The Muslim Council of Elders presents the book "Conceptualizing Peace During the European Renaissance" by Dr. Bennacer El Bouazzati at its pavilion in the Cairo International Book Fair 2024. Dr. Bouazzati, a former professor at Mohammed V University authored the book which has been published by Al Hokama Center for Peace Research.
The book highlights historical moments that unmistakably reveal the clear connection between the accumulation of experiences and the evolution of ideas, arising from collaboration among actors belonging to diverse cultural fabrics. They engage in interactive intellectual traditions, with cooperation not necessitating agreement on principles and facts but demanding participation in exchanging perspectives and even the possibility of objecting to proposals in the exchange.
The author points out that the exchange between different cultural groups is a constant, civilization-building process. However, the benefit derived from it is not uniform for all parties involved, as some weigh the balance between peaceful dialogue and formulating plans for progress, while others reject taking advantage of external views based on specific perspectives.
The book also provides examples from the thirteenth century, showcasing peaceful openness and strategies for learning from opponents in regions like Sicily, Andalusia, and Italy. Achieved through peaceful means such as translation, education, and fostering a climate of productive dialogue, Europe greatly benefited from this interaction, developing ideas in science, art, philosophy, politics, and law.