UCLA Anthropology
Abel Valenzuela, Aomar Boum and Stephen Acabado (left to right) at National Academy ceremony of the Kingdom of Morocco./UCLA Anthropology
Aomar Boum, professor of anthropology and of Near Eastern languages and cultures at UCLA, was inducted into the National Academy of the Kingdom of Morocco at a ceremony held April 24 in Rabat, Morocco.
It was a moment that brought together so many parts of his life, connecting his early years in Morocco to his years of scholarship and community building abroad. True to form, Boum began his remarks by thanking the mentors, colleagues, friends and family members who had guided and supported him throughout his scholarly and personal growth.
“That introduction was overwhelming in the best way. I truly can’t thank my mentors and family enough for their support,” Boum said.
It was also a proud and emotional moment for Boum’s colleagues who have witnessed his dedication and impact over the years.
“Aomar’s work has always shown us how community histories are deeply tied to landscapes. It’s only fitting that our new UCLA-UIR (Université Internationale de Rabat) Highland Ecology Project in Morocco builds on his legacy — centering local knowledge, memory, and the environment,” said Stephen Acabado, fellow professor of anthropology and chair of the UCLA’s Archaeology Interdepartmental Program, who attended the ceremony.
Born in Foum Zguid, in Tata province, Boum’s early experiences in a Saharan Amazigh community shaped the way he approaches history, identity and belonging. Today, he holds appointments in the departments of anthropology, history and Near Eastern Languages and Cultures at UCLA. His research has centered on the complexities of religious and ethnic minorities in North Africa, and his work has challenged and broadened the narratives about Jewish-Muslim relations across the Middle East and North Africa.
At the induction ceremony, Boum delivered a lecture that captured the spirit of his scholarship: Salham, Jeans, and Kaftan: Sartorial and Fashion Narratives of Moroccan Jewish Immigrants in North America. In this talk, he explored how the Moroccan Jewish community in Los Angeles integrated into the larger LA community through global fashion trends, positioning themselves not on the margins but as notable contributors to the city’s economy. Boum introduced the concept of “sartorial syncretism” to describe how Moroccan Jewish immigrants negotiated and reshaped cultural identities through fashion, using the marketplace and style as vehicles for integration, entrepreneurship and cultural impact.
“His lecture was an eye-opening and textured portrait of migration, identity and economic creativity — areas where Aomar’s work continues to open new conversations,” said Acabado.
The ceremony was made even more meaningful by the presence of UCLA Division of Social Sciences Dean Abel Valenzuela, who traveled to Morocco to honor Boum’s achievements. Dean Valenzuela’s attendance reflected the respect Boum commands not only at UCLA but also globally.
“It was a complete honor to be in attendance to celebrate Professor Boum,” said Dean Valenzuela. “His research represents what UCLA does best — engaged, interdisciplinary scholarship that crosses borders and connects communities.”
Boum’s election to the National Academy affirms the significance of his work and the reach of his scholarship. It is also a proud moment for anthropology, especially among his colleagues in the Department of Anthropology at UCLA, who have long recognized the depth and impact of his contributions.
“Boum’s work reminds us how histories of migration, belonging and creativity can reshape how we understand our shared worlds,” added Acabado.
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