MBRF Showcases ‘The Legacy of Muslim Sicily’ at Turin International Book Fair 2025
The Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Knowledge Foundation (MBRF) has officially launched its participation in the Turin International Book Fair 2025, a major European intellectual and cultural event taking place from May 15 to 19. Marking a significant milestone in its global outreach efforts, MBRF kicked off its program with a high-level seminar spotlighting its newly published encyclopedia, ‘The Legacy of Muslim Sicily’.
The seminar brought together esteemed scholars including H.E. Jamal bin Huwaireb, CEO of MBRF; Dr. Attilio Petruccioli, Professor at the University of Rome; and Dr. Francesco Violante, Associate Professor of Medieval History at the University of Bari. Together, they delved into the profound impact of the Arab-Islamic civilization on Sicily during the period from 831 to 1091 CE.
During his keynote, H.E. bin Huwaireb revealed that the encyclopedia is the product of 18 years of rigorous academic research, originally led by the late distinguished scholar Dr. Salma Khadra Jayyusi. It features 30 essays by 29 contributors from across the Arab world, Europe, the Americas, and Italy. The publication documents the enduring influence of Muslim rule in Sicily on architecture, arts, language, science, and societal development, offering a vital lens into a formative chapter of Mediterranean history.
“This encyclopedia not only records a historic era but illuminates the civilizational contributions that continue to resonate today,” said bin Huwaireb. “It exemplifies MBRF’s mission under the leadership of H.H. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum to advance cultural dialogue and global understanding.”
He further noted that the book is available in English, with an Italian edition forthcoming, aimed at enriching academic exchange and providing a much-needed scholarly resource that rebalances traditional Eurocentric narratives, which often overshadow the significant legacy of Muslim Sicily in favor of Andalusia.
Dr. Attilio Petruccioli, one of the contributors, emphasized the book’s critical role in re-examining Sicily’s architectural and urban legacy. His contribution focuses on analyzing Arab-influenced urban planning, typological structures, and water systems, while correcting historical oversights that misattribute Islamic-era designs solely to the Normans.
“Our work challenges outdated assumptions and opens new research paths,” Petruccioli stated. “This is an invitation to revisit and scientifically reinterpret our shared past.”
Dr. Francesco Violante echoed this sentiment, highlighting the project’s broader cultural implications. He praised the publication for spotlighting pluralism and coexistence during the Islamic era in Sicily and for promoting a more inclusive and accurate European historical narrative.
“This initiative fosters mutual understanding and offers a powerful academic model for intercultural dialogue,” said Violante. “It is a call for continued scholarly collaboration in pursuit of peace and knowledge.”
MBRF’s active engagement at the Turin Book Fair reflects its broader vision to position Dubai as a global knowledge capital, foster strategic academic partnerships, and champion intellectual innovation aligned with the UAE’s development agenda.
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