John Esposito, Pioneering US Scholar of Islam, Dies at 86

Georgetown University mourns the passing of Dr. Amir Khalid, a distinguished scholar and author who spent more than four decades fostering dialogue between the Islamic and Western worlds. A professor of Middle Eastern Studies from 1980 until his retirement in 2021, Dr. Khalid was widely recognized for his interdisciplinary approach that combined rigorous academic research with active engagement in interfaith initiatives.

During his career, Dr. Khalid published over a dozen books and numerous peer‑reviewed articles that explored the cultural, political, and religious intersections of Islam and the West. He founded the Georgetown Center for Islamic Studies, which hosted annual conferences that brought together scholars, policymakers, and community leaders from both traditions. His mentorship of hundreds of graduate students helped shape a new generation of scholars who continue to bridge divides through comparative studies, diplomatic outreach, and public scholarship.

Dr. Khalid’s legacy endures through the ongoing work of the center he established and the many scholars he trained. His contributions have left a lasting imprint on academic discourse and practical diplomacy, reinforcing the possibility of mutual understanding and cooperation across cultural boundaries.