The flying professor: Yusuf Fadl Hasan receives prize from Sheikh Sultan bin Muhammad Al-Qasimi
The flying professor: Yusuf Fadl Hasan receives prize from Sheikh Sultan bin Muhammad Al-Qasimi
The eminent historian, Professor Yusuf Fadl Hasan, was awarded a special prize by Sharjah’s Sheikh, Sultan bin Muhammad Al-Qasimi. At the opening of Sharjah’s International Book Fair (SIBF) – Professor Yusuf was crowned the cultural personality of the year (2022) – the historian received high-praise for his contribution to Afro-Asian studies.
His first big break came after the publication of his PHD thesis: The Arabs and The Sudan – a clear-eyed examination of Sudan’s place in history and in the Arab World – the book continues to receive widespread acclaim. Professor Hasan credits much of his success to the tutelage of brilliant academics. Sixty years and 30 books later, he’s created his own solar system of ideas that have elevated Sudan’s reputation abroad. His contribution to international conferences across dozens of countries earned him the nickname “the flying professor”.
What makes the flying professor so special?
A relentless work ethic: Professor Yusuf has a ruthless commitment to quality, which has led to every minute of his day being optimised for reading and writing. He would charmingly greet guests, many of whom were distinguished individuals, before sneaking off to one of his studies to continue writing. His children alongside other members of family would step in to keep the guests entertained. He’s dedicated all his books to his children and grandchildren, yet a distinguished career has led to him sacrificing time with loved ones. His unwavering commitment to his passion for history can be seen in the photo (below).
Even on the beautiful balcony of his hotel room, I remember him tuning out all the luxurious distractions while reviewing his speaking notes. This was the night after he’d received the award from His Royal Highness, Sheikh Sultan Muhammad bin Al-Qasimi.
A unique blend of pragmatism and curiosity led the “flying professor” to pick an area of history that nobody had previously studied: The migration of Arabs to Sudan. It was topic that keep him away from sharp elbowed academics, allowing him to carve a niche for himself. He’s experimented with multiple forms of gathering and chronicling historical events: “When I was studying and doing my research in Sudan, I found more spoken narratives than written records, passed on from our forefathers, one generation to another. It’s the narrative that I delved into much more than written history”.
A love of learning: Professor Yusuf’s most prized possession is the extensive library that runs throughout his home: Thousands of books on every subject you can think of. Some people collect cars. This man collects books.
This award fills Sudanese people with pride. Here’s a man that has dedicated his life to providing high-quality and accessible analyses of different periods of history. He’s effectively educated a generation of judges, diplomats and aspiring historians through his books and lectures. In the words of Professor Yusuf: “Only you know what you’re capable of… nobody knows your full potential”. This is a man that has fulfilled his potential.
