Pembroke College and the Faculty of Asian and Middle Eastern Studies at the University of Cambridge will hold a conference in April 2026 to commemorate the centenary of the passing of Edward Granville Browne (1862–1926). Browne, who held the Chair of Arabic at Cambridge and was a fellow of Pembroke College, devoted his entire academic life to the study of Persian literature, history, and culture.

This conference invites scholars to submit papers examining Browne’s role in the formation and development of Iranian Studies. Priority will be given to papers that critically engage with Browne’s extensive body of work. These papers may critique one or more of Browne’s writings, use his research as a starting point for new studies, analyze his scholarly methods and perspectives, or contextualize him within the intellectual and historical environment of his time.

Given the broad range of Browne’s interests, the conference will be interdisciplinary in nature. His works were not limited to Persian history or classical literature but also addressed issues in contemporary Iranian society and politics. While he is perhaps best known for works such as A Literary History of Persia (in four volumes), The Persian Revolution of 1905–1909, and his studies on the Babi and Baha’i religions, the bibliography of his writings—compiled by his colleague Reynold A. Nicholson—includes more than fifty-five major works, which can be broadly categorized into: 1) religion, 2) history and literature, and 3) politics and journalism. Scholars from any discipline related to these fields are encouraged to submit proposals.

Browne played a pivotal role in the establishment of Iranian Studies, and his work has been described by later scholars as epoch-making. The aim of this conference is not only to honour his scholarly contributions but also to explore the enduring legacy and influence of his work on the field.

Paper proposals of no more than 300 words should be submitted by 31 August 2025 to Assef Ashraf at aa2098@cam.ac.uk.

The conference will take place at the University of Cambridge from 10 to 12 April 2026. It is anticipated that selected papers will be published in an edited volume following the conference.