Dr Jiwa’s research focuses on Fatimid and Ismaili studies, with particular attention to the political, intellectual, and cultural history of the Fatimid dynasty. Her work situates the Fatimids within the wider medieval Mediterranean world, examining their emergence in North Africa, their rule from Egypt, their claims to religious and political authority, and their interactions with neighbouring communities and powers. Her scholarship also engages with historiography, governance, pluralism, legitimacy, material culture, and the transmission of medieval Arabic historical sources.
Current projects
A monograph on the life and times of the fifth Fatimid Imam-Caliph al-ʿAziz billah, situating the FatimidsMajor Muslim dynasty of Ismaili caliphs in North Africa (from 909) and later in Egypt (973–1171) More within the medieval Mediterranean world
Articles on the Fatimid Imam-caliphs al-Mansur billah, al-Muʿizz li-Din Allah, and al-ʿAziz billah for the Encyclopaedia of IsmailisAdherents of a branch of Shi’i Islam that considers Ismail, the eldest son of the Shi’i Imam Jaʿfar al-Ṣādiq (d. 765), as his successor.
Articles on the Fatimid Imam-caliphs al-Mahdi billah and al-Mustansir billah, and on the daʿi al-Muʾayyad fi’l-Din al-Shirazi, for an encyclopaedia volume
“The Role of Arab Ismailis in Mediating Fatimid Legitimacy in 4th/10th Century North Africa,” forthcoming in an IIS publication
Teaching
Teaching across all IIS programmes for more than 25 years, with a focus on Islamic and Ismaili history, faith and practice, and Muslim societies and civilisations
Leading and contributing to GPISH and STEP modules
Delivering field-based courses in Tunisia, Egypt, and East Africa
Contributing to the development of the secondary curriculum modules Muslim Societies and Civilisations and Faith and Practice in Islamic Traditions
Supervision and mentorship
Examines PhD and MA theses on themes related to Fatimid studies and Ismaili studies
Has examined PhD theses related to Fatimid studies from the University of Edinburgh, the University of Leeds, and the University of Wales over the past five years
