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Kuwait Times
6 days ago
- Politics
- Kuwait Times
Forum highlights cultural dialogue
KUWAIT: The international forum titled 'Classical Arabic Thought in Contemporary Global Research' commenced on Monday at the Yarmouk Cultural Center, marking a significant cultural milestone. The event is jointly organized by the National Council for Culture, Arts and Letters (NCCAL), the French Center for Research in the Arabian Peninsula (CERAP), and Dar Al-Athar Al-Islamiyyah. In her opening remarks, NCCAL's Assistant Secretary General for Culture Aisha Al-Mahmoud described the forum as a 'milestone' in Kuwait's ongoing celebration as the Arab Capital of Culture and Media for 2025. She noted that the event sheds light on the evolving landscape of classical Arabic thought and its renewed relevance in contemporary academic research. Al-Mahmoud emphasized that recent years have witnessed a 'qualitative renaissance' in the study of Arab intellectual heritage, pointing to the adoption of modern analytical methodologies that explore both the historical and social contexts of classical texts. She added that the forum brings together a diverse group of scholars from leading Arab and international institutions, promoting dialogue and academic cooperation in the fields of philosophy and intellectual studies. Expressing gratitude to all participating institutions, Al-Mahmoud affirmed that such events reinforce Kuwait's cultural presence regionally and globally, while bolstering scientific research in heritage and knowledge. French Ambassador to Kuwait Olivier Gauvin also addressed the gathering, underlining the importance of cultural and academic collaboration between Kuwait and France. He praised the existing partnership between NCCAL and CERAP, and highlighted the role of joint initiatives in preserving Islamic heritage and fostering mutual understanding. Aisha Al Mahmoud Dr Pierre Kay Dr Makram Abbas French Ambassador to Kuwait Olivier Gauvin Gauvin described the forum as a pivotal moment in Franco-Kuwaiti relations and referenced the French Institute for Islamic Studies—established by the French Presidency—as part of France's broader efforts to deepen understanding of Islamic culture. He noted that the conference supports this vision by convening prominent experts in manuscript preservation and philosophical research. The ambassador also drew attention to the vast corpus of Arabic manuscripts housed in European institutions, including over 7,000 in the French National Library alone. He lauded the researchers contributing to the cataloguing and analysis of these works, emphasizing the significance of preservation efforts for this shared intellectual legacy. Highlighting Kuwait's longstanding role in cultural dialogue, Gauvin noted the country's pioneering stance in supporting critical thought and cross-cultural exchange—particularly in light of its 2025 designation as the Arab Capital of Culture and Media. Dr Pierre Cayle, Director of the French Institute for Islamic Studies, echoed these sentiments, stressing the role of joint academic endeavors in renewing knowledge and deepening intercultural understanding. He noted that research into classical texts opens new horizons and contributes to the preservation of a common human heritage. Also speaking at the event, Dr Makram Abbas, Director of CERAP, outlined the forum's key themes, which include the preservation of manuscripts, library collections, and critical heritage studies. He highlighted recent scholarly discoveries that have prompted a reassessment of traditional interpretations, offering new insights into Arab intellectual traditions. Dr Reem Al-Rudaini, the forum's host and Associate Professor of Islamic History at Kuwait University, pointed to the dynamism that has recently characterized research in classical Arabic thought. She noted that the breadth and diversity of scholarly work—spanning philosophy, science, literature, and beyond—represent a growing and significant phenomenon that merits comprehensive academic attention. The three-day conference features a series of scientific sessions dedicated to the indexing, investigation, and reinterpretation of key manuscripts and intellectual works within the broader context of Arab and Islamic civilization. — KUNA
Arab Times
6 days ago
- Politics
- Arab Times
Kuwait hosts forum on 'Classical Arabic Thought in Contemporary Global Research'
KUWAIT CITY, May 26: The forum titled 'Classical Arabic Thought in Contemporary Global Research' opened Monday at the Yarmouk Cultural Center. The event is jointly organized by the National Council for Culture, Arts and Letters (NCCAL), the French Center for Research in the Arabian Peninsula (CERAP), and Dar al-Athar al-Islamiyyah. In her opening remarks, NCCAL Assistant Secretary General for Culture Aisha Al-Mahmoud described the forum as a 'milestone' that underscores Kuwait's cultural leadership as the Arab Capital of Culture and Media for 2025. She emphasized the forum's role in highlighting the recent transformations in the study of Arab intellectual heritage. Al-Mahmoud noted that the past few years have witnessed a "qualitative renaissance" in the study of classical Arabic thought. She explained that contemporary research has moved beyond traditional investigation and publication, entering new analytical contexts that employ modern methodologies and explore the historical and social dimensions of heritage texts. She added that the event brings together researchers from various generations, representing a wide range of Arab and international universities and research institutions. The forum, she said, aims to foster the exchange of ideas and promote scientific collaboration in intellectual and philosophical studies. Expressing gratitude to all participating institutions and contributors, Al-Mahmoud stressed that such events elevate Kuwait's profile on the Arab and global cultural stage and contribute to advancing scientific research in the fields of heritage and knowledge. French Ambassador to Kuwait Olivier Gauvin also addressed the gathering, emphasizing the importance of research and cultural cooperation between France and Kuwait. He praised the partnership between CERAP and NCCAL in heritage preservation and in strengthening mutual understanding of Islamic culture. Gauvin described the conference as a significant milestone in the long-standing French-Kuwaiti friendship. He noted that the French Institute for Islamic Studies, established by the French Presidency, aims to deepen the understanding of Islam. Events like this forum, he added, support that mission by assembling leading researchers and experts in the fields of manuscript studies and intellectual history. The ambassador highlighted the importance of showcasing the vast troves of uncatalogued and untranslated Arabic manuscripts, many of which remain scattered across global libraries and private collections. He pointed out that the French National Library alone holds over 7,000 Arabic manuscripts—underscoring the critical need for documentation and preservation efforts. He also called for stronger academic dialogue between Arab and European scholars, noting Kuwait's historic role in fostering critical thought and intercultural engagement, particularly in light of its 2025 designation as the Arab Capital of Culture and Media. Dr. Pierre Cayle, Director of the French Institute for Islamic Studies, spoke about the need to emphasize cultural and intellectual dimensions that promote mutual understanding. He said scholarly work on texts and heritage opens 'new horizons for a deeper understanding of cultures,' and emphasized that continued academic cooperation is essential to renewing knowledge and preserving the shared human heritage. Dr. Makram Abbas, Director of CERAP, said the conference addresses a broad range of research themes, including library science, heritage preservation, and manuscript care within national institutions. He also highlighted how scientific discoveries have reshaped conventional understandings and inspired reinterpretations of classical Arab thought. Conference host Dr. Reem Al-Rudaini, Associate Professor of Islamic History at Kuwait University, remarked that the study of classical Arab thought has seen increased richness and dynamism in recent years. She noted that while global transformations have occurred in fields such as philosophy, science, and literature since the early 20th century, the sheer breadth and diversity of contemporary studies in these areas form a unique phenomenon deserving careful attention. The three-day international conference aims to explore these transformations in depth. The program includes a series of scientific sessions focusing on indexing, critical analysis, and modern readings of manuscripts and key intellectual works within Arab and Islamic civilizations.
