Tunisian Academician Dr. Ridha Mami to Head New Department of Arab and Islamic Studies in Mexico
The Tunisian academician, Dr. Ridha Mami, a specialist in the Spanish language, writer, poet, and translator, announced on Wednesday the upcoming opening of a department of Arab and Islamic studies at the National Academy of History and Geography of Mexico, which he will preside over.
A New Chapter in Cultural Exchange
This announcement follows his entry, in late November, into the Mexican Academy as the first Arab and African member, joining a group of 60 members mainly from Europe, Latin America, and Mexico. During a ceremony in his honor organized by the University of La Manouba and the Faculty of Letters, Arts, and Humanities, Mami emphasized that this department, a reflection of the growing interest of the peoples of Latin America in Arab culture, will be a platform to promote Arab literature and Tunisian history, in particular, in Mexico.
Expanding Cultural Horizons
He also mentioned "the possibility of developing this project in other Latin American countries, thus strengthening cultural exchanges despite the absence of direct diplomatic and political relations with Tunisia." The researcher expressed his "joy at being honored by the university," stressing that this tribute goes beyond his person to encompass all Tunisian intellectuals.
A Bridge Between Cultures
Mami added that this recognition, as well as the cooperation initiatives undertaken at the Faculty of Letters - which has hosted researchers and academics from Spain and Latin America - have made this faculty "a reference in these regions, contributing to the valorization of Tunisian culture through its books and translations." Mami also discussed his role in enriching Tunisian poetry and literature among Spaniards and the peoples of Latin America. Currently, he is working on the translation of an anthology of Tunisian female poetry to highlight Tunisian poetesses.
A Contribution to Cultural Dialogue
The researcher insisted that his scientific activity goes beyond academic research, positioning himself as a contribution to the dialogue and encounter of cultures. He was hailed by those present as "a true ambassador of higher education, Arab and Islamic culture, as well as tourism." During this event, held at the Carthage Amphitheater of the University of La Manouba, numerous academics, researchers, and artists were present, including Abdelaziz Kacem, Abdelhafidh Harguem, Maher Abdelrrahmane, and Raouf Ben Yaghlane.
International Recognition
The Vice-President of the University of La Manouba, Nabil Grissa, emphasized that this distinction aims to highlight the importance of Ridha Mami's scientific and cultural work, while strengthening the university's international visibility, particularly in the fields of Andalusian and Moorish studies. In a statement to the TAP agency correspondent in La Manouba, Prof. Grissa also praised M. Mami's efforts to promote exchanges between Arab culture and Spanish and Latin American cultures.
A Distinguished Career
Dr. Ridha Mami, a graduate of the Complutense University of Madrid, is also the founder of the Tunisian Association of Graduates in Spanish Language and Literature, the Arab Association of Those Interested in the Hispanic World, and the Tunisian Association of Semiotic Studies. As an academic, researcher, poet, and translator, M. Mami has published over 14 books in Spanish, including essays, creations, and translations, and has won several international awards, including the Gustavo Adolfo Bécquer Literature Prize and the Ibn Arabi Arab Literature Prize.
Upcoming Cultural Events
As part of the strengthening of exchange and dialogue relations between Arab and Spanish creators, Tunisia will host the Hispano-Arab Cultural Days from February 9 to 12, 2026, organized annually by the University of La Manouba, in partnership with the Sial Pigmalión publishing group and the Spanish PEN Club.
