معرفی
Dr. Sebastian Żbik is an Assistant at the Centre for Comparative Studies of Civilisations at Jagiellonian University in Kraków, Poland. He specializes in the history of the Middle East in the 19th and 20th centuries, with particular emphasis on Oman's contacts with East Africa and the Indian Ocean world.
Dr. Żbik earned his PhD in 2024 from the University of Warsaw for his thesis titled "The Separation of Oman and Zanzibar after 1856: British Imperial Policy, Two Arab States and Their Elites." His academic background includes:
- Graduate of Arabic Studies from the Faculty of Oriental Studies, University of Warsaw
- Graduate of History from the Faculty of History, University of Warsaw
Dr. Żbik's research focuses on the political and social history of the Middle East, particularly examining Oman's historical connections with East Africa. His work explores Ibadi Islam, Arab communities in East Africa, migration and networks within the Indian Ocean, and European colonialism. He investigates how geographical, social, and economic factors shaped Omani settlement patterns and cultural changes in the region.
His publications demonstrate a consistent focus on Oman-Zanzibar relations, with particular attention to power dynamics, economic networks, and religious communities in the Indian Ocean region during the 19th and 20th centuries. His work bridges Middle Eastern and African historical studies, highlighting transnational connections across the Indian Ocean.
Dr. Żbik has received research support through the Ministry of Science and Higher Education's Diamond Grant (2016-2021) for his project "Oman and Zanzibar after 1856. Political relations and private contacts between the Arab elites of both countries."
While specific information about his advising activities isn't provided in the available texts, Dr. Żbik's research grant indicates his capacity to lead independent research projects. His work on Omani-Zanzibari relations has contributed to understanding the complex historical connections across the Indian Ocean world.
Though not explicitly mentioned in the provided texts, Dr. Żbik's research likely involves collaboration with scholars in Middle Eastern and African studies, potentially contributing to interdisciplinary research teams focusing on colonial history and Indian Ocean networks.
