Moroccan academic Mohamed Dahiri earned an outstanding honor granted by the Intercultural Spanish-Arab Circle (CIHAR), in recognition of his rich academic journey as a Hispanist and professor of Arabic and Islamic studies, as well as for his significant contributions to the fields of migration and inclusion.
Dahiri was awarded the 2024 CIHAR Gold Medal by the Intercultural Spanish-Arab Circle during a ceremony held on Thursday at Casa Árabe in Madrid, attended by prominent academic and cultural figures.
Through this prestigious award, CIHAR pays tribute to Dahiri’s commitment to promoting the values of coexistence and intercultural dialogue, through his scientific research work and his actions in academic and societal settings for a better understanding between different cultures.
Dahiri expressed to MAP his pride in receiving this distinction, which he saw as a "renewed commitment to dialogue, respect and coexistence," adding that in the face of hate speech and polarizing tendencies, it is important to stress the imperative of consolidating coexistence as a common good, and promoting mutual recognition based on the dignity and richness of diversity, far beyond mere cohabitation.
"This award crowns more than twenty-five years of work in higher education and academic and scientific research. It rewards many years of commitment to civil society and to cultural diversity and social cohesion," he emphasized.
Professor Dahiri is the first Moroccan and Arab member of the Royal Academy of Sciences, Fine Arts, and Noble Arts of Córdoba. He is a professor at the Complutense University of Madrid (UCM) and a researcher at the University's Institute for Religious Studies. He also serves as a visiting professor at the Mohammed V University in Rabat, Paris 8 University, the University of Rome La Sapienza, the University of Naples L'Orientale, and the Tres de Febrero University in Buenos Aires, Argentina.
CIHAR president Abdelouahab Tounsi highlighted the crucial role of culture as a driver of peace and understanding, stating that “dialogue between the Arab and Hispanic worlds is a treasure that must be protected, revived, and passed down to future generations.”
He also stressed the importance of such initiatives, which help to consolidate cultural and human links between the two shores of the Mediterranean, noting that “the award ceremonies of the Intercultural Spanish-Arab Circle are spaces for recognition, reflection and, above all, dialogue, essential for bringing cultures closer together and building lasting bridges between peoples.”
The Intercultural Spanish-Arab Circle is devoted to promoting intercultural exchange by celebrating and preserving Hispano-Arab heritage. The Gold Medal is among its highest honors, awarded annually to individuals and institutions who have exceptionally contributed to intercultural understanding and coexistence.
MAP: 13 June 2025
