• A world-renowned scholar in the field of Mysticism, Sami Makarem was born in Aytat, in the district of Aley, Lebanon, on April 14, 1931.
• His father is the late Sheikh Nassib Makarem (www.nassibmakarem.org), known as one of the greatest calligraphers of his era. In addition to being the official calligrapher of the Republic of Lebanon during his time, Sheikh Nassib Makarem, was also known for being the personal calligrapher to several kings and emirs.
• His mother, Wassila Sleiman Faraj, was originally from the village of Abay, in the district of Aley, Mount Lebanon. Like her husband, Sheikh Nassib, she was known for her piety and devoutness. Sheikha Wassila was also famous for her artistic side, as she was a master in the art of needlework. She participated in various exhibitions and won numerous medals and awards for her artwork.
• On June 4, 1971, Sami Makarem’s father, Sheikh Nassib, passed away. His death left a sad impact on his son. Not only did he lose a loving and a wise father, but Sami Makarem had lost a mentor as well. The artist Sheikh Nassib Makarem was such a profound inspiration that led his son, Sami to explore and discover the artist in himself.

• Sami Makarem completed his primary and intermediate education at the “Lycée Français de Beyrouth – Mission Laïque Française”, and his secondary studies at the “National College of Souk El Gharb”.
• He obtained his Bachelor Degree in Literature and Philosophy in 1954 and his Master Degree in Arabic Literature in 1957 from the “American University of Beirut” (AUB).
• In 1958, Sami Makarem left for the United States of America to enroll at the “University of Michigan” in Ann Arbor, Michigan. In 1963, he obtained his Ph.D. in Middle Eastern Studies.

Recognitions

Sami Makarem received numerous awards and honors during his career, few of which are listed below:

• Honorary Citizen of the city of Houston, Texas, in the United States of America and the holder of the Key to the city of Houston – for his scientific and intellectual achievements – July 8th, 1978
• Holder of the Medal of the Arabic Historian from the “Union of Arab Historians”
• Holder of the Shield of “Antelias Cultural Movement” – March 1996
• Holder of the Shield of “The Social Work League” in Beirut
• Holder of the Shield of “The Association of Social Movement
• Holder of the Shield of the “Ministry of Cultural Affairs” – Lebanon – April 2000
• Holder of the Shield of “Lions Club, Kodmos” – Lebanon – 1998, 1999
• Holder of the “Green Hand” Medal – UNESCO Palace, Lebanon – 2008

His Journey

• Sami Makarem taught Arabic Literature at the “National College of Souk El Gharb”, then afterwards, at “Al Sirat College”, in Aley from 1954 to 1957.
• In July 1963, he completed his Ph.D. and he moved back to Lebanon to teach at the “Lebanese University”.
• In 1964, he was appointed to the rank of Assistant Professor at the “American University of Beirut” (AUB) to teach Arabic Literature and Middle Eastern Studies.
• In 1970, he was promoted to the rank of Associate Professor at the “American University of Beirut” (AUB), and then to the rank of Full Professor to teach Arabic Literature, Islamic Thought and Sufism.
• During his tenure at the “American University of Beirut” AUB, Sami Makarem held the position of Head of the Department of the “Arabic Literature and Near Eastern Languages Department” twice, from 1975 until 1978 and then from 1993 until 1996.In addition to his life in academia, Professor Makarem held positions in various organizations, such as:
  • Member of the “Board of Regents of the Lebanese Foundation for Permanent Peace”.
  • Secretary General of the “Druze Council for Research and Development”.
  • Head of the Department for Scientific Studies and Research at the Druze Heritage Foundation.

• Sami Makarem was best known for his academic contributions in various fields, including Literature, Philosophy, Poetry,  Mysticism, Sufism, History, and Art.
• In addition to writing a great number of articles and publications, he presented in various international conferences, produced hundreds of works of art, and published more than 30 books in both English and Arabic.
• A writer, a historian, a poet, a thinker, an author, an artist, a philosopher, a teacher, a mentor and surely a symbolic father to many, Sami Makarem was renowned for his depth of character, wide horizons, and intensive and extensive knowledge. Despite being an octogenarian, Sami Makarem was still teaching part-time at the “American University of Beirut”, (AUB) right up to his passing, at the age of 81 on August 21, 2012.