Learn Arabian in the Kingdom of Morocco? Easy!

This July 59 students of the KFU Institute of International Relations, History and Oriental Studies and the students of Moscow State Linguistic University did a long journey to master their language with the best teachers at the Mediterranean coast of Western Africa.

It is the fourth year, that the Al Khadra Centre of Arabian Culture organized and the University of Abdelmalek Saadi (Kingdom of Morocco) hosted summer language training for students learning Arabian and French. A lot of work has been recently done to provide students with the most convenient accommodation and education facilities in a riverside town of Martil in Northern Morocco in 5-hour ride from the capital city of Rabat.

From the very first day in Morocco, the students plunged into language and cultural studies. Excursions to the nearest towns of Tetouan, Chechaouene, and a Spanish town of Ceuta introduced this magic Eastern African country. A tour to the emperor and most famous Moroccan cities was headed by a Russian-speaking guide telling the history of the country in detail.

As all Arabian countries, including Morocco, were having a sacral period of Muslim Ramadan, students were invited to charity dinners (iftars) of the Al Khadra Centre of Arabian Culture and the project supervisors and could taste traditional Moroccan cuisine and cook together their favourite dishes.

The official opening took place on July 9 at the University Administration Office in the town of Tetouan. The ceremony was attended by the Vice-President of the University of Abdelmalek Saadi, the Dean of the Faculty of Philology and Humanities, Director of the Centre of Arabian Culture, and the project supervisors Dr. Said Al Musawi and Nuruddin Al Makki. The Vice-President addressed to the participants with a welcoming speech; he stressed the importance of the development of two-way exchange of students and teachers and thanked all people involved into the project and students as ambassadors of their countries.

The opening ceremony finished with a film about the Republic of Tatarstan  and its capital in Arabian that impressed all the participants, especially the students whose hearts were full of joy and pride for their native country and small motherland.

According to the project, students spend at the university 5 days a week learning Arabian grammar and eloquence, Arabian poem writing and storytelling.

In August Martil will host Festival of Cultures where Tatarstan students will introduce Russia and their region, present Russian and Tatar culture, national dances, songs and cuisine.