Juma Al Majid Center for Culture and Heritage organized On Thursday, September 11, 2025, a virtual lecture titled “The Spanish Arabist Pascual de Gayangos and His Impact on Andalusian Studies in England.” The lecture was delivered by Dr. Rasha Al-Khatib, Assistant Professor at Philadelphia University in Jordan.
The session explored Gayangos’s writings published in English in mid-19th century England, emphasizing their role in Andalusian studies within English Orientalism at a time of growing European interest in Andalusian heritage and its value in Spain’s history.
Dr. Al-Khatib also reviewed key milestones in Gayangos’s life and his position within the Spanish Arabist movement, highlighting his English-language contributions on Spain’s Arab-Islamic past during his stay in England. She noted that although his works were diverse and abundant, they did not significantly influence the direction of English Orientalists toward Andalusian studies at the time.
The lecture drew strong audience engagement, with participants posing a variety of questions that Dr. Al-Khatib addressed. The Center concluded the event by extending its appreciation to her for the distinguished presentation.
