Algeria and Oxford Centre for Islamic Studies Launch Academic Programme Honouring Emir Abdelkader

Oxford-United Kingdom,12 th June 2026

Algeria and the Oxford Centre for Islamic Studies have signed an agreement establishing an academic programme named after Emir Abdelkader, the founder of the modern Algerian state, in a move that marks a new chapter in scientific, academic, and cultural cooperation between Algeria and the United Kingdom.
The agreement was signed on Friday by Algeria’s Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research, Professor KamelBaddari, and Professor FarhanNizami, Director of the Oxford Centre for Islamic Studies, during an official ceremony attended by the Rector of the Great Mosque of Algiers, Sheikh Mohamed Maamoun Al-Qasimi Al-Hassani, alongside representatives of Algerian and British institutions, ambassadors from Arab and Muslim countries, and a distinguished gathering of academics and researchers.
Following the signing ceremony, the two parties inaugurated at the Centre’s headquartersa hall bearing the name “Algiers”, symbolising the growing academic and cultural ties between the two nations. In his remarks, the Rector of the Great Mosque of Algiers described Emir Abdelkader as “a school of thought in his own right,” whose influence transcends national borders and historical eras. He emphasised that the Emir remains one of Algeria’s foremost national figures, embodying the principles of statehood, legitimacy, unity, and national identity. He added that Emir Abdelkader’s presence at the Oxford Centre for Islamic Studies is a natural extension of his enduring legacy as a statesman who spoke—and continues to speak—the language of universal human values.
For his part, Minister Baddari said the establishment of the programme represents a “historic milestone” in promoting Algeria’s intellectual and civilizational heritage on the international stage and marks a significant step forward in academic and scientific cooperation between Algeria and the United Kingdom. He noted that the launch of the Emir Abdelkader Programme revives a dialogue that began nearly two centuries ago between the Emir and Britain, bringing it full circle in a modern academic setting.
The minister also stressed that the initiative reflects recognition of Algeria as a partner in intellectual and humanitarian development, contributes to challenging long-standing stereotypes about Islam and Muslims, and strengthens cultural dialogue and academic collaboration between the two countries.
Under the agreement, the Emir Abdelkader Academic Programme will provide annual fellowships for visiting Algerian scholars at the Oxford Centre for Islamic Studies and appoint an Algerian research fellow to contribute to the development of the Centre’s academic and research programs. The initiative will also host an annual roundtable discussion addressing issues related to the Chair’s mission, with participation open to Algerian and international researchers.

The project celebrates the intellectual and humanitarian legacy of Emir Abdelkader, particularly his political thought, moderate religious approach, and commitment to tolerance, coexistence, dialogue, and human dignity. These values earned him international recognition as a pioneering advocate of humanitarian principles long before the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the modern framework of international humanitarian law.
The Programme also highlights Emir Abdelkader’s humane treatment of French prisoners during Algeria’s resistance to colonial rule and his celebrated role in saving thousands of Christians during the sectarian violence that swept Syria in 1860.
Its establishment comes at a time when concerns over violations of international law and international humanitarian law are increasingly prominent. In this context, the initiative serves as a reminder of the enduring relevance of Emir Abdelkader’s vision of justice, coexistence, and respect for the rule of law.
The new Programme aims to promote scholarship on the Islamic world, encourage mutual understanding among societies, strengthen academic and research partnerships between Algeria and the United Kingdom, and expand opportunities for student mobility and academic exchange between the two countries.
The initiative also reflects the growing momentum of educational and cultural cooperation between Algeria and Britain, particularly as Algeria advances reforms aimed at expanding the use of English in higher education and scientific research to enhance the global visibility and accessibility of Algerian scholarship.