Carl W. Ernst

Carl W. Ernst is a part-time Professor at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, holding positions in the Department of Religious Studies and co-directing the UNC Center for Middle East and Islamic Studies. He also co-edits the Islamic Civilization and Muslim Networks book series for UNC Press.

• PhD from Harvard University (1981)

His research focuses on Sufism, Islamic mysticism in South Asia and the Persianate world, and critical issues in Islamic studies. Notable works include Following Muhammad, which received the DOST Award and was translated into Turkish.

Founder of the Ken’an Rifai Chair of Islamic Studies (2009) with TÜRKKAD. Active in interdisciplinary scholarship bridging literary analysis, historical studies, and contemporary religious practices.