Prof. Bruce B. Lawrence
Advisor, Umran Academic Research Association
Professor Emeritus, Duke University, USA
Visiting Professor, Ibn Haldun University, Turkey
Prof. Bruce B. Lawrence is the Nancy and Jeffrey Marcus Humanities Distinguished Professor Emeritus of Religion at Duke University and a Visiting Professor at the Department of Civilizations Studies, Ibn Haldun University. With a career spanning several decades, he has made significant contributions to the study of religion, particularly focusing on Islamic studies and interfaith relations.
Prof. Lawrence’s research interests are vast and multidisciplinary, including the comparative study of religious movements, the complexities of institutional Islam (with a particular emphasis on Asia), Indo-Persian Sufism, and the nuanced interplay between religion and violence. He also explores contemporary Islam within the broader context of Abrahamic faiths and religious ideology.
A prolific author, Prof. Lawrence has published numerous books and articles that delve into topics such as the Qur’an’s role in the modern world, the impact of globalization on Islamic identity, and the spiritual dimensions of Sufism. His work is known for bridging the gap between traditional religious scholarship and contemporary global issues, making him a prominent figure in both academic and interfaith circles.
As an advisor to various academic initiatives, Prof. Lawrence continues to shape the discourse around religion, culture, and society, fostering a deeper understanding of the rich diversity within Islamic traditions.