Felicitas Maria Becker

Prof. Dr. Felicitas Maria Becker is a Professor in the Department of History at Ghent University, where she also serves as course convener for the Department of African Studies. Additionally, she holds the position of Senior Research Associate at Peterhouse, University of Cambridge. Her scholarly work focuses on modern East African history, particularly examining the intersections of religion, politics, and development.

Dr. Becker grew up in Germany and has extensive international experience, having lived and worked in the UK, Tanzania, Hungary, Canada, and the US prior to her position at Ghent University. Her academic journey includes a PhD from Cambridge, followed by postdoctoral research at the University of London focusing on Islam in twentieth-century Tanzania. She previously held positions as Assistant Professor in African History at Simon Fraser University in Vancouver and as a University Lecturer at the University of Cambridge.

Professor Becker's research primarily centers on the history of Islam in East Africa, the aftermath of slavery, and the politics of poverty and development. Her work explores how religious beliefs intersect with political structures and development initiatives, examining both historical patterns and contemporary manifestations. She is particularly interested in how everyday religious tolerance among East African Muslims coexists with rhetorical endorsements of often illiberal preachers' messages, and how historical narratives shape current political discourse.

Her recent publications reveal a consistent focus on East African history, with particular attention to slavery, Islam, and development politics. The articles demonstrate methodological diversity, incorporating archival research, oral history, and fieldwork. A key trend is her examination of how historical processes—particularly related to slavery, Islamic practice, and colonial governance—continue to shape contemporary East African societies, politics, and religious life. Her work often challenges conventional narratives and explores the complex interplay between local practices and broader historical forces.

Professor Becker is actively involved in supervising research projects including "The history of the agricultural research institute of the Belgian Congo (2020-2024)," "The aftermath of slavery in East Africa (2019-2024)," and "A history of Islamic law courts in Tanzania, 1950s-2010." She welcomes PhD supervision inquiries in any area of modern African history and has taught courses on "Poverty, inequality and development in modern African history" and "Research Seminar African History."