Daniel Cyranka

Prof. Dr. Daniel Cyranka is a Professor for Religious Studies and Intercultural Theology at the Faculty of Theology, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg. His academic career spans roles as Dean of the Faculty of Theology (2018-2020, 2023-2024), Chairman of the Religious Studies and Intercultural Theology section at the Scientific Society for Theology (WGTh), and leadership in interdisciplinary research centers like the Interdisciplinary Centre for Enlightenment Research (IZEA).

• Education: Diplom in Protestant Theology (1997), Doctorate summa cum laude (2004), Habilitation in Ecumenics/Denominational Studies (2010).

Research Interests focus on Enlightenment-era religious discourses, Protestant mission history, esotericism, global religious history, and postcolonial theology. His work examines intersections of religion, politics, and cultural representation, particularly in 18th-19th century Germany and transnational contexts.

Academic Contributions include monographs on Lessing’s reincarnation discourse and German representations of Mohammed, editorial roles for Berliner Theologische Zeitschrift and Hallesche Beiträge zur Europäischen Aufklärung, and organizing international conferences like the 5th International Congress for Pietism Research (2021). He has been a Visiting Professor at Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz and a key figure in projects like the ERC-funded ITN-HHFDWC-676258.

• Scientific Awards: Honorary Research Fellow at Hope University Liverpool (2011).