Gibran Chair Symposium

Reshaping the Landscapes of Arab Thought: The Legacies of Kahlil Gibran, Ameen Rihani and Mikhail Naimy

The University of Maryland’s George and Lisa Zakhem Kahlil Gibran Chair for Values and Peace is hosting the first symposium in the United States about three leading figures in the Arab Renaissance: Kahlil Gibran, Ameen Rihani and Mikhail Naimy. These three thinkers and writers are the powerful voices that re-formed the Mahjar literature. They also founded and launched the Pen League, the first Arab-American literary society, in 1920.

The symposium will feature discussion and presentations by scholars from 10 universities in the US, Canada, and the United Kingdom. Many of these professors are teaching about these three powerful Arab American figures and introducing their students to the contributions of Gibran, Rihani, and Naimy. These professors explore the contributions of these important literary figures to the rich fabric of the American culture. Through such courses stereo types about the enrichment of the American culture are being broken

Keynote remarks will be offered by Dr. Paul Salem, president of the Middle East Institute. Also, an innovative, interactive exhibit featuring the works of Gibran, Rihani and Naimy will close the day.

Symposium            9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Exhibit & Reception      4:30-6:30 p.m.