Caroline Kahlenberg

Caroline Kahlenberg serves as an Assistant Professor at the University of Virginia, affiliated with the Department of History and the Department of Middle Eastern & South Asian Languages and Culture. Her academic profile centers on Jewish and Middle Eastern history, with a focus on Israel/Palestine, historical memory, gender, material culture, and minority histories in the Eastern Mediterranean.

Her educational qualifications are:

• B.A. in History, Middlebury College
• Ph.D. in History and Middle Eastern Studies, Harvard University

Kahlenberg's research explores the social and cultural dynamics of Jewish communities in Palestine, particularly Arabic-speaking Jews in the early 20th century. She examines how history and memory intersect with gender and material culture, shedding light on Mizrahi Jewish experiences and minority histories in the Eastern Mediterranean. Her work often challenges conventional narratives through meticulous archival research.

Her recent publications (2016-2024) reveal a strong emphasis on British Mandate Palestine, Ottoman history, and the interplay of nationalism, gender, and race. Articles frequently analyze domestic labor, linguistic practices, and symbolic representations (e.g., headgear, the Star of David) to understand identity formation. This body of work positions her at the forefront of interdisciplinary Middle Eastern and Jewish historical studies.

Key recognitions include:

• Posen Foundation Fellowship
• Memorial Foundation for Jewish Culture Fellowship
• Council of American Overseas Research Centers Fellowship

Kahlenberg mentors graduate students in history and Middle Eastern studies. Her research has been supported by competitive fellowships from the Posen Foundation, the Memorial Foundation for Jewish Culture, and the Council of American Overseas Research Centers, facilitating her investigations into Palestinian and Jewish history.