Nadjma Yassari

Prof. Nadjma Yassari is a Professor of Law at the University of Hamburg and Director of the Swiss Institute of Comparative Law (IDC) at the University of Lausanne. Her expertise centers on Islamic private law, family/succession law in Muslim jurisdictions, and comparative legal studies. She holds a doctorate from the University of Innsbruck (1999) and a post-doctoral qualification (Habilitation) from the University of Hamburg (2016). Her career includes 25+ years of research at institutions like the Max Planck Institute for Private Law.

Education:

• LL.M., School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS), University of London (1997–1998)
• Doctorate, University of Innsbruck (1999)
• Post-doctoral qualification (Habilitation), University of Hamburg (2016)

Research Focus: Explores legal pluralism in Islamic states, particularly family law reforms in Iran, Afghanistan, and the Middle East. Leads the research group 'Changes in God’s Law,' analyzing national/international family-succession laws across Islamic countries.

Professional Roles:

• Director, Swiss Institute of Comparative Law (IDC)
• Professor of Islamic Law, University of Hamburg (since 2015)
• Former Senior Research Fellow, Max Planck Institute for Private Law (2000–2009)

Key Projects:

• 'Familienrecht im Nahen Osten' information portal
• 'Divorce without borders' initiative