#MECAM SERIES VIDEO “Maghrebi Minds: Imagining Futures”
The short video series “*Maghrebi Minds: Imagining Futures*” provides a captivating glimpse into the diverse intellectual legacy of the Maghreb region by delving into the perspectives of prominent thinkers and their visions for the future. Each episode delves into the works and ideas of outstanding Maghrebi intellectuals, exploring their historical impact, contemporary relevance, and potential contributions to shaping future trajectories. This series is a component of the conceptual framework of the Merian Centre for Advanced Studies in the Maghreb (MECAM) – “Imagining Futures”.
The “Maghrebi Minds: Imagining Futures” short video series consists of episodes lasting a maximum of 8 minutes, featuring knowledgeable interviewers from the MECAM network who elicit concise responses to standardized questions. Responses may be provided in Arabic, English, or French.
From an academic standpoint, the series offers a condensed yet profound exploration into the intellectual landscapes of these exceptional individuals, whose ideas often transcend regional boundaries. It serves to popularize research content within the realms of social sciences and humanities, fostering deeper comprehension of themes such as identity, modernity, and societal transformation. Through insightful interviews, the series aims to illuminate both the intellectual contributions and the personalities behind them, striving to grasp the diverse future visions and societal models envisioned by Maghrebi intellectuals.
Furthermore, the series seeks to propagate and contextualize the theoretical contributions from the Maghreb region, juxtaposing them with perspectives from other regions for comparative analysis. It raises inquiries into the existence of a distinctive Maghrebi thought paradigm, the preferred models of societal organization among these intellectuals, and the critiques and forward-looking visions they offer for their own societies. By rendering complex ideas accessible to a broader audience, this series fosters the exchange of intellectual discourse.
Why Ibn Khaldun is still relevant today?
Khaled Kchir (Prof. of Medieval History ; Faculty of Human and Social Sciences – University of Tunis / MECAM’s Director)
MECAM inaugurates a new phase in its commitment to promoting social science research in the Maghreb, the Mashreq, and beyond. We actively collaborate with researchers from diverse backgrounds who delve into a variety of subjects. One of our main goals is to enrich the ongoing debate on the Global South while highlighting the voices that have long been neglected in our region. This video, created with Professor Khaled Kchir, aims to unveil the significance of Ibn Khaldûn, whose influence, though profound, is often underestimated today.
As a Professor of Medieval History at the Faculty of Human and Social Sciences of the University of Tunis, and one of the two directors of MECAM, Professor Kchir focuses on the in-depth study of Ibn Khaldûn’s work. The latter is frequently hailed as the pioneer of modern sociology due to his pivotal role in the study of local societies and their evolution. In this interview, Professor Kchir sheds light on Ibn Khaldûn’s substantial impact in the past, his current importance, and his relevance as a model for the future.
We delve into Ibn Khaldûn’s major contributions to our understanding of human societies and urbanization. We discover how this 14th-century scholar continues to influence contemporary research and how his methodology can provide a fresh and dynamic perspective on our present and future. This video is an invitation to explore Ibn Khaldûn’s intellectual legacy, which continues to illuminate our reflections on human societies and their complex dynamics.
Maghrebi Minds: Frantz Fanon with Fatma Oussedik
Oussedik, Fatma ( Professor of Sociology andAnthropology, University of Algiers, Algeria/ MECAM’s International Advisory Board )
The “Maghrebi Minds: Imagining Futures” video series highlights intellectuals and thinkers from the Maghreb whose ideas continue to shape and influence contemporary thought. In this episode, Fatma Oussedik, a sociologist and decolonial feminist, revisits the life, works, and legacy of Frantz Fanon, a pivotal figure in anti-colonial struggles and critical thought.
Through personal anecdotes and profound reflections, Fatma Oussedik discusses Fanon’s relevance today, his historical impact on psychiatry and politics, and his utopian vision of universal fraternity. This video invites viewers to explore the work and ideas of an intellectual whose legacy transcends geographical and temporal boundaries.