An Interdisciplinary Center focused on Islamic and Arabic Studies at San Diego State University
Founded in 2000, the Center for Islamic and Arabic Studies supports teaching, community education, and research. The scope of its activities is broad and inclusive, spanning the study of Muslim-majority societies, their Christian and other religious minorities, and the diasporas of these populations worldwide. The Center’s focus is multi-disciplinary, and includes a rich program of study in the Arabic language and culture as well as in economics, history, politics, religion, and women’s studies.
04/08/2026
SDSU Center for Islamic and Arabic Studies invites you to:
From Somalia to San Diego
A talk by Prof. Maxamed Abu-maye
Professor of African American Studies at Ohio State University
Thursday, April 30 at 6 p.m.
North Education (NE) 60, SDSU Campus
Co-sponsored by SDSU Blue Ribbon & Department of Africana Studies
04/06/2026
Please join us for The Phoenix of Gaza VR Exhibit and Opening Talk
Step into the rich history and culture of Gaza with The Phoenix of Gaza XR. The immersive VR experience invites you to explore life and resilience in Gaza before and after the genocide through 360 degree video and interactive storytelling. Originally conceived by Dr. Ahlam Muhtaseb and the x-Real lab at CSU San Bernardino, the Phoenix of Gaza captures Gaza outside the realm of death and destruction, including happy moments and everyday life; it documents places and faces that no longer exist in the geography of Gaza; and it imagines a liberated Gaza in a virtual space.
The XR immersive exhibit opens Monday, April 13 at 3:00p -- come experience the Phoenix of Gaza and stay to hear the opening talk:
Monday, April 13 at 4p: Ahlam Muhtaseb, "Immersive Technologies as Decolonial Art of Confrontation: The Phoenix of Gaza"
Additional opportunities to experience the exhibit:
Tuesday, April 14 from 12:30-2:30
Wednesday, April 15 from 12:30-2:30
Thursday, April 16 from 12:30-2:30
01/07/2026
DSU Center for Islamic and Arabic Studies invites you to
“Love Across Difference: Mixed Marriage in Lebanon”
A talk by Dr. Lara Deeb
Professor of Anthropology at Scripps College
Thursday, February 12, 7 pm
AL 101, SDSU Campus
10/27/2025
"A Military History of the US and Iran: From World War Two Studebakers to the AI-Deep Fakes of the 12-Day War"
A talk by Dr. Ibrahim al-Marashi
Professor of History, Cal State San Marcos
Thursday, November 20, 7 PM
AL 101, SDSU Campus
01/21/2025
SDSU Center for Islamic and Arabic Studies invites you to
“Religion and Populism Worldwide”
Wednesday, February 26 at 10.00am
A Zoom Talk by Prof. Olivier Roy
Zoom Webinar Registration
https://sdsu.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_YZxUJ8W4RvSk0mGAdUz7Fw
11/06/2024
Center for Islamic and Arabic Studies invites you to a lecture:
“Multiple Medinas and Karbalas: Survival and Salvation from the Islamic Past and Present”
A Talk by Maryam Kashani
Prof. at University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign
Thursday, December 5 at 4:00pm
SDSU Campus, Storm Hall 127