Ethnicity and Identity in Northern Africa, from 533 to 2023

During the medieval period (4th – 15th centuries), most major cities in North Africa and Egypt were diverse and multicultural. People often debated and reflected on their identity and ties with their ethnic communities and with others. At the same time, different groups experienced discrimination and exclusion. These debates and issues have persisted and remain prevalent today.

CGC Tunis and the Institute of African Studies at Columbia University, in partnership with the Metropolitan Museum of Art, will host a conversation on this topic on November 15th at The Forum at Columbia University.

This event is co-sponsored by the Middle East Institute at Columbia University.

Snacks and light drinks will be served.

Register here.

Chair:

Pr. Souleymane Bachir Diagne, Professor of French and Romance Philology, and Director of the Institute of African Studies, Columbia University.

Moderator: 

Mr. Youssef Cherif, Director of Columbia Global Centers | Tunis, Columbia University.

Speakers: 

Dr. Andrea Achi, Columbia Alumna, and Mary and Michael Jaharis Associate Curator at The Metropolitan Museum of Art.

Pr. Taoufik Ben Amor, Gordon Gray Jr. Senior Lecturer in Arabic Studies, Coordinator of the Arabic programs, and Director of Columbia Arabic Summer Programs, Columbia University.

Pr. Avinoam Shalem, Riggio Professor of the History of the Arts of Islam, Columbia University.