Sami Pinarbasi

Dr. Sami Pinarbasi is an Anglo-Turkish historian and digital humanist specializing in the history of British slavery and abolition, with a particular emphasis on the Early American Republic and transatlantic exchanges. Holding a PhD in History from the University of Manchester (2014-2018), his research explores the intersections of slavery, environment, and colonialism, as seen in his project “Intercolonial Exchanges: Slavery and the Environment in British Florida and Jamaica, 1763-1783,” which highlights the roles of enslaved Black individuals in shaping colonial landscapes and economies. Currently based in London, his work extends to public engagement, including contributions to The Guardian on slavery and abolition topics, and a blog post discussing the campaign to remove the statue of Robert Peel in Manchester, drawing on his anti-racist perspective to contextualize historical figures’ ties to slavery.

Pinarbasi’s scholarly output includes peer-reviewed articles, such as “Manchester Antislavery, 1792–1807,” published in the journal Slavery & Abolition, which examines local abolitionist movements in industrial Britain. He also delves into contemporary implications of historical slavery, as evidenced in his talk on “Capitalism’s Future and Slavery’s Past in 21st Century Manchester,” addressing ongoing strikes and economic legacies. As a digital humanist, he employs historical GIS and data visualization techniques to map and analyze slavery’s spatial and economic dimensions, blending traditional historiography with modern tools.

Embracing a “chaotic good” ethos, Pinarbasi balances academic rigor with diverse personal passions. A fervent fan of horror and sci-fi genres, he finds inspiration in speculative narratives that echo historical themes of power and resistance. Outside academia, he enjoys playing guitar, immersing himself in PC gaming, and exploring creative outlets that fuel his interdisciplinary approach. His Anglo-Turkish heritage informs a global perspective, often incorporating international angles into his work, such as United Nations-related themes. Through teaching, writing, and public discourse, Pinarbasi continues to illuminate the enduring impacts of slavery on modern society, advocating for informed historical awareness in an ever-evolving world. He is also a fan of travelling.