Professor Ibrahim Abu Bakr Harakat

Ibrahim Harakat received a Diploma in Arabic Language from the Institute of Higher Studies in 1958, and a B.A. degree from Mohammed V University in Rabat in 1960. Thereafter, he embarked on graduate studies in Arabic language and obtained a University Doctorate in Islamic Studies from Strasburg University in France in 1970, and a State Doctorate in History from the Jesuit University in Beirut in 1982. Then, he worked as a professor of Medieval History at Mohammed V University in Rabat.

Professor Harakat has been involved in academic and cultural activities in Morocco for many years. He supervised the establishment of the College of Arts in Fez, and served as an Inspector of high School education and a representative of the Moroccan Ministry of National Education in Agadir, Fez, and Taza. He was also a Chairman of the Arts Education Department, and a Director of the Cultural Sector of the Ministry of Culture, a Member of the Moroccan Higher Council for National Education, and a Member of the Scientific Council of Rabat Governorate.

Professor Harakat was a prolific writer and educator. Following his country’s independence, he wrote 40 school books. He also published more than 30 articles for the Turkish Islamic Encyclopedia. Many of his academic books, research papers and popular articles focus on the political and socio-economic aspects of Islamic history during different caliphates. One of his keynote books is Islamic Economics Between the 1st and 9th Century AH.

Professor Harakat has been recognized by the Order of Officer and the Order of Cavalier medals from Morocco for his meritorious services to his country as well as his academic achievements. He was also awarded the Grand Prize of the Moroccan Ministry of Culture in 1998, the “Arab Historian” Prize and the “Cultural Medal” from Tunisia. He was a member of the Arab Historians Association and the International Association of Mediterranean History in Italy.

This biography was written in the year the prize was awarded.