The 50th International Conference on Medical History will take place in Tunisia from November 4-6, 2026, with the theme "Medicine and Peoples of the Mediterranean." The conference is organized by the International Society for the History of Medicine in cooperation with the Tunisian Society for the History of Medicine and Pharmacy and the Faculty of Medicine of Tunis, University of Tunis El Manar. The conference will feature several sessions and presentations on various aspects of medical history.
The conference will focus on the history of medical practices and pharmaceuticals across the Mediterranean region, with a wide range of participants, including researchers, doctors, and historians from different countries. The conference program will include twenty sessions and main axes that cover different historical periods and medical paths. One of the main axes is the study of ancient medical sources, including manuscripts, papyri, and early medical artifacts in the Mediterranean region.
The conference will also explore the history of medicine in North Africa, particularly in Tunisia, during the Carthaginian and Roman periods. The program will highlight the practices of medical care and health institutions, such as therapeutic baths, during these periods. Additionally, the conference will examine the contributions of Tunisian scholars, such as Ibn al-Jazzar al-Qairawani, and their impact on European medicine.
Another significant aspect of the conference is the exchange of medical knowledge across the Mediterranean, which will be discussed through the translation of medical books and the transfer of treatment theories between different regions. The conference will also address the history of epidemics and quarantine, including how Mediterranean populations have faced major pandemics throughout history.
The conference program will include lectures by international experts, sessions for presenting research papers, and specialized workshops. There will also be an exhibition of rare manuscripts and books on the history of medicine. The conference aims to bring together experts and researchers in the field of medical history to share their knowledge and experiences.
The conference is expected to attract participants from several countries, and the working languages will be Arabic, English, and French, with simultaneous interpretation. The event is organized by the International Society for the History of Medicine, in cooperation with the Tunisian Society for the History of Medicine and Pharmacy and the Faculty of Medicine of Tunis.
The conference will provide a platform for discussing the historical development of medical practices, pharmaceuticals, and healthcare institutions in the Mediterranean region. It will also highlight the contributions of Tunisian scholars and their impact on the development of medicine in Europe. The conference is expected to promote further research and collaboration in the field of medical history.
Key points
- The conference will focus on the history of medical practices and pharmaceuticals across the Mediterranean region.
- The event will feature lectures by international experts and sessions for presenting research papers.
- The working languages of the conference will be Arabic, English, and French, with simultaneous interpretation.
