Upcoming Events

Conference - 22nd EASR & IAHR Regional Conference: Religions 360°

I am glad to announce that I will be taking part in the 22nd European Association for the Study of Religions (EASR) & International Association for the History of Religions (IAHR) Regional Conference, Religions 360°, held in Bucharest from September 20 to 25, 2026.

I will be presenting two papers: "Navigating Invisibility: Methodological Reflections on the Study of Contemporary Pagan Movements in Turkey within a Transnational Framework" in the panel "Pagan Studies: (Re)Enchanting the Old Ways", and "Exiting Islam: Conversion to New Religiosities as a Process of Negotiation" in the panel "'I have chosen my religion.': Historical Perspectives and Contemporary Issues of Religious Conversion".

I am also co-convening both panels, bringing together researchers working on contemporary pagan movements and on religious conversion from a comparative, interdisciplinary perspective.

📅 Date: September 20-25, 2026
📍 Venue: Bucharest, Romania

Exhibition - Religious Fieldwork, a Field Like Any Other? Silences, Withdrawals, Distrust, and Trust

I am pleased to co-organize the exhibition "Religious Fieldwork, a Field Like Any Other? Silences, Withdrawals, Distrust, and Trust", to be presented in the Europe Hall of the MISHA at the University of Strasbourg.

The exhibition is organized within the framework of Axis 2, "Living Religion: Individual and Collective Experiences of Religion", of the SoLaRe doctoral laboratory (ANR ReligiS), and reflects on the methodological and human challenges of conducting fieldwork on religion.

📅 Date: October 12 - November 16, 2026
📍 Venue: Salle Europe, MISHA, University of Strasbourg

Workshop - The Echo of Ancestors: The Reemergence and Claims of 'Ancient' Religions in Europe

Interdisciplinary Workshop on the Reconstruction of Ancient Religions in Contemporary Europe, 2025

I am pleased to announce that on April 3-4, 2025, we will be hosting the interdisciplinary workshop "The Echo of Ancestors: The Reemergence and Claims of 'Ancient' Religions in Europe" at the University of Strasbourg.

As emerging religious trends gain recognition, the political and legal processes involved in their acknowledgment are becoming critical. This workshop aims to analyze these dynamics within the context of contemporary European societal structures, focusing on how religious revival is shaped, disseminated, and recognized. We will also examine the political and social challenges that these phenomena raise.

In particular, we are interested in examining belief systems beyond monotheistic traditions, such as polytheism, paganism, and animist traditions, and their role in current debates around identity, culture, and nationhood. This workshop will provide a platform for European researchers to engage in a cross-disciplinary reflection on the implications of these religious movements.

Over the course of two days, our invited specialists will explore topics such as:
✅ Institutional recognition of ancient religions
✅ The intersection of neo-paganism and contemporary social issues
✅ The political and legal dimensions of religious revival

With distinguished scholars and dynamic discussions, this workshop will offer a comprehensive and comparative perspective on the political, legal, and social implications of these movements.

📅 Date: April 3-4, 2025
📍 Venue: MISHA, Salle Europe, University of Strasbourg
💻 Hybrid Format: Available both in-person and online

🔗 Register here:
👉 In-person: https://evento.renater.fr/survey/in-person-participat...-p4yqjf15
👉 Online: https://evento.renater.fr/survey/online-participation...-l6lpfwwl

This workshop is organized with the support of ITI MAKErS and Droit, Religion, Entreprise et Société (UMR 7354 DRES) Research Unit, whose contributions are greatly appreciated.

We look forward to welcoming scholars, students, and anyone interested in the evolving religious landscape in Europe.

📧 For further inquiries, please contact:
Kerem Görkem Arslan: kg.arslan@unistra.fr
Samim Akgönül: akgonul@unistra.fr

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