Dear friends of the Museum for Islamic Art,

We are delighted to welcome Dr Ingrid Hehmeyer, Professor of the History of Science and Technology at Toronto Metropolitan University in Canada, for an evening lecture on 9 July 2026 at 6.00 pm in the Brugsch-Pascha Hall.
 

Dr Ingrid Hehmeyer
‘Magical-medical bowls: The healing power of religion and magic’ 
Archaeological Centre in the Brugsch-Pascha Hall – 4th floor
Geschwister Scholl Straße 6
10117 Berlin
 

When people suffer from illnesses that do not respond to conventional medical treatments, they often turn to alternative therapies. In Islamic societies, magical-medicinal bowls have enjoyed great popularity since the Middle Ages. The inside of these metal vessels, also known as panic bowls or terror cups, is engraved with verses from the Quran, incantations, and magical and figurative symbols. Their healing power is transferred to a liquid poured into the bowl, which is then drunk, thereby providing the patient with relief from their ailments. The medical indications are often listed on the outer rim of the bowls.

The lecture will examine and interpret the frequently occurring religious and magical formulas as well as the figurative representations. If you own a magical-medical bowl, please feel free to bring it along to the event.

Registration
Please register at info@fmik.de by 7 July 2026. Places are limited and will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis.