exhibition that brings the borough’s museum collection, as well as Ottoman history, to a wider audience. In addition to the exhibition, community and school events linked to Ottoman and Islamic history are scheduled throughout the summer.
Dr Talbot said:
“It has been a real joy to co-create this exhibition with colleagues, students, the amazing team and volunteers at the Royal Greenwich Heritage Trust, and our fantastic community partners.
“I hope this exhibition will highlight the rich histories of links between Greenwich and the Ottoman Empire, as well as showcase the more recent histories and contributions of some of our borough’s many communities with faith and heritage ties to the former Ottoman lands.”
Carolyn Ayres, Director of Conservation, Estates, and Projects at the Royal Greenwich Heritage Trust and alumna of the University’s BA Hons History programme said:
“It has been a real privilege to work with the University of Greenwich on this exhibition, looking into the history of our Ottoman gravestone. Working with Dr Talbot and Dr Pennell has allowed us to gain a fresh insight into our collection and open up new ways of telling important and often forgotten stories.
“It is particularly important to me that we continue to grow and develop our relationship with the University, especially as my heritage career began at the University as a student on the History programme.”
This exhibition and its programme of activities are supported by the University’s Impact Development Fund, as well as the Centre for Language, Culture, and History.
You can find out more about the exhibition via the Royal Greenwich Heritage Trust website: https://www.greenwichheritage.org/events/ottoman-journeys-life-and-afterlife-in-greenwich/
