Between January and June 2022 a team of five students from the International Politics Department at City, University of London, embarked on a journey to discover the work and legacy of Rosemary Hollis, director of the Olive Tree programme and Professor of Middle East Policy at City during 2008-2018, who suddenly passed away in June 2020.

The project, aimed at celebrating and commemorating Rosemary’s life while enhancing students communication skills and the practical application of their studies, was initiated and directed by Dr Sara Silvestri.

The student participants were: Postgraduate Nadim Khan, final year Undergraduates Chloe Rameau and Elisabeth Nikolaishvili, and second year Undergraduates Tasneem Mcarthur and Kai Costa.

The interviews

An interview with Olive Tree alumni Khalil Bitar and Dror Sharon

The first recording is a group interview led by Nadim Khan (MA student) with the assistance of Chloe Rameau and Elisabeth Nikolaishvili (both final year UG students).

They interview Olive Tree alumni Khalil Bitar and Dror Sharon, who are currently completing their doctoral studies respectively in Dresden (Germany) and Tel Aviv (Israel).

Professor Rosemary Hollis Commemoration Interview with two Olive Tree alumni Khalil Bitar and Dror Sharon.

An interview with Dr Seila Panizzolo

The second recording is an interview led by our recent graduate Chloe Rameau - while she was completing her final year - with the last PhD student of Prof. Hollis, Dr Seila Pannizzolo.

Seila is currently a lecturer in the Department of International Development at the University of Oxford. In her Doctoral thesis at City, University of London, Seila explored the relations between humanitarian offices of the United Nations Country Team and public authorities in the United Arab Emirates.

Interview with Dr Seila Panizzolo about Prof Rosemary Hollis

An interview with Prof. Wendy Pullan

The third recording is an interview conducted by Chloe Rameau with Wendy Pullan, Professor of Architecture and Urban Studies at the University of Cambridge where she also directs the Centre for Urban Conflicts Research.

She was Principal Investigator for 'Conflict in Cities and the Contested State’, an international and multidisciplinary research project funded by the UK Economic and Social Research Council.

Prof Hollis served as an advisor in this project. Professor Pullan has published widely on European and Middle Eastern architecture and cities, examining the processes of urban conflict, justice and everyday life.

Interview with Prof Wendy Pullan remembering Prof Rosemary Hollis

An interview with Prof. Amnon Aran

The fourth recording is an interview with the current Director of the International Politics Department at City, University of London, Amnon Aran. He is Professor of Middle Eastern Studies and a specialist of Israeli Foreign Policy.

The interview, conducted by Nadim Khan, addresses Rosemary’s legacy not only as a scholar but also as a colleague in the department.

Interview about Rosemary Hollis with Prof Amnon Aran

An interview with Olive Tree alumnus Amjad Alawi

The fifth interview is in writing and was conducted by second year undergraduate student in International Politics Tasneem Mcarthur with Olive Tree Alumnus Amjad Alawi.

Amjad completed his undergraduate degree in international politics at City, University of London, as an Olive Tree scholar during 2013-2016. He currently works as a translator (Arabic-English) and English teacher in East Jerusalem.

An interview with Dr. James Rodgers

The sixth interview is in writing and was conducted by Elisabeth Nikolaishvili with James Rogers. A former Russia and Middle East correspondent, James is currently Reader in International Journalism and Vice-President for Global Engagement at City, University of London. In the interview he addresses his professional encounter with Rosemary Hollis.