Abdul Rahman Al Kawakibi

Syrian political philosopher whose ideas ignited Arab nationalist movements

Abdul Rahman Al Kawakibi (1849-1902) was a Syrian intellectual whose political writings laid the groundwork for modern Arab nationalism. His seminal work The Laws of Despotic Government (1899) exposed the corruption of Ottoman rule, arguing for democratic governance based on Arab cultural identity. His encyclopedia entry highlights how his essays circulated secretly across the Levant, influencing future leaders like Gamal Abdel Nasser.

Kawakibi's collected writings emphasized education and economic independence as pathways to Arab sovereignty. He founded the first Arab-language newspaper in Cairo (1898), using it to promote constitutional monarchy ideals. His critique of religious dogmatism in governance remains influential in contemporary political discourse, making him a critical figure in Middle Eastern intellectual history.