Josef van Ess

Abstract

This article was written in honor of the late German Orientalist Josef van Ess (1934-2021) and appeared in the sixty-second issue of the German journal "Die Welt des Islams." It was written by Hinrich Biesterfeldt, a Professor of Islamic Studies at the University of Bochum who is a close friend of Josef van Ess and the editor of most of his writings. The study aims to provide a thorough and all-encompassing introduction of van Ess to the Arabic-speaking readership. It traces the significant phases of his life, ranging from his early years in Aachen in 1934 to his passing in Tübingen in 2021. Additionally, it showcases van Ess's noteworthy achievements, the historical and academic context that contributed to the emergence of his works, and the factors that influenced his scholarly identity. Moreover, it discusses his academic journeys, professional roles, and personal characteristics. Essentially, this article encapsulates a concise depiction of the life story of a prominent figure in German Orientalism who extensively delved into Islamic Theology and Philology.