Translation. Region: Russian Federation –
Source: Peter the Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic University –
An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.
The Russian-Arabic Language and Culture Club has opened at the Polytechnic Institute of Humanities. Arabic is the official language in 24 countries: Egypt, Iraq, Bahrain, Syria, Algeria, the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Tunisia, and others. This new student initiative aims to foster intercultural dialogue, strengthen humanitarian ties, and expand the university's international cooperation.
The club was initiated by students Alexey Mochalov (Humanities Institute, Higher School of International Relations) and Youssef Bassem Hassan Abdelsamiyeh (Institute of Industrial Management, Economics, and Trade). The club will be led by Irina Kolesnik, a Middle Eastern culture teacher and responsible for international students at the Humanities Institute, and Abu Haidar Fawzi Hanna, an Arabic language teacher at the Higher School of International Relations at the Humanities Institute.
The opening ceremony brought together Russian and international students from SPbPU studying Arabic, interested in the history and culture of the Arab world, and international cooperation.
The program included a presentation of the club's concept and activities, plans for organizing language meetings, thematic lectures, discussion platforms, cultural evenings, and educational events focused on developing communicative and intercultural skills. Special attention will be paid to creating conditions for regular language practice and expanding students' academic contacts.
Assistant Vice-Rector for International Affairs Pavel Nedelko noted that this event is a particular joy for him, as many years ago he himself participated in and organized the "A Thousand and One Nights" event with Arab students.
The cultural and creative component of the program was an important element. At an exhibition dedicated to the traditions and cultural heritage of Russia and Arab countries, guests learned about their cultures, histories, and everyday life, and sampled national delicacies.
The musical accompaniment was provided by professional performer and renowned musician Argishti, who performed compositions on traditional Eastern instruments—the Arabic oud and the Armenian duduk. Incidentally, the musician's parents are both Polytechnic University graduates (his father is an Arab from Algeria, and his mother is Russian).
The cultural portion of the event continued with a performance by Iraqi artist Mustafa Akram and poetry readings in Russian and Arabic. A themed photo zone was also organized for guests.
The event's status was underscored by the presence of distinguished guests: Waddah Al-Jundi, Director of the Center for Russian-Arab Cooperation in St. Petersburg, and Selim Samir Ali Hassan, Press Secretary; Adam Ahmed Abdillah Ishaq, President of the African Unity NGO; and Irina Artemyeva, Representative of the House of Nationalities. Their participation underscores the initiative's significance for developing intercultural ties in St. Petersburg and strengthening partnerships between educational and public organizations.
The project was supported by the Directorate of the Humanitarian Institute and the Volunteer Projects Center "Harmony" (Dobro.Center SPbPU).
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