Deadline: 31-Mar-2026
The Barakat Trust offers grants to support research, conservation, publication, and scholarly exchange in Islamic art, architecture, archaeology, and material culture. Funding is available for students, early career scholars, established professionals, and institutions, covering activities such as fieldwork, conservation, exhibitions, publications, and residential research. Applications are open to both individuals and organisations, with most grants due by 31 March 2026.
What is the Barakat Trust Grant Program?
The Barakat Trust aims to strengthen knowledge, preserve cultural heritage, and encourage international collaboration in the study of Islamic societies. Its grants support a wide range of initiatives, including:
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Research into Islamic art, architecture, archaeology, and material culture.
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Conservation and restoration of artefacts, buildings, and archaeological sites.
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Scholarly exchange through conferences, workshops, lectures, seminars, and exhibitions.
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Digitisation and preservation of manuscripts and artefacts in libraries, museums, and public collections.
The programme welcomes applications from both individuals and organisations, including charities, social enterprises, educational institutions, museums, libraries, and archives.
Grant Categories
1. Barakat International Studentship
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Supports one student from the Islamic world accepted onto a relevant taught Master’s programme.
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Award up to £25,000 to support advanced academic training in Islamic art, architecture, archaeology, material culture, or heritage.
2. Barakat Postgraduate Student and Early Career Award
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For postgraduate students and early career scholars who received their doctorate after 30 June 2020.
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Provides up to £2,000 to fund travel, fieldwork, or research related to Islamic art, architecture, and material culture before circa 1920.
3. Barakat Major Awards
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For established scholars, curators, and heritage professionals.
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Funding up to £10,000 for research projects, exhibitions, conservation, documentation, digital initiatives, and professional training.
4. Iradj Bagherzade Publication Grants
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Supports the production of major publications in Islamic art, architecture, material culture, archaeology, and conservation.
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Funding up to £6,000 to disseminate important research to academic and public audiences.
5. Oxford-Based Residential Research Awards
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Barakat Senior Scholar Award: £10,000 visiting scholarship for three months of research and a public lecture in Oxford.
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Barakat Postdoctoral Scholarship: £20,000 for nine months’ residence in Oxford for postdoctoral research or publication preparation.
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Barakat Oxford Masters Studentship: Covers one year of fees for an MSt or MPhil in Islamic Art and Architecture at Oxford, with possible renewal for a second year.
Who is Eligible?
Eligible applicants include:
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Individuals: Students, postgraduate scholars, early career researchers, established professionals, curators, and heritage experts.
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Organisations: Charities, social enterprises, educational institutions, museums, libraries, archives, and companies.
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Applicants must demonstrate relevant expertise in Islamic art, architecture, archaeology, or heritage studies.
How to Apply
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Identify Grant Category
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Select the grant most appropriate for your level of experience, type of project, and funding needs.
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Prepare Application Materials
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Include project description, objectives, methodology, budget, and supporting documents.
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Follow specific category guidelines, which may require expressions of interest before full submission.
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Submit Application
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Most grants have a deadline of 31 March 2026.
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Certain awards require a preliminary expression of interest before the full application.
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Ensure all documents are complete and comply with the Barakat Trust guidelines.
Common Mistakes and Tips
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Not selecting the correct grant category for your experience or project type.
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Failing to provide detailed project objectives or budgets.
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Missing deadlines, particularly for grants requiring a preliminary expression of interest.
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Submitting incomplete documentation or insufficient evidence of expertise.
Tips for Success:
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Carefully review each grant category and its guidelines.
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Highlight the impact of your project on research, heritage preservation, or scholarly exchange.
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Emphasize international collaboration where applicable.
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Ensure all materials are clear, concise, and well-organized.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Who can apply for Barakat Trust grants?
Individuals and organisations with expertise in Islamic art, architecture, archaeology, or heritage, including students, early career scholars, established professionals, museums, and libraries.
2. What activities are funded?
Research, fieldwork, conservation, restoration, digitisation, exhibitions, publications, scholarly events, and professional development.
3. What is the funding range?
Grants range from £2,000 to £25,000 depending on category and scope of the project.
4. Are there residential research opportunities?
Yes, Oxford-based awards include the Senior Scholar Award, Postdoctoral Scholarship, and Oxford Masters Studentship.
5. Is an expression of interest required?
Some grants require a preliminary expression of interest before submission of a full application.
6. What is the application deadline?
Most grant categories have a deadline of 31 March 2026.
7. Can organisations apply?
Yes, museums, libraries, educational institutions, charities, and social enterprises are eligible.
Why the Barakat Trust Grants Matter
These grants strengthen research, heritage conservation, and scholarly collaboration in Islamic studies. They help ensure the preservation of cultural artefacts, dissemination of research, and professional development of scholars worldwide, fostering a deeper understanding of Islamic societies.
Conclusion
The Barakat Trust offers a comprehensive suite of grants for individuals and organisations dedicated to Islamic art, architecture, archaeology, and material culture. By supporting research, conservation, publications, and international collaboration, these grants provide critical resources for advancing knowledge, protecting heritage, and promoting scholarly exchange. Applicants can leverage these awards to enhance their research impact, professional development, and contribution to the global study of Islamic societies.
For more information, visit Barakat Trust.
