معرفی
Jens Hanssen is Professor of Arab Civilization, Mediterranean and Middle Eastern History at the University of Toronto, affiliated with the Department of Near and Middle Eastern Civilizations in the Faculty of Arts and Science. He holds a cross-appointment in Historical Studies at the University of Toronto Mississauga (UTM). Currently on leave until August 2026, he serves as Director of the Orient Institute Beirut, a German humanities center under the Max Weber Foundation, promoting transnational research in Middle Eastern and Islamic studies.
- DPhil, University of Oxford
His research centers on Arabic-Islamic intellectual history, Arabic critical theory, Ottoman and Mediterranean history, and the cultural entanglements between Europe, North Africa, and the Middle East since the 19th century. He explores the influence of German philosophy in Arabic thought, the legacy of Abbasid and Andalusian philosophy, urban culture, and translation theory. His work bridges intellectual trends with social and spatial dynamics in colonial and post-colonial cities.
The 12 most recent publications reflect a deep engagement with the intellectual history of the Arab world, particularly the Nahda (Arab Renaissance), radical political thought, and urban transformation under Ottoman and colonial rule. His works span comparative literature, urban studies, media culture, and philosophical exchange, demonstrating interdisciplinary breadth across history, philosophy, and cultural studies.
Scientific Awards:
- 2018 German and Jewish Echoes in 20th Century Arab Thought – SSHRC Insight Grant
Jens Hanssen has led significant research initiatives, including an SSHRC-funded project on German and Jewish influences in 20th-century Arab thought. While he is not accepting new graduate students during his tenure at the Orient Institute Beirut, he actively fosters academic collaboration, encourages fellowship applications, and supports research partnerships in Middle Eastern and Islamic studies. His leadership at the OIB enhances transnational scholarly networks and promotes collaborative grant-funded research.
As Director of the Orient Institute Beirut, Jens Hanssen oversees a vibrant academic hub that supports researchers, hosts visiting scholars, and facilitates interdisciplinary dialogue on the Middle East. The institute serves as a platform for international collaboration, offering fellowships and organizing research programs that connect scholars across Europe, North America, and the Arab world.
حوزههای پژوهشی
