World Arabic Language Day: A Celebration of Culture and Cooperation at BelSU

Belgorod National Research University (BelSU) currently enrols 672 students from 13 Arab countries, all of whom actively participate in both the academic and social life of the university and the surrounding region.

Every December, the BelSU Mahmoud Darwish Centre for Arabic Language and Culture organizes the Arabic Language and Culture Festival. This event aims to introduce participants to various aspects of life in the Middle East, including its rich culture, traditions, and language. The festival also highlights common interests, potential growth opportunities, and avenues for collaboration across various fields. The role of young people in shaping the future of international relations cannot be overstated.

“The development and strengthening of Russia’s ties with the countries of the Middle East and North Africa is progressing rapidly. However, there is often a lack of knowledge about the region's unique features, language, culture, economics, and geopolitics. We aim to bridge this knowledge gap by engaging not only students and native speakers but also experts and partners from cultural and educational organizations. The growing interest in our events confirms that we are on the right track," said Elena Nazarenko, a staff member at the BelSU Mahmoud Darwish Centre for Arabic Language and Culture.

The festival spanned three days and featured notable guests, including Nikolai Sukhov, a Middle East expert and leading researcher at the Institute of World Economy and International Relations of the Russian Academy of Sciences. He is also a professor at the National Research University Higher School of Economics in St. Petersburg and holds a PhD in history. BelSU students and representatives from the Middle East region, such as Mai Alradwan from Syria, a specialist at the Mahmoud Darwish Centre, also participated.

During the festival, Nikolai Sukhov delivered a lecture titled “The Middle East: A Centre of Intersection of the Interests of Leading World Powers.” Alevtina Novikova, head of the BelSU School of Social and Humanitarian Studies, welcomed attendees, emphasizing the high calibre of the expert community and the relevance of the topics discussed.

Festival attendees also had the opportunity to visit an exhibition titled “Petroglyphs and Rock Art of the Sahara Desert,” featuring over 100 photographs by Nikolai Sologubovsky. His work captures ancient rock art from UNESCO World Heritage Sites in the Sahara Desert. The exhibition displays petroglyphs found in remote areas of Mathandush, Uweinat, and Acacus deserts – regions that remain largely unexplored. Visitors were treated to glimpses of messages from ancient African artists, depictions of wildlife on stones, and everyday scenes painted on rocks, offering insights into the lives of ancient peoples. The exhibition will be open until May 2026.

On the second day of the festival, Olga Timoshkova, an Associate Professor in the Department of International Relations, Foreign Regional Studies, and Political Science at the BelSU Institute of Cross-Cultural Communications and International Relations, gave a lecture on nonverbal communication. This crucial aspect for aspiring international relations specialists includes understanding gestures, facial expressions, and body language – skills that can determine the success or failure of business negotiations and personal relationships.

The festival concluded with a vibrant creative evening organized by BelSU students alongside guests from Shukhov Belgorod State Technological University. The event brought together students, staff, and faculty from various cities across Russia and Palestine – BelSU’s long-time friends and partners. Participants enjoyed an enchanting evening filled with poetry and songs in Arabic, providing a unique glimpse into this captivating culture.