Darfur’s Art: An Interview with Historian Gibreel Abdulaziz

To gain insight into how the region’s arts developed, Voices of Darfur talked with Gibreel Abdulaziz—a teacher and a scholar—who recently published a book about El Fasher.

By Ala Mayyahi

 

Mr. Gibreel Abdulaziz—a teacher, a scholar, and a historian—was born in El Fasher, North Darfur, in 1945, and has witnessed, first-hand, many changes in his hometown. After finishing high school in El Fasher, Mr. Abdulaziz studied education in the Baght El Ridha Central Teachers College, and continued his studies at Khartoum University, where he graduated with a degree in history, English and education.

Following his academic pursuits, Mr. Abdulaziz returned to his hometown, where he worked in politics and civil society. His long career has included several prestigious positions, including Chief of State Council, Minister of Education and Minister of Social and Culture Affairs, all in North Darfur.

Recently, Mr. Abdulaziz published a 700-page book on the history of El Fasher and its development over the years. The book documents historic Darfuri figures, including artists and intellectuals. In an interview, Voices of Darfur talked with Mr. Abdulaziz about the history and development of art in Darfur.

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On 5 June 2013, academic and historian Gibreel Abdulaziz is pictured in his house in Khartoum, Sudan. Mr. Abdulaziz currently works as a consultant for the Government of Sudan on matters of culture and history. Photo by Albert González Farran, UNAMID.