John Tolan

John Tolan is a Professor of Medieval History at the Université de Nantes since 2002, specializing in Islamic-European cultural relations and religious minorities. He has held leadership roles at the Maison des Sciences de l'Homme Ange Guépin and the RELMIN research project. His work spans comparative religious studies, legal history, and interfaith dynamics.

• PhD in History, University of Chicago (1990)
• Habilitation, École des Hautes Études en Sciences Sociales (2001)

His research focuses on Medieval Mediterranean societies, examining legal frameworks for dhimmis, Crusades, and Quranic translations. Recent projects include the European Qur’an initiative and analysis of St. Francis-Sultan encounters.

Publications since 2013 include comparative studies on Abrahamic historiographies, expulsion histories, and religious cohabitation in medieval towns. His work bridges academic research with public discourse through Radio France appearances and 20+ edited volumes.

• Académie Europæa member
• Reial Acadèmia de Bones Lletres de Barcelona fellow

Professional activities include editorial board memberships for Medieval Encounters and Medieval Voyaging, alongside 80+ international conference participations. Current affiliations: Academia.edu profile.