International Arabic Language Day at the Faculty of Philosophy in Sarajevo

On Thursday, 18 December 2025, continuing a long-standing tradition, the Department of Arabic Language and Literature at the Department of Oriental Philology, Faculty of Philosophy, University of Sarajevo, marked the International Arabic Language Day. The event once again brought together students, teachers, pupils, and enthusiasts of the Arabic language and culture, highlighting the enduring importance of Arabic in both academic and cultural contexts.

The welcoming address was delivered by Prof. Dr Minka Džanko, Vice-Dean for Scientific Research, International Academic Cooperation and Publishing at the University of Sarajevo-Faculty of Philosophy, who emphasized the importance of marking International Arabic Language Day and highlighted the role of continuous academic and cultural cooperation.

Among the guests were pupils from primary and secondary schools in the Sarajevo Canton where Arabic is taught, as well as the Guest of Honour, H.E. Mr Mohammad Meraimi, Ambassador of the People’s Democratic Republic of Algeria to Bosnia and Herzegovina. In his inspiring address, Ambassador Meraimi spoke about the long-standing friendly relations between the two countries and emphasized the importance of cultural and educational cooperation, announcing future collaborative projects between the Embassy, the Faculty, and the Department.

H.E. Mr Mohammad Meraimi received a Letter of Appreciation in recognition of his outstanding contribution to the promotion and development of the Arabic language, as well as for his dedicated efforts in strengthening educational, cultural and diplomatic ties between Algeria and Bosnia and Herzegovina.

The programme was prepared and performed by students of the Department of Arabic Language and Literature, in cooperation with their professors and teaching assistants. Through short informative presentations, recitations, short plays, monologues, and musical performances, the students conveyed their passion for Arabic as a language of rich history, culture, and artistic expression.

Following the official programme, students presented a variety of sweet and savoury dishes from Arabic cuisine, offering guests an opportunity to enjoy a tasting that added a gastronomic dimension to the celebration.

It is worth recalling that International Arabic Language Day has been observed since 2012, commemorating the date in 1973 when the United Nations General Assembly adopted Arabic as its sixth official language. Today, Arabic is spoken by over 400 million people worldwide and is the official language of 24 countries.

Arabic Language and Literature has been taught at the Faculty of Philosophy in Sarajevo since its establishment in 1950, within the framework of the Department of Oriental Philology, continuing a decades-long tradition of Oriental studies and intercultural dialogue.