I am originally from London, but have lived in Wales since 1993: I first became interested in the study of Islam whilst travelling and working in the Middle East in the 1980s. My initial area of interest was in the histories of the region, in particular the transmission of religious ideas between societies, as well as a general interest in Islamic art and architecture.
My journey from traveller to 'academic' occurred when I started to focus on the contemporary issues influencing Muslim societies, and their reflection of historical patterns, during my university studies in Kent, Durham and Wales. I've been particularly interested in phenomenology of religion, and the impact of religious symbols and language on spirituality. I was also concerned with the issues of identity and historical representation associated with Islam in Britain, and this has influenced my current work. I am interested in addressing 'grass-roots' opinions in my work, so during travels and field-trips (including to Turkey, Egypt, Palestine, Pakistan and Malaysia) I have always endeavoured to meet up with local people and discuss issues. Now some of that dialogue also takes place online.
Some of these opinions filted into my PhD on ijtihad, for which I undertook field work in the UK, Pakistan and Malaysia. I also have some roots in what is a predominantly Muslim area of east London. I have always been interested in current affairs - this was already time-consuming in the pre-internet era. When I discovered that I could access content online, my time was no longer my own! I was able to combine my interests in contemporary Islam and in computers into my research. Results have included my books Virtually Islamic,Islam in the Digital Age and iMuslims - details of which can be found on VirtuallyIslamic.com.
In 1996, soon after I became a lecturer at Lampeter, I started the Islamic Studies Pathways website - which continues to offer guidance on on-line resources. My research now incorporates a blog, monitoring the impact and interaction between Islam, Muslims and the Internet. I have been interviewed by a number of broadcasters on this subject area.
Outside of my family, my interests include exploring Wales, photography, and music.
Dr. Gary R. Bunt, Senior Lecturer in Islamic Studies & Programme Director, MA Islamic Studies, Department of Theology, Religious Studies & Islamic Studies, University of Wales, Lampeter, Ceredigion SA48 7ED, UK