Dr Maria De Cillis, Associate Professor at The Institute of Ismaili Studies, is currently undertaking a visiting professorship at the Università degli Studi di Napoli L’Orientale, one of Europe’s oldest centres for the study of Asian, African and Mediterranean cultures. Her engagement, which began on 23 October 2025, includes a six-part lecture series running through 24 November 2025.
The Dipartimento Studi Africa, Asia e Mediterraneo (DAAM) and the Programme for the Dottorati Asia, Africa e Mediterraneo are hosting the series at Palazzo Corigliano in central Naples, with support from the Centro Studi Mondo Islamico. Under the title “Introduzione all’Islam sciita: origine, sviluppo e caratteristiche dottrinali” (Introduction to Shi‘i Islam: Origins, Development, and Doctrinal Characteristics), Dr Maria offers an overview of the formative ideas, historical developments and intellectual traditions that have shaped Shi‘i Islam.
The lecture series moves from early debates on the Prophet Muhammad’s succession and the role of Imam ‘Ali, through the emergence of Zaydi and Imami communities, to the significance of the doctrine of ghayba and the rise of the scholarly class. It then explores central theological concepts, such as the Imamate, and turns to the rich intellectual heritage of early Ismailism, including the Fatimid da‘wa and the major philosophical and cosmological currents that characterised classical Fatimid thought.
Alongside the lecture series, Dr Maria is contributing to wider academic activities at L’Orientale during her residency. She will serve as a discussant at the launch of The FatimidsMajor Muslim dynasty of Ismaili caliphs in North Africa (from 909) and later in Egypt (973–1171) More: Portrait of a Dynasty, the new monograph by Dr Delia Cortese, an event that will bring together specialists in Shi‘i and Ismaili studies from across Italy.
Dr Maria’s visiting professorship contributes to the Institute’s endeavours to advance the study of Shi‘i and Ismaili intellectual history and to strengthen international academic collaboration.
