AUK hosts renowned Islamic historian

The Gulf Studies Center at the American University of Kuwait welcomed Professor Emeritus of History at the University of Washington Jere Bacharach last Sunday, where developments in conserving Middle Easter culture were the topic at hand.

Bacharach illustrated the efforts employed to maintain and restore Egyptian heritage, during the various Pharaonic, Greeco-Roman, Coptic and Islamic periods. Bacharach, who has written extensively on medieval Islamic archaeology and Islamic coinage, stressed the need for Arab governments to conserve their tradition and for young Middle Easterners to get the needed training in the work of conserving historical art and monuments. 

Bacharach spelled out the steps needed to conserve Middle Eastern cultures based on his experience as Director of the American Research Center in Egypt responsible for the restoration projects of Egyptian heritage. Bacharach also stressed the role of modern technology and the Internet in documenting Islamic culture. Famous for his book Islamic History through Coins, Bacharach showed students and audiences interested in Arab cultures, illustrations of coins that go back to the periods of the Ayubids in the thirteen Century. 

President of AUK Dr. Marina Tolmacheva celebrated Bacharach's visit to the University and heralded it as an inspiration to students of history, art, and culture, while Director of the Gulf Studies Center Hesham Al-Awadi, urged Kuwaiti students to reinvestigate the rich cultural history of Kuwait and the region.

GULF STUDIES CENTER

The Gulf Studies Center at the American University of Kuwait seeks to enhance the understanding of the Gulf region and encourage informed scholarship in all academic disciplines (fields of study).

The Center also works to promote dialogue and understanding between Gulf Countries and the West. This is achieved through publications, lecture series, and academic conferences and cooperative programs with other universities and institutions.For more information:
Email:gulfcenter@auk.edu.kw
 

Professor Jere Bacharach
 

Professor Bacharach & a view of the attending audience

Professor Bacharach & Director of the Gulf Studies Center Hesham Al-Awadi