Akbar Ahmed joins Anthropology’s Hall of Fame

 

Contact:           Clark Gregor, (202) 885-5935

 

WASHINGTON, DC (August 2, 2006)—Akbar Ahmed, Ibn Khaldun Chair of Islamic Studies at American University and a leader in interfaith dialogue was invited to join the legendary figures in anthropology as part of the “Anthropological Ancestors” interview series at Cambridge University in July 2004.

 

The “Anthropological Ancestors” project compiles video interviews with the leading anthropologists in the world for the purpose of acquainting the public with their work and preserving their legacy.  The series is hosted by the legendary anthropologist Professor Alan Macfarlane.  The iconic figures interviewed include Prof. Clifford Geertz, probably the best known anthropologist in the United States and Sir Edmund Leach and Sir Raymond Firth, of the United Kingdom.

 

Introduced as “one of the most famous anthropologists in the world” Professor Ahmed discussed his work among the Pashtun and Baloch tribes, Muslim societies, and his most recent initiatives in interfaith dialogue.  The interview was conducted by Macfarlane at King’s College in Cambridge.

 

Ahmed has been called the world’s best-known scholar of contemporary Islam by the BBC.  He has held senior positions in Pakistan, including the Pakistan High Commissioner (Ambassador) to the United Kingdom.

 

Located in Washington, DC, American University is a leader in global education, enrolling a diverse student body from throughout the U.S. and more than 160 countries and providing opportunities for academic excellence, public service, and internships in the nation’s capital and around the world.

 

For media assistance, contact Clark Gregor in AU’s Media Relations Office at

(202) 885-5935.

 

On-line:

www.alanmacfarlane.com/ancestors

www.american.edu

 

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