Andrew Peacock

Prof Andrew Peacock holds the Bishop Wardlaw Professorship in the School of History at the University of St Andrews. His research focuses on Islamic and Middle Eastern history, with a particular emphasis on medieval Anatolia, Persian manuscripts, and the cultural exchanges in Southeast Asia and the Indian Ocean. He has supervised PhD students including Hebah Alheem, Ali Shapouran, and Weijie Xu. His recent publications explore Arabic literary culture in 17th-18th century Southeast Asia, Melaka’s historical sources, and the memoirs of Safavid ruler Shah Tahmasp I.

Key projects include the ERC-funded 'IslamAnatolia' initiative (2012-2017) and a British Academy grant for studying Arabic language in early modern Southeast Asia. His work often bridges historical analysis with material culture, such as his edited volume on medieval Islamic inscriptions (2023). Prof Peacock’s research also engages with transnational themes, including Ottoman-Darfur diplomacy and the role of urban notables in medieval Anatolia.