John Esposito transformed how the West understood Islam
Summary
John L. Esposito, a well-known expert on Islam and international affairs, died on July 15, 2026. He helped the Western world better understand Islam and Muslim societies, especially during times of political tension after the 1979 Iranian revolution and the 9/11 attacks.Key Facts
- John Esposito was a scholar at Georgetown University who focused on Islam and international relations.
- He wrote over 55 books, many published by Oxford University Press and translated into many languages.
- Esposito was born in Brooklyn, New York, in 1940, and initially trained for the Catholic priesthood before switching to religious studies.
- He earned his PhD under Ismail al-Faruqi, a Palestinian-American scholar.
- At first, few universities studied Islam or religion's role in global affairs, and jobs in this area were rare.
- After the 1979 Iranian revolution and 9/11 attacks, Western interest in Islam grew sharply, increasing demand for his expertise.
- Esposito challenged widespread stereotypes and biased ideas about Islam found in Western politics and media.
- His work helped create better understanding and opened the door for future scholars to study Islam in a more balanced way.
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