Natalia Tsamalashvili

I am currently a master's student in the European Interdisciplinary Master African Studies (EIMAS) program, originally from Tbilisi, Georgia. I hold a bachelor's degree in Humanities with a focus on Oriental Studies, where I specialized in Middle Eastern languages such as Arabic, Hebrew, and Persian. During my undergraduate studies, I explored a variety of subjects, including Middle Eastern history before (Jahiliyyah) and after Islam, Islamic religion and culture, Quranic studies, Islamic architecture, as well as Arabic poetry and literature.

To enhance my language proficiency, I received a scholarship to study in Cairo, Egypt, where I spent eight months immersing myself in Middle Eastern culture, Arabic language, and Islamic traditions. This experience was my first direct engagement with the broader cultural, religious, and social dynamics of the Middle East and North Africa. It fueled my passion for the region, motivating me to pursue further opportunities, including an internship at the High Atlas Foundation (HAF), a prominent NGO in Marrakesh, Morocco. I also spent time in Tunis, Tunisia, where I not only honed my Arabic skills but also developed a deep connection with the country. This led me to write my bachelor thesis on the Arab Spring and women's rights in Tunisia.

However, I eventually realized that I wanted to contribute more actively to societal change, which led me to pursue a master's degree that bridges my knowledge of the Middle East with the social and political complexities of Africa.

My current research interests revolve around Islam in Africa, Sharia law in African contexts, human rights, women's rights, and the ways in which Sharia law interacts with international human rights standards. I am particularly focused on exploring how Islamic African countries, or regions with significant Muslim minorities and majorities, navigate issues arising from the coexistence of civil law and Sharia law. Through my research, I aim to build connections between Middle Eastern and African studies, contributing to a deeper understanding of the complex socio-legal landscape in these regions.