Otared Haidar (1964-2024)

It is with great sadness that we announce the sudden passing of our esteemed colleague, Dr. Otared Haidar, over the weekend in Oxford.

Dr. Haidar was a cherished member of the Faculty of Asian and Middle Eastern Studies. She completed her DPhil at Oxford in 2005, later publishing her research as The Prose Poem and the Shi’r Journal: a Comparative Study of Literature, Literary Theory and Journalism. She was a dedicated and beloved teacher of Arabic, influencing generations of students and earning the respect and friendship of her colleagues. Her loss will be deeply felt.

In addition to her DPhil, Dr. Haidar held degrees in English Literature and Drama from Damascus University, and a Master’s in Modern Middle Eastern Studies, along with a Post-Graduate Diploma in Education from Oxford. She was also a fellow of the Higher Education Academy in the UK.

Her academic contributions extended beyond Oxford, with teaching roles at the Institute of Ismaili Studies in London and other institutions. She was actively working on a book about the contributions of minorities to the Arab Enlightenment Movement and a chapter on Syrian Ismailis and the Arab Spring.

Dr. Haidar’s passing leaves a profound void in our community. She will be remembered for her academic excellence, dedication to teaching, and her kindness.

Further details regarding memorial arrangements will be shared in due course. We extend our deepest condolences to Dr. Haidar’s family and friends.