Muslims in the Medieval European Imagination at Chetham's Library
Join us for a fascinating talk on Friday 12 June 2026 at Chetham's Library with scholar Saaleha Iqbal exploring how Muslims were depicted in medieval European thought and culture. This free event offers a rare chance to delve into how religious perceptions shaped historical narratives, covering everything from crusading literature to artistic representations that reveal more about European anxieties than actual Islamic societies. Whether you're into medieval history, religious studies, or just fancy something intellectually stimulating in Manchester, this is essential viewing.
Chetham's Library in Castlefield is one of Manchester's most atmospheric venues – it's the UK's oldest surviving public library, founded in 1653, where Karl Marx himself studied. The historic reading rooms and atmospheric setting add real weight to scholarly events here, and you'll find yourself surrounded by centuries of knowledge. It's genuinely one of Manchester's hidden gems for culture lovers.
The venue is easily accessible from Manchester Piccadilly station – head into Castlefield and you'll spot the distinctive historic building. Get there early to soak up the surroundings and grab a seat; these talks draw genuine interest from Manchester's curious crowd. Admission is completely free, making it a brilliant evening out if you're after some quality cultural engagement without breaking the bank.
