Access to the Encyclopaedia of Islam

Access to the Islam Encyclopaedia for the University of Tartu Community

With the joint support of the University of Tartu Asia Centre, the Faculty of Theology, and the University Library, all users with a University of Tartu account have access to the Encyclopaedia of Islam, New Edition Online until the end of 2025. This authoritative resource is invaluable for exploring Islamic culture, history, and religion.

The encyclopaedia covers topics from the early Islamic period to the present day. For example, one can look up abanūs to learn not only what it is, but also how its meaning has evolved over time.

To use the encyclopaedia, login to the UT Library’s database page and enter the word “islam” in the “Search by name” field. One of the results will be Encyclopaedia of Islam New Edition Online. Please note that access to the University of Tartu’s licensed databases, journals, and e-books is available through the university’s internal network. If you are accessing them from outside the university, follow the provided instructions.

The encyclopaedia includes not only detailed terminology but also illustrations, maps, photographs, and diagrams. In addition, access is provided to related reference works from the same publisher. For instance, in Encyclopaedia of Islam Three Online, the entry "Andalusian art and architecture" offers a well-structured overview, complete with a list of sources for further study. The article also features a manuscript illustration of the Bayāḍ wa-Riyāḍ, preserved in the Vatican Library.

As for abanūs, it may be of equal interest to art historians, natural scientists, and those researching traditional medicine, as it refers to ebony wood, which was once believed to have healing properties.

Happy exploring!