The international peer-reviewed bilingual research journal, Urdu Studies (ISSN: 2583-8784 Online), has announced a call for papers for its upcoming special issue, Volume 5, Issue 1, 2025. This issue will focus on the significant contributions of Western women scholars to the field of Urdu studies, particularly in relation to Urdu literature, South Asian Islam, and Sufism.
Over the past century, Western women scholars have made substantial impacts on the study of Urdu, introducing new avenues of research and providing critical insights that have brought the language and its associated cultural and religious studies to a global audience. The special issue aims to highlight and celebrate these diverse contributions, emphasizing their influence across various academic disciplines.
Researchers are invited to submit original research articles, review essays, biographical studies, and critical analyses. Topics of interest include, but are not limited to:
- The literary contributions of Western women scholars to Urdu literature, including translations and comparative studies.
- The role of these scholars in documenting and preserving Urdu cultural heritage.
- The impact of Western perspectives on the understanding of Urdu history and cultural identity.
- Contributions to Islamic studies, particularly concerning Urdu-speaking regions, and the interpretation of Sufi traditions in Urdu literature.
- The role of gender and feminist perspectives in shaping the scholarship of Western women in Urdu studies.
Submissions should not exceed 8,000 words and must adhere to the formatting guidelines provided on the Urdu Studies website. Both English and Urdu submissions are welcome, with the inclusion of relevant Urdu texts and translations. An abstract of no more than 200 words should accompany each manuscript.
Key deadlines are as follows:
– Submission Deadline: May 1, 2025
– Notification of Acceptance: May 31, 2025
– Final Manuscript Submission: July 15, 2025
– Publication Date: First week of August 2025
Manuscripts should be submitted via email to the Editor at fatimarizvi67@gmail.com, with a copy to the Chief Editor at hashmiam68@gmail.com. Inquiries can be directed to the Chief Editor or the Editor at the aforementioned email address.
