Moroccan studies chair launched at Al-Quds University to strengthen cultural ties

The Bayt Mal Al-Quds Agency inaugurated the Moroccan Studies Chair at Al-Quds University in the Holy City on Sunday. This academic initiative aims to foster scholarly exchange while promoting Moroccan culture and heritage in Palestine.

The launch event was attended by Mohamed Salem Cherkaoui, Director of the Bayt Mal Al-Quds Agency; Hanna Abdennour, President of Al-Quds University; Safae Nasser Eddine, Chair President; and a number of researchers and students.

This newly established academic program is designed to immerse Palestinian students in the rich cultural and civilizational heritage of Morocco, a nation long committed to upholding the values of unity, freedom, justice, and peace. The studies will focus on exploring the ties of solidarity and social connection between Morocco and Palestine, highlighting their deep historical, cultural, and civilizational bonds.

Speaking at the ceremony, Hanna Abdennour emphasized that the Moroccan Studies Chair will strengthen the cultural, social, political, and spiritual connections between the Moroccan and Palestinian peoples. These ties, he noted, have fostered close relations between Moroccans and the social fabric of Al-Quds.

The initiative seeks not only to enhance cultural exchanges between academic communities in both countries but also to revive the centuries-old historical links that unite them. Additionally, it aims to enrich and promote Moroccan cultural presence in Al-Quds through high-quality research and studies.

Abdennour expressed gratitude to the Bayt Mal Al-Quds Agency for its ongoing efforts to preserve Palestinian heritage and support the people of Al-Quds through impactful programs and initiatives.

Mohamed Salem Cherkaoui highlighted that the establishment of this academic field is another step in reinforcing Morocco's multifaceted presence in Al-Quds and Palestine. He underscored the role of scientific research in solidifying these ties, noting that the agency also offers annual excellence awards and scholarships to Palestinian students in various fields, including studies on Al-Quds, humanities, law, innovation, medicine, and pharmacy.

Cherkaoui encouraged the Moroccan Studies Chair administration to leverage these opportunities to achieve its objectives, align with the annual action plan of the Moroccan Cultural Center (Bayt Al-Maghrib), and foster constructive collaboration. He added that the Moroccan Cultural Center would temporarily host the chair's administration until its dedicated facilities on the university campus are completed.

Safae Nasser Eddine described the chair as an effective platform for strengthening communication between Moroccan and Palestinian academics and intellectuals. She expressed hope that it would serve as a model for cultural exchange within the Organization of Islamic Cooperation member states and as a platform for promoting the values of justice, dignity, and tolerance across civilizations and cultures.

The Moroccan Studies Chair will provide Palestinian students and researchers with an opportunity to explore Morocco's history, culture, and civilization. It will also shed light on Morocco's significant presence in Al-Quds and Palestine at large. Moreover, it seeks to encourage Palestinian scholars to uncover lesser-known aspects of Morocco-Palestine relations, rooted in the past, thriving in the present, and oriented toward the future.

Nasser Eddine emphasized the chair’s commitment to highlighting Morocco's efforts in preserving the civilizational and historical identity of Al-Quds while spreading values of peace, justice, and dignity.

The ceremony concluded with the signing of a memorandum of understanding between Cherkaoui and Abdennour, formalizing the administration and management of the Moroccan Studies Chair.