Algiers, Oxford Launch Emir Abdelkader Chair in Islamic Studies, Strengthening Academic and Cultural Cooperation

LONDON — Algeria has formalised the creation of the “Emir Abdelkader Chair” at the Oxford Centre for Islamic Studies through a signing ceremony co-chaired in London by the Minister of State and Rector of Djamaâ El-Djazaïr, Sheikh Mohamed Maâmoun Al Kacimi Al Hassani, and the Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research, Kamel Baddari, according to an official statement.

The agreement was concluded during an official visit by the Algerian delegation to the United Kingdom, marking a new step in academic and cultural cooperation between Algerian institutions and one of the world’s leading centres for Islamic studies.

According to the statement, the initiative forms part of efforts to enhance Algeria’s international academic presence and to develop partnerships grounded in scientific exchange, research collaboration, and cultural dialogue.

Speaking at the ceremony, the Rector of Djamaâ El-Djazaïr highlighted the long-standing historical interactions between Algeria and the United Kingdom, noting that the relationship has evolved through successive political, scientific and cultural phases. He added that contemporary cooperation is increasingly expressed through academic partnerships intended to strengthen ties between nations.

He further described the creation of the chair as an investment in knowledge and future-oriented research, and as a platform intended to reflect what he characterised as the civilisational and intellectual heritage of Algeria within international academic spaces.

The Rector also referred to Emir Abdelkader as a foundational figure in Algeria’s modern intellectual and political history, emphasising his role in state-building during the resistance period, including administrative, judicial and institutional organisation, as well as his engagement in governance structures based on national unity, according to the statement.

He added that the study of Emir Abdelkader extends beyond historical commemoration, and may contribute to broader contemporary debates on governance ethics, cultural and religious coexistence, identity, and peace-building in a fragmented global context.

The choice of Oxford University, and specifically the Oxford Centre for Islamic Studies, was presented by Algerian officials as significant given its status as an international academic hub and its role in fostering dialogue between different intellectual traditions and civilisations.

The Rector of Djamaâ El-Djazaïr underlined that the presence of the Emir Abdelkader Chair within such an institution reflects, in his view, the universality of the historical figure’s legacy and its continued relevance to contemporary academic discourse.

He concluded by expressing appreciation for the support of Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune for the initiative, describing it as part of a broader effort to strengthen scientific and cultural cooperation. He also extended thanks to King Charles III for his patronage of the Oxford Centre for Islamic Studies and for his commitment to dialogue and intercultural understanding.