Networks
The Networks Research theme at CIWAS is committed to pioneering the study of Islamic societies and West Asian communities through the innovative application of social network analysis. Recognising the intricate and dynamic relationships that shape political, social, and cultural landscapes, the cluster adopts advanced methodologies to map and interpret these connections in meaningful ways.
In an age defined by the explosion of big data and the rapid growth of artificial intelligence, traditional research approaches often struggle to grasp the complexities of social interactions. By embracing network-based methodologies, this cluster harnesses computational techniques to process and analyse large datasets, uncovering patterns and insights that were previously beyond reach. A key strength of this approach lies in its ability to visualise complex systems, transforming abstract data into interactive and intuitive network maps. These visualisations not only enhance our understanding of the interdependencies within Islamic and West Asian societies but also help decipher latent connections with significant socio-political implications, bringing them more clearly to the fore.
The Networks Research theme benefits from the Digital Humanities cluster at CIWAS, which generates large-scale datasets and provides tools for network visualisation. Additionally, its findings contribute valuable insights for the Social Anthropology theme, enabling deeper sociocultural interpretations of network dynamics and their real-world implications.
CIWAS invites scholars, researchers, and practitioners to collaborate by submitting research proposals aligned with the cluster’s mission. We particularly welcome projects that utilise social network analysis to explore political, social, and cultural phenomena, apply big data analytics to reveal trends and patterns within Islamic and West Asian communities, or integrate artificial intelligence to model and predict social behaviours and relationships.
By fostering interdisciplinary research that bridges social sciences with computational methods, the Networks Research Cluster seeks to contribute to a nuanced understanding of the complexities of Islamic and West Asian societies. Through innovative tools such as network visualisation, we aim to uncover hidden dynamics, from individual-level interactions to broader regional and global trends, providing fresh perspectives and actionable insights into the sociopolitical fabric of the region.
Digital Humanities
The Digital Humanities (DH) research theme at CIWAS focuses on addressing issues in Islamic and West Asian studies through the application of Digital Humanities methods. It investigates how various disciplines, including history, politics, and social anthropology, can leverage computational tools to explore under-researched areas in these fields. While some digital methods have been adapted from approaches commonly used in other disciplines, applying them to Islamic and West Asian studies presents unique limitations and methodological challenges, such as language processing difficulties.
The DH research theme provides foundational resources for CIWAS by generating large-scale datasets through Optical Character Recognition (OCR) technology. This approach transforms pre-digital information—oral, material, cultural, and intellectual heritage—into researchable formats, which serve as critical inputs for the Networks Research theme’s network mapping and for the Social Anthropology theme’s sociocultural analysis. By acting as a data-gathering and visualisation hub, the DH theme ensures cross-disciplinary collaboration and supports innovative research initiatives across CIWAS.
We welcome collaborative efforts by scholars working to address these challenges and exploring how the specific context of Islamic and West Asian studies can contribute to the broader methodology of Digital Humanities. At CIWAS, the DH theme fosters the application of several methods, including computational text analysis, digitisation and preservation of materials, and network visualisation. These efforts aim to enrich the study of Islamic and West Asian communities and advance interdisciplinary research in the field.
Social Anthropology
The Social Anthropology theme aims to investigate the economic and political incidences and conditions of the West Asia region and Islamic communities via a sociocultural lens. The Cluster seeks to tackle underexplored topics, integrating its initiatives with CIWAS's primary objectives. Within the Social Anthropology Cluster, we are dedicated to fostering research based on understanding West Asia and Islamic issues as total social phenomena and through a holistic perspective.
Through such approaches, we intend to enhance our understanding of the opportunities and challenges of everyday life in West Asia and Islamic communities. Additionally, we aim to provide pragmatic recommendations for improving the current situation, addressing issues such as war and regional conflicts, environmental challenges, and migration, while simultaneously leveraging the potential of large populations and abundant energy resources.
The Social Anthropology theme draws upon insights and tools developed by the Networks Research and Digital Humanities themes. The datasets and visualisations generated by these clusters enable a deeper exploration of sociocultural phenomena, while network-based analyses illuminate the structural dynamics shaping the region. In turn, the Social Anthropology Cluster offers practical and contextual interpretations, translating these findings into actionable recommendations for addressing the region's pressing challenges.
We warmly invite scholars and researchers interested in these themes to collaborate with us in advancing innovative and impactful research that addresses the pressing social, economic, and political realities of the region.