Abdul-Nabi Isstaif

Abdul-Nabi Isstaif (Arabic: عبد النبي اصطيف, romanized: ‘Abd al-Nabī Iṣṣṭayf; born 1952) is a professor of comparative literature, critical theory and translation at Damascus University.

He is a specialist in modern Arabic literature and criticism with special reference to Western influences.

Twice vice-dean for academic affairs, and a former chairman of Arabic Department at the University of Damascus, Isstaif founded the Syrian General Organization of Books and was its first general director (2006–2008).

He was also a member of the founding team which established the Higher Institute for Interpreting and Translation at the University of Damascus.

Representing Syria (particularly the University of Damascus) in many regional, pan-Arab and international conferences, meetings and cultural weeks, Isstaif has participated in tens of academic, cultural and literary conferences and symposia all over the Arab World and beyond, and has lectured widely in many Arab, Eastern and Western universities on Arabic literature relations with the literatures of the world, Arabic culture, Orientalism and Edward Said, and on world civilizations and their interrelations.