Gianni Sievers

Dr. Gianni Sievers is a Researcher in the Department of Philosophy and Religious Studies at Utrecht University, specializing in Islam and Arabic studies. He holds a Ph.D. in South Asia Studies (History) from the University of Pennsylvania (2023) and advanced degrees from the Free University of Berlin. His current research focuses on Islamic sensory history in Mughal and colonial India, exploring how Muslims conceptualized the senses and legal discourses around music and dance evolved. Gianni is also co-organizing conferences on Islamic sensory history and contributing to a multi-author handbook on the topic.

• Education:
  • Ph.D. (with distinction), South Asia Studies (History), University of Pennsylvania (2023)
  • M.A. in Islamic Studies, Free University of Berlin
  • B.A. in History and Cultures of the Middle East (Islamic Studies concentration), Free University of Berlin

His research interests intersect cultural/intellectual history, Islamic studies, sound studies, and ethnomusicology. Gianni's work examines the role of sound, music, technology, and performing arts in shaping communal and national identities among South Asian Muslims during British colonial rule. He is particularly known for analyzing multi-lingual primary sources in Urdu/Persian/Arabic alongside visual and auditory materials.

Current research support includes grants from the Ammodo Foundation and Dutch Research Council's Vici Grant (RONIGU, 2023-2028). Though no formal awards are listed, he has secured competitive funding throughout his career.

Gianni has no listed advisees but is actively involved in collaborative research projects. His academic work is complemented by a semi-professional jazz saxophone background, having performed internationally and studied at the Franz Liszt Conservatory of Music in Weimar.

He participates in the Research Institute for Philosophy and Religious Studies, contributing to both institutional research initiatives and public outreach through publications like the Utrecht Religion Forum.