The Silk Roads @ UNSW initiative brings together experts from across UNSW in a program of interdisciplinary projects exploring the ancient and contemporary human connections and material exchanges across Eurasia and the seas. We use ‘Silk Roads’ as a concept of interrelatedness, rather than defined geographical routes. The initiative combines research projects with cultural events and teaching activities to establish a full engagement with 2025 pillars.

About us

Silk Roads @ UNSW aims to be a platform for developing collaborative grants, innovative teaching and community-facing events that position the university at the forefront of global research.

Seminars & workshops

The Silk Roads program of academic seminars and workshops offers a diverse range of topics to explore. Find out more about upcoming presentations.

Sounds of the Silk Roads

Travel, trade, and sometimes political expansion contributed to the dissemination of and often, profound changes to peoples’ religious beliefs along the Silk Roads. We use ‘Silk Roads’ as a concept of interrelatedness, rather than defined geographical routes. Learn more.

Peoples of the Silk Roads

View our collection of gallery images representing the peoples and cultures of the Silk Roads.

Religions along the Silk Road​s

Some of the enduring features of the Islamic religious landscape along the Silk Roads are mazar, or ziyarat, the sacred sites that are believed to be the resting places of saints, kings, or prominent religious and intellectual figures.