Samir Khalaf is a Lebanese sociologist whose writings deeply engage with the Arab world and Lebanon specifically. His extensive work delves into themes such as sexuality in the Arab world, the Lebanese Civil War, urbanization, and the role of Protestant missionaries in the Levant. Khalaf's approach is characterized by profound sociological analysis that illuminates complex societal phenomena and their historical underpinnings. His writing offers readers essential insights into the social dynamics and development of the region.
The book examines the tension between traditional loyalties and the forces of social change in Arab societies, highlighting the shortcomings of Arab intellectuals in driving meaningful political and social transformation. Additionally, it delves into the influence of the Protestant legacy in the Middle East, offering insights into its impact on cultural and societal dynamics.
Samir Khalaf, a Beirut resident and an internationally acclaimed sociologist, is an ardent admirer of the Bourj's cosmopolitan history and argues passionately that its reinvention is at hand, and must be encouraged: the Bourj must reclaim its disinherited legacy of pluralism and tolerance.