African Culture Day held at Institute of International Relations, History and Eastern Studies
The tagline of yesterday’s celebration was Africa: A Crossroads of Civilizations, Languages, and Traditions.
The program featured a thematic roundtable discussion and a series of masterclasses conducted by students from African countries.
鈥淚t is worth noting that this event represents only a small part of a larger initiative that will take place in the autumn, at the beginning of the academic year. We are referring to the large-scale academic forum 搁耻蝉蝉颈补鈥揂蹿谤颈肠补. Perhaps the most visually striking element will be a concert performed by our students, dedicated specifically to African culture and the arts,鈥� said Elmira Khabibullina, Dean of the Higher School of Oriental Studies.
As part of the discussion session, faculty members and students delivered presentations focusing on the cultural characteristics and traditions of African peoples.
鈥淭he topic of my presentation is related to a language internship that took place at the end of December 2025. Our students and faculty traveled to the East African coast, to Tanzania. I spoke about how our intercultural dialogue was carried out,鈥� explained Aida Fattakhova, Associate Professor of the Department of Arabic Studies, Islamic Studies, and Afro-Asian Studies.
The event continued with a practical segment, including masterclasses on the art of tying traditional African headscarves, as well as on creating amulets in the form of traditional masks.
鈥淭oday, we demonstrated masks that hold significant cultural value in Africa, particularly in Nigeria. We also presented headwear for women that symbolizes wealth,鈥� noted medicine student Ukaegbu Fredrick Chiemeri.