A look back at the cerermony awarding an honorary doctorate to Javier Cercas, world-renowned Spanish writer

UT Capitole and Sciences Po Toulouse, a component institution of the university, welcomed Javier Cercas on Tuesday 9 December for a special day that brought together students, university staff and members of the public. After participating in a round table discussion in the morning on the theme of ‘Literature, Journalism and Political Memory,’ the writer was welcomed in the late afternoon to the office of President Hugues Kenfack. A tree was then planted on campus in his honour, a powerful gesture that is part of a symbolic tradition of welcome and rootedness and which marks his lasting connection with our university.

Finally, Javier Cercas was awarded an honorary doctorate during an official ceremony attended by Véronique Dominguez-Guillaume, Deputy Rector for Higher Education, Research and Innovation for the Occitanie academic region. The ceremony began with a performance by the Toulouse Student Symphony Orchestra (OSET).

A leading figure in contemporary literature and author of acclaimed novels such as Soldiers of Salamis and The Impostor, Javier Cercas is renowned for his exploration of themes of memory, identity and history, which resonate with the universal values upheld by Toulouse Capitole University. Known for his intellectual commitment and unique narrative style, he perfectly embodies the values of curiosity, rigour and humanism that are dear to our university.

Javier Cercas's acknowledgements and his vision of literature

                                                I lost my faith, and that is why I dedicated my life to literature.

During his speech, Hugues Kenfack paid tribute to Javier Cercas, a writer who is ‘committed, a citizen of the world, who wants to fight for truth and justice’, comparing him to Victor Hugo. The President of the University also recalled his relationship with Europe and his battle against nationalism.

   The awarding of an honorary doctorate to Javier Cercas illustrates our ambition to foster dialogue between disciplines, cultures and generations within a university that is open to the world.

Like the Spanish writer, Toulouse Capitole University is open to the world and believes in diversity. By welcoming a figure whose work enriches public debate, the university strengthens its ties with culture and society. In honouring Javier Cercas, it reaffirms its role as a hub of knowledge and exchange, where perspectives and experiences converge.
 

Born in 1962 in Ibahernando (Spain), Javier Cercas is one of Europe's most renowned contemporary writers. A professor of contemporary literature and member of the Royal Spanish Academy, he has published numerous novels that have been translated into several languages, including:
 

• The Soldiers of Salamis (2001)
• The Impostor (2014)
• Terra Alta (2019)