This seminar will provide an overview of the long and complex history of Palestine — with a particular focus on Gaza — from ancient times to the beginning of the British and later, Israeli occupations in 1917. This includes the ancient history of Palestine; questions about the land's indigenous people; the Qur’anic stories that take place in Palestine, along with the impact of Egyptian, Persian, Greek, and Roman empires; Palestine in the time of the Prophet ﷺ and early Islamic history; the Crusades and Mongol invasions, and resistance by the Ayyubids and Mamluks; the experience of Jews and Christians under Muslim rule; the cultural and educational contributions of Palestine, including Islamic scholarship; and Palestine in the Ottoman period, including the beginnings of Zionism, European colonialism, and the First World War. Relevant resources for further education will be shared.

Hassam Munir

Hassam Munir is an Islamic history researcher and public educator, currently pursuing an MA in History at the University of Toronto. He has led Islamic history educational sessions and tours in Canada, the US, and Uzbekistan. He has previously worked with the Ontario Historical Society, and was recognized as an Emerging Historian at the 2017 Heritage Toronto Awards. He is part of the marketing team at the Yaqeen Institute for Islamic Research.