Art history, archaeology, and architectural studies; minority affairs and migration; heritage preservation; and cultural studies in the MENA region
Duration
3 months
Host at the University of Passau
Prof. Dr. Marina Ortrud Hertrampf
(Professorship of Romance Literature and Culture with a focus on France)
Is history repeating itself? Will Western Europe witness a new wave of Alawite migration? How influential are Alawite thinkers in the cultural landscape of the European diaspora? Will their role and approach continue to build bridges of cultural cooperation and knowledge exchange between Levant and Western Europe?
Dr. Hala Assan's project focuses on the Alawite sect, a resilient religious minority in the Arab East that has navigated significant changes over the centuries. Once marginalized, Alawites have risen to prominence in contemporary Syrian politics and culture. Yet, their cultural contributions, particularly those from Europe, remain underexplored and underappreciated.
The research to illuminate the unique intellectual and cultural journeys of Alawite thinkers in exile, emphasizing their vital roles in bridging Syria and Europe through literature, art, and meaningful dialogue. A central figure in my research is the poet Adonis, who has enriched both Arab and European cultural landscapes since moving to Paris in 1975.
Through this project, she seeks to answer essential questions: How have Alawite scholars sparked conversations between the Arab world and Europe? What has inspired their migration? How has their experience in exile shaped their creative expressions? By delving into their works, Dr. Hala Asslan wants to reveal broader themes of humanity and identity that resonate beyond cultural divides.
Additionally, there’s a humanitarian dimension to this project. The Alawite community has endured profound tragedies recently, particularly a massacre in March 2025. Grasping their experiences is deeply important sharing their narratives can enrich our collective understanding of the challenges and resilience within this community.
