Cheikh Anta Mbacke Babou

Cheikh Anta Mbacke Babou is a Professor of History at the University of Pennsylvania, affiliated with the School of Arts & Sciences' Department of History. His research focuses on African History, Islam in Africa, Francophone West Africa, and contemporary African diasporas in Europe and the United States.

Education:

• Ph.D., Michigan State University, 2002
• M.Sc., École Normale Supérieure, Dakar, 1994
• D.E.A., Université Cheikh Anta Diop, Dakar, 1992
• M.A., Université Cheikh Anta Diop, Dakar, 1991
• B.A., Université Cheikh Anta Diop, Dakar, 1990

Research & Publications: Dr. Babou is the author of seminal works including Fighting the Greater Jihad: Amadu Bamba and the Founding of the Muridiyya of Senegal, 1853–2013 (2007), The Muridiyya on the Move: Islam, Migration and Place Making (2021), and co-authored Territoriality and Hospitality: Christian and Muslim Perspectives (2024). His research explores Sufi brotherhoods, colonial history, and diaspora studies, with articles in journals like African Affairs and Journal of African History.

Awards:

• Finalist for the Fage-Oliver Prize (2021) for The Muridiyya on the Move

Teaching: He teaches courses on African history, Islam, colonial rule, migration, and religious encounters, including HIST 0300 Africa before 1800 and HIST 650 Religious Encounters in Africa.