A Salute to Dr. Eugeniusz Rzewuski
Shabnam Parker
Dr. Eugeniusz Rzewuski stands out as an inspiration to those of us who are deeply concerned with unravelling the roots and routes of Arabic writing culture in Africa. In particular, his seminal work focussing on the ajami writing tradition in Mozambique opened up novel avenues of enquiry and formed the catalyst for extensive research in an under-researched field. In 2009, the Timbouctou Manuscripts Project was honoured to have engaged with Dr. Rzewuski at the Ajami in Africa Seminar held at the Ahmed Baba Institute (IHERI-AB) in Timbuktu. He may have materially retired from academia, but his illuminating modes of thought will continue to circulate amongst researchers—old and new, alike —interested in the various fields of African Studies.
For more information on the conference held in Dr. Rzewuski’s honour at the University of Warsaw, review the Current Research in African Studies programme as well as the preface and contents of the resulting publication.
[Image Source: Maria Curie-Skłodowska University (UMCS)]