Homonym: Nahda (Renaissance)
The term "Nahda" refers to the cultural and intellectual revival that took place in the Arab world during the 19th and early 20th centuries. This movement aimed to modernize Arab society by embracing new ideas in literature, science, and philosophy, often influenced by Western thought. It sought to promote education, social reform, and a renewed sense of Arab identity.
Key figures of the Nahda include writers and thinkers like Jamal al-Din al-Afghani and Michel Aflaq, who played significant roles in advocating for reform and modernization. The movement laid the groundwork for contemporary Arab nationalism and continues to influence cultural and political discourse in the region today.