Speaker Details
Dr
Daniel Newman
University of Durham
United Kingdom
Presentation Abstract:
Arabic Periodicals In Europe In The 19th Century: A Neglected Field: The Nineteenth Century saw the establishment of Arab expatriate communities in Europe, especially in France. The reasons for the Arab presence varied from political exile and study (both as students and teachers) to trade. Less attention has been paid to the Arabic journalistic endeavours in European countries, which started as early as 1859 with the establishment of Birjis Baris (‘the Eagle of Paris’) by the Tunisian émigré Sulayman al-Hara’iri, the French missionary Francois Bourgade and the Lebanese scholar Rushayd al-Dahdah. This was followed by a great many others, most of which were ephemeral, in a wide variety of genres, ranging from cultural literary magazines to political opinion papers, the latter being exemplified by the variegated production of the Egyptian polymath Abu Nazzara (James Sanua). In many cases, the editors sought a freedom of expression not available to them in their native countries. However, sometimes other forces were also at work and the (French) authorities were quick to realize the potential of these periodicals as a means of influencing Arab-Muslim opinion, as several of them enjoyed were distributed in the East, where they enjoyed considerable prestige. The present paper will provide a discussion of the background and main features of these publications, their role -- both real and intended -- and influence in the Arab Renaissance (Nahda).
Status: Confirmed