Research into classical Arabic literature has made considerable progress in recent years. Drawing on contemporary literary theories, scholars have developed innovative perspectives that shed new light on 1,500 years of Arabic literary history that move beyond conventional interpretations. A diverse range of books based on this groundbreaking research have received the prestigious literary recognition of the Sheikh Zayed Book Award. Three of the distinguished scholars in this field will discuss their work during the panel.

Conversation in English. The event will be available in English, German, and Arabic. Simultaneous translation by Carmen Grau and Mustafa al Slaiman.

Prof. Dr. Beatrice Gründler teaches as a professor of Arabic Studies at Freie Universität Berlin since 2014. Her research focuses on classical Arabic literature in its social context and on the role of Arabic literature as a link between Asia and Europe. Beatrice Gründler received the prestigious Leibniz Prize from the German Research Foundation (DFG) in 2017. In 2025, her book The Rise of the Arabic Book was shortlisted for the Sheikh Zayed Book Award.

Dr. Hakan Özkan teaches Classic Arabic Literature at the University Aix-Marseille. He translates from Arabic, Turkish, Spanish, French and Greek into his native languages of German and Turkish. Hakan Özkan's study on the History of the Eastern Zaǧal about Dialectal Arabic Stroph Eche from the East of the Arab World was nominated for this year's Sheikh Zayed Book Award shortlist.

Prof. Dr. Maurice Pomerantz is Professor of Literature and Arab Crossroads at New York University Abu Dhabi. Since 2014, Pomerantz has been an editor of The Library of Arabic Literature published by NYU Press, a groundbreaking series of facing-page translations of the classic works of the Arabic Literary Heritage.

Moderator

Stefan Weidner studied Islamic Studies, Philosophy and German Language and Literature. From 2001 to 2016, he was editor-in-chief of the cultural magazine Art & Thought/Fikrun wa Fann. He has received numerous awards for his work as a translator from Arabic and as a writer. Stefan Weidner is one of the most important mediators between German and Arab culture.

In cooperation with Sheikh Zayed Book Award.