With deep shock and great sorrow, we bid farewell to Prof. Dr. Udo Steinbach, an extraordinary person who significantly shaped German Middle East studies and whose dedication and friendship will always remain close to our hearts. Udo Steinbach passed away on August 3, 2025, but his legacy will continue to accompany us.
Udo Steinbach was one of the most influential figures in modern Middle East research in Germany. After studying Oriental Studies at the universities of Freiburg and Basel and completing his doctorate in 1970, he devoted his life to the exploration of and dialogue between the cultures of the Near and Middle East. His career led him to roles such as Head of the Middle East Department at the German Institute for International and Security Affairs (SWP), Director of the German Orient-Institute in Hamburg, and founding director of the GIGA Institute for Middle East Studies. His teaching at various universities and his work with the Maecenata Foundation and other organizations bear witness to his tireless commitment to intercultural dialogue and understanding.
We are especially proud that Udo Steinbach was the founding father of our Euro-Mediterranean-Arab Association (EMA e.V.). Since 2008, he supported the association with great dedication and was always a valuable advisor and supporter. His vision and commitment played a key role in shaping and enriching the association.
His death leaves a profound void in our community, especially at a time when the region needed his voice more than ever. We have lost a dedicated scholar, a compassionate advocate for German-Arab relations, and above all, a loyal friend. Our deepest sympathy goes out to his family, friends, and all who knew him.
Udo Steinbach’s life’s work and his dedication to dialogue and friendship will always serve as a guiding example to us. We will remember him with gratitude.
On behalf of the EMA Board,
Dr. Abdelmajid Layadi
(himself awarded a doctorate under Prof. Dr. Steinbach with magna cum laude)
