We are pleased to invite you to a presentation in the Fulbright Reflections Series on “Are Asians Tanzanian? The Case of the Globalized Ithna Asheris” by Fulbrighter Iqbal S. Akhtar on Thursday, November 6 from 2:00 – 5:00 p.m. at the American Embassy in Dar es Salaam .
Since the British era in East Africa , Asians have held an important place in the economic life of the region as traders and intermediaries between blacks and whites. Independence changed that privileged position and the Zanzibari Revolution and the nationalization of properties changed the outlook of Asians toward their fellow Indigenous Tanzanian compatriots. Many left to create Diaspora communities in Dubai and the West. So now what does it mean to be Asian and Tanzanian? How do Indigenous Tanzanians see and treat Asian Tanzanians and vice versa? Is “Tanzanian” a primary or secondary identity, in which cases and to what extent? This presentation will attempt to answer these questions from the perspective of one of the Asian Tanzanian communities, as a culmination of a year-long study among the Ithna Asheri community.
Iqbal Akhtar is currently an Islamic Studies Fulbright Fellow from the University of Denver and the Iliff School of Theology. He is completing pre-dissertation research on the effects of globalization upon the Asian Ithna Asheri community in Dar es Salaam . Previously he taught in the Department of Political Science at the U.S. Air Force Academy as the USNORTHCOM Analyst-in-Residence. Originally from the city of New Orleans , he plans to start his PhD program at the University of Edinburgh upon his departure from Tanzania in January 2009.
To confirm your attendance, please register by emailing drs_exchanges@state.gov with your name or names of people in your office that will be attending the presentation. As we have several events, please be sure to mention the name of this one (Fulbright Reflections Series) in your response. Space is limited and confirmation will on first-come, first-serve basis. Please arrive 15 minutes early to go through security and note that large bags, briefcases, cigarette lighters and electronic items such as cell phones, cameras, and car alarm key rings are among items prohibited at the Embassy.
With best wishes,
Fulbright Program Tanzania
Educational Exchange Programs
Office of Public Affairs, American Embassy
686 Old Bagamoyo Rd., Msasani
Box 9123, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
Voice: +255 22 2668001
Fax: +255 22 2668251
Email: drs_exchanges@state.gov
Fellowship Programs: http://tanzania.usembassy.gov/educational_exchange.html
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