Fort Valley State University

This year’s John W. Davison Lecture Series begins with a special commemorative event to mark the seventh anniversary of the September 11 tragedy. The event, designed to promote cultural understanding and dialogue, features Fulbright Scholar and Middle East expert Dr. Pakinam El Sharkawy from Cairo University. Her talk, entitled “Democracy in the Muslim World,” takes place Thursday, Sept. 11, 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. in the W.W.E. Blanchet CTM Auditorium and is sponsored by the Office of Diversity and International Affairs, the Department of History, Geography, Political Sciences and Criminal Justice and the John W. Davison Lecture Series as part of Title III grant funding.

“This lecture is part of an effort to honor people lost on 9/11, and to remind students and the community that Islam isn’t - as some people seem to assume - a philosophy of terrorism,” said Dr. Fred van Hartesveldt, chair of the Department of History, Geography, Political Science and Criminal Justice.

Dr. Khaled Sartawi, chair of FVSU’s business department was instrumental in bringing El Sharkawy to campus.

“It is very important that the Middle Georgia community understands there are a lot of misconceptions about Islam,” said Sartawi. “Some people read what is printed about a religion and believe it immediately; there is another side.”

Sharkawy earned a doctorate in comparative politics and development from Cairo University and currently serves as an associate professor of political science. The scholar has written numerous papers on Iran, Turkey and the Muslim world and is presently teaching at Mercer University as part of a Fulbright Visiting Scholars Program.

Several history and American government classes will attend a special lecture by El Sharkawy between 3:30 p.m. and 4:45 p.m., in rooms 117 and 118 of the Bond Building. The entire campus is invited to this event. Later, El Sharkawy’s talk will explore questions such as:

· Are Islam and democracy incompatible?

· Is there evidence from recent history that sheds light on the issue?

· Is Islam the main impediment to the development of democratic institutions and practices?

· What is the future of democracy in the Muslim World?

For more information about the John W. Davison Lecture Series, please contact Alecia Livatt, event chair at (478) 825-6959.