In a two day tribute to Taha Hussain, Egypt's foremost intellectual of the 20th century, many intellectuals joined in a series of scholarly presentations and debates, highlighting the great contributions and open, tolerant thinking of Taha Hussain. In a surprise to the audience, Serageldin delivered a brief reading of the great poem by Nizar Qabbani on the occasion of Taha Hussian's death in 1973 in lieu of his opening address. The reading was very well received.