Olive Branches Unite Cultures: BelSU’s ‘Symbol of Peace’ Competition Highlights Global Harmony

The results of the Olive – Symbol of Peace International Drawing Competition were recently announced at Belgorod National Research University (BelSU) during an awards ceremony and creative evening held in honour of World Olive Day. Faculty, staff, and students from various universities gathered to celebrate this significant event. Attendees included representatives from Belgorod State University, Shukhov Belgorod State Technological University, the National Research University Higher School of Economics (HSE University) in St. Petersburg, Al-Istiqlal University in Palestine, and students from the Shukhov Lyceum in Belgorod.

Nikolai Tsybulya, BelSU Vice-Rector and Director of the International Cooperation Department welcomed participants in multiple languages, emphasizing the Arabic greeting assalamu alaykum, which conveys a wish for peace. He congratulated everyone on World Olive Day, highlighting its importance and symbolism.

“The emblem of the Centre for Arabic Language and Culture is the olive tree. On the opening day of the Centre, BelSU Rector Evgeniya Karlovskaya, and Al-Istiqlal University Rector Mr. Nuruddin Abualrub, planted an olive tree together. By stepping into this Centre and our university, you carry peace in your hearts, thoughts, and intentions. I congratulate all the participants and winners of the competition and wish you peace,” said Tsybulya.

Professor Rehab Al-Saadi, Dean of University Centres at Al-Istiqlal University in Palestine, spoke about the cultural significance of the event and expressed gratitude to the organizers for their professionalism and support of this important initiative. She emphasized Belgorod State University's vital role and the Mahmoud Darwish Center for Arabic Language and Culture in fostering Arab-Russian cooperation, strengthening cultural ties, and promoting Arab culture in Russia.

“The ‘Olive Tree: A Symbol of Peace’ International Competition is more than just an artistic platform; it serves as a space for cultural dialogue where creativity fosters mutual understanding among peoples.Globally, the olive branch symbolizes harmony, renewal, and the aspiration for peaceful coexistence," she stated.

Against this backdrop of universal symbolism, Professor Al-Saadi underscored the profound significance of the Palestinian olive, which holds a central place in the history and culture of the Palestinian people.

Alradwan Mai, a specialist at the Mahmoud Darwish Center for Arabic Language and Culture, and Ahmad Nur, a student at the Al Asad Institute of Medicine, shared insights into the significance of the olive tree across various cultures worldwide. Abedelghani Aya Reda Kelani, a student at the BelSU Institute of Medicine, highlighted the beneficial healing properties of olive oil, discussing its applications in both medicine and cosmetology. The evening also featured a captivating array of poetry and songs performed in Russian and Arabic by Ellina Ernest, Fatullah Fatima Ahmed, Al Asad Ahmad Nur, Al-Mohammedavi Abdullah, and Waseem Murshed Sumayee Muhammad.

The jury for the International Drawing Competition Olive – Symbol of Peace comprised esteemed individuals from the art community. Wahbi Abdullah, Chairman of the Belgorod Regional Branch of the Creative Union of Artists of Russia, also a member of the Moroccan-Russian Friendship Association and the Association of Foreign Graduates and Students of Universities in the Belgorod Region; Valery Kuzminov, a member of the Union of Artists of Russia and Senior Lecturer in the Department of Theory, Pedagogy, and Methodology of Primary Education and Fine Arts at BelSU's Pedagogical Institute; Angela Danilenko, Associate Professor in the same department; and Abbos Kodirov, Senior Lecturer in the Department of Theory, Pedagogy, and Methodology of Primary Education and Fine Arts.

In summarizing the competition, Elena Nazarenko, a specialist at the Mahmoud Darwish Centre for Arabic Language and Culture, emphasized how the theme resonated deeply with participants.

“The competitors approached their work with creativity, reflecting their understanding of the history and culture of various peoples. Their annotations revealed themes of family continuity, faith, resilience, and the power of peace. As organizers, we aimed to inspire students to form independent ideological perspectives that reinforce the spiritual and moral values shared by all humanity. It is heartening to know that our future lies in capable hands," she noted.

Winners and participants from Russia, Palestine, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Cameroon, Iraq, and Egypt received diplomas and commemorative gifts from the Department of Educational Work and Youth Policy at BelSU and the Association of Foreign Alumni and Students of Universities in the Belgorod Region.