Lancement de la « Chaire scientifique Malek Bennabi pour les études civilisationnelles »
Launch of the Malek Bennabi Scientific Chair for Civilizational Studies in Algiers
On Saturday, the "Malek Bennabi Scientific Chair for Civilizational Studies" was officially inaugurated in Algiers. This initiative aims to study, publish, and illuminate the civilizational thought of the esteemed Algerian thinker Malek Bennabi through a contemporary lens.
The project was launched by the "Afak Foundation for Studies and Training" during a ceremony held at the headquarters of the High Islamic Council (HCI). This event saw the presence of Mabrouk Zaid El Kheir, the council president, alongside Abdelhalim Kaba, president of the Association of Algerian Muslim Scholars (AOMA), as well as researchers interested in Bennabi’s thought.
In his address, Redouane Toufouti, president of the Afak Foundation, emphasized that the work of the Malek Bennabi Scientific Chair is focused on studying and disseminating the philosopher and thinker’s ideas. The chair plans to organize intellectual gatherings and conferences, aiming to rejuvenate Bennabi’s philosophy within a contemporary framework. This includes a scientific and critical analysis of his writings and ideas, particularly in relation to contemporary challenges.
Abdelhalim Kaba underscored the significance of honoring thinkers, scholars, and creators, praising the initiative for its role in immortalizing Bennabi’s thought. This acknowledgment highlights the need to preserve and promote intellectual legacies within society.
Amar Talbi, president of the Malek Bennabi Scientific Chair and a former student of Bennabi, stated that this initiative, supported by a scientific council interested in Bennabi’s thought, aims to enhance awareness in Algeria and the Muslim world. His remarks reflect a commitment to fostering deep intellectual engagement with Bennabi’s ideas.
Additionally, Mohamed Ouzar, a member of the Afak Foundation, offered a comprehensive presentation on the Malek Bennabi Scientific Chair project, describing it as a space for scientific exchange among researchers and students interested in Bennabi’s work.
Malek Bennabi (1905-1973) is regarded as a significant figure in contemporary Islamic thought and one of the pioneers of intellectual renaissance in the 20th century. His contributions have had a lasting impact on both thought and social reform, and he is especially noted for his concept of "colonizability," which continues to attract the interest of scholars.
Bennabi has authored over thirty books in both French and Arabic, including influential works such as "The Conditions of Renaissance" (1948), "The Idea of an Islamic Commonwealth" (1958), "The Problem of Culture" (1959), and "The Problem of Ideas in the Muslim World" (1970). His writings delve into the complexities of culture and identity, providing critical insights relevant to modern challenges.
The establishment of the Malek Bennabi Scientific Chair represents a significant step in fostering academic inquiry into important themes of identity, culture, and social reform. By promoting Bennabi’s philosophy, the initiative seeks to encourage new reflections and dialogues that resonate in today’s global context.
Overall, the launch ceremony was a celebration of intellectual heritage and the potential for contemporary application of past ideas, marking a promising beginning for the Malek Bennabi Scientific Chair as a vibrant hub for scholarship and discourse. The commitment to reviving and critically engaging with Bennabi’s thought reflects a broader desire in Algerian society to address current challenges through the wisdom of its intellectual traditions.
