AUK Hosts Book Talk and Signing for Prof. Hesham Al-Awadi
18th Dec 2025 | by the Department of PR & Marketing
AUK hosted a book talk and signing to celebrate the release of The History of Kuwait: What the Historian’s Memory Overlooked (Takween, 2025), authored by Dr. Hesham Al-Awadi, Professor of History and International Relations in the College of Arts & Sciences. Organized jointly by the AUK Library and the Office of Research and Grants’ Faculty Speaker Series (FSS), the event welcomed a diverse audience of academics, researchers, students, alumni, and external guests.
The event opened with remarks from Dr. Salime Smadi, Chair of the Faculty Speaker Series, who welcomed attendees and underscored the significance of supporting faculty research. This was followed by a message from Ms. Asma Al Kanan, University Librarian, who emphasized the library’s commitment to fostering knowledge creation, intellectual exchange, and cultural engagement through such initiatives.
During his lecture, Prof. Al-Awadi discussed the research journey behind the book, highlighting the extensive effort devoted to collecting historical documents and images. Drawing on more than 170 references from local, regional, and international sources, the book seeks to restore recognition to less- documented groups and communities that played a vital role in shaping Kuwait’s history but have long been absent from mainstream narratives. Prof. Al-Awadi noted that the work aims to encourage a more inclusive and nuanced understanding of the country’s past.
The session featured vibrant audience engagement, with attendees posing questions on research methodology and the importance of revisiting historical accounts through broader and more inclusive perspectives. The discussion underscored a growing interest in critical approaches that complement dominant historical narratives.
The event concluded with a book signing ceremony, offering attendees the opportunity to receive signed copies directly from the author. The celebratory atmosphere reflected the academic community’s appreciation of Prof. Al-Awadi’s contribution to Kuwait’s historiography and his efforts to illuminate overlooked dimensions of the country’s past.
Images from the event
