Categories : News

The British Institute of Persian Studies (BIPS) is very sad to report the death today of Professor Bert Fragner (27 November 1941–16 December 2021), shortly after his 80th birthday, following a short illness in hospital. A towering figure in Persian studies and in particular with relation to Central Asian and Turkic aspects of the Iranian world, he created a vibrant school of graduate students at the University of Bamberg, in post from 1984 to 2003, from where he moved to Vienna to take up the directorship of the Institut für Iranistic at the Austrian Academy of Sciences (2004–2010). He was also a founding member and president of the Societas Iranologica Europea (SIE), Europe’s largest regular gathering of scholars researching Iranian themes. He was a regular supporter of BIPS and many years ago gave a fine lecture on food, of which he was a great aficionado. He will be remembered fondly not only for his wide-ranging scholarship but also for his larger than life presence, enthusiasm and warm personality. Our sincere condolences to his wife Christl, always at his side at conferences and convivial gatherings.

https://www.bips.ac.uk/professor-bert-fragner-27-november-1941-16-december-2021/

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Profile in Persecution: Khalil Ebrahim AlQassab

For ADHRB Weekly Newsletter #424, click here.

‘Afghanistan’s Shiite Minority Cautiously Embraces Taliban Rule, Seeking Protection,Shiite Taliban fighters now patrol Yakawlang, the site of past atrocities committed by the country’s rulers’
Wall Street Journal, 16.11.21
This article is behind a paywall. There is a link on the page to a free audio of the opening paragraphs of the story.

1 November 2021
It is with a very heavy heart and great sorrow that I have to inform you of the passing away of Professor Mahmoud Ayoub today. He was a mentor, teacher, friend and colleague to many. He was also a colossal figure in Islamic Studies, having written many articles, authored and edited books and taught many, including myself. He was also a very fine human being. He will be missed. May Allah rest his soul in peace and grant him a special place with His chosen ones.

Best Wishes
———————
Dr. Liyakat Takim
Sharjah Chair in Global Islam
Dept of Religious Studies
McMaster University
1280 Main Street West
University Hall, B125
Hamilton, Ontario
Canada, L8S 4K1

(905) 525-9140 ext 20521 (office)
Website: LTakim.com

See also Hartford International University obituary statement.

‘Nearly ten years after Ali al-Nimr was arrested by Saudi authorities in February 2012, he was finally released from prison this week. His mother tweeted a video <https://twitter.com/NasrahAlahmed/status/1453380165388615684?s=20> showing their emotional reunion. But amid the relief and celebration, al-Nimr’s ordeal highlights the cruelty of the Saudi justice system, which the country’s rulers have failed to meaningfully reform.’
Human Rights Watch, 28.10.21