[1] Prof.
Dr. Han J.W. Drijvers passed away on 11 February 2002 at the
age of 67. He was a retired professor of Semitic Languages and
Literature and Archaeology of the Near East at the University
of Groningen, the Netherlands.
[2] Born 25
September 1934 in Winschoten, a little provincial town in the
North of the Netherlands, Han Drijvers always remained rooted
in Groningen, the province he loved so much. In his grammar
school years he already showed great interest in the phenomenon
of religion. As a result he decided to study theology at the
University of Groningen, where he came into contact with the
Semitic languages. He decided to graduate in both Theology and
Semitics. After writing a Ph.D. on Bardaisan of Edessa
(1966) he received a personal lectureship in Semitic Literature
and Linguistics at the faculty of Arts (1970) and, in addition,
in the Religions of the Era of Hellenism and the Roman Empire
at the faculty of Theology (1972). This combination of Language
and (Religious) Culture has characterised his career and is
reflected in his publications on many topics ranging from the
earliest stages of ancient Syriac literature to the history and
religions of the Near Eastand Hellenism, archaeology and
religious phenomenology. Next to his dissertation his edition
of The Book of the Laws of Countries: Dialogue on Fate of
Bardaisan of Edessa (1965) and his study Cults and
Beliefs at Edessa (1980) are but two of his numerous
publications.
[3] In 1976
his lectureship was converted into a personal professorate.
After the retirement of his mentor in Semitics, Prof. Dr. J.H.
Hospers, Han Drijvers became the professor in ordinary at the
Institute of Semitic Languages and Cultures, and Archaeology of
the Near East of the University of Groningen (1986). In earlier
years he already had been involved in the development of this
department, but now he guided it rather effectively through the
rough seas of budget cuts and academic "restructuring". Under
his supervision several dissertations on Syriac and related
topics were written and Groningen became a household name in
the field of Syriac Studies.
[4] Drijvers
not only has made a name for himself as a scholar, but also as
an administrator. He has been, among others, a member of the
University Board (1972-1974) and Dean of the Faculty of Arts
(1981-1984). He also has been a member of many national and
international academic committees and boards. Most Syriac
scholars will remember him presiding the business meetings at
various Symposia Syriaca. He has been a participant of all
symposia, except for the last, when his physical condition made
it impossible for him to travel to Sydney - much to his
regret.
[5] Han
Drijvers not only was an academic, but he also was an active
member of society. He was, for example, a member of the
national Blood Transfusion Board and he was involved in the
encouragement and study of modern art. As main editor he was
involved in a number of studies on regional artists. At his
retirement in 1999 he was appointed by the queen Companion of
the Order of Orange Nassau for his achievements in academics
and in society.
[6] During
the last years of his life Han was hampered by a disease, not
even he was able to conquer. He did put up a brave fight, but
in February of this year it finally got the better of him. He
will be missed.