Cultural Bridge: Arab Study Center Opened in Portugal

Sharjah Opens New Arab Study Center in Portugal: A Bridge Between Cultures

A unique and historically significant event took place in Portugal as one of the United Arab Emirates' most renowned cultural leaders, the ruler of Sharjah, officially opened the new Arab Study Center at the University of Coimbra. The event marks not only a milestone for academic and cultural life but also signifies the deepening relationship between the two regions—the Arab world and the European scientific community.

The Location: Coimbra, Part of UNESCO Heritage

The city of Coimbra in Portugal is in itself a symbolic location. The university where the center was opened is one of the oldest on the European continent and is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site. When the delegation from Sharjah, led by the ruler, arrived at the university, local residents and students watched the event with excitement, many capturing the special procession from windows or the streets. The Sharjah National Orchestra played traditional Arabic melodies, setting the tone for the cultural celebration.

Why is the New Center Important?

The goal of the Arab Study Center in Coimbra is to facilitate academic dialogue, improve understanding of Arab culture, and research historical connections. The center is envisioned not only as a place of learning but also as a cultural bridge capable of linking the Arab world with European intellectual and scientific communities.

The university rector also emphasized that this institution provides an opportunity for students and researchers to mutually understand each other's history, scientific achievements, and cultural heritage. This is particularly important today when global dialogue often occurs in the shadow of political tensions and misunderstandings.

Respect for the Past: A Visit to the 300-Year-Old Library

One of the memorable moments of the day was when the ruler visited the Joanina Library, which has preserved scientific values for more than 300 years. Currently, an ambitious project is underway to digitize 30,000 volumes, preserving approximately 20 million pages of historical knowledge for future generations. The work is being carried out with the support of the Sharjah Book Authority.

During the visit, the library was enriched with a special gift: a 16th-century manuscript written by a Portuguese explorer, Duarte Barbosa. In the work, the author provides a detailed account of his travels in the Indian Ocean region, including experiences in the area of present-day UAE. Alongside the manuscript, the ruler of Sharjah also presented his own book, which also showcases the historical role of the Arab world.

A Narrative Reinterpreting Historical Connections

In his speech at the library, the ruler highlighted that Barbosa, as a witness of his time, recorded how developed the region was already back then—whether in terms of science, commerce, architecture, or cultural life. By doing so, he not only gifted a valuable document but also symbolically returned historical justification to the Arab world through a credible external source.

This new narrative, which emphasizes peace, cooperation, and dialogue based on historical connections, is a necessary counterbalance to the conflict-centered perspective prevailing globally. According to the director of the Milan Arab Cultural Institute—an institution also opened by the ruler of Sharjah a year ago—such initiatives can help alleviate tensions both culturally and politically.

Passion for Knowledge and Heritage

On the day of the opening, several participants emphasized the cultural impact of such events. One attendee expressed that opening such institutions is not only of academic significance but also opens spiritual doors between people—especially for those who love knowledge, history, and heritage preservation.

This event serves as a reminder of the important role cultural diplomacy and scientific cooperation can play in shaping relations between nations. The center opened in Coimbra offers new opportunities not only for Portuguese and Arab students but for everyone who believes in the power of knowledge and wishes to build a more open, understanding future starting from the past.

Summary

The opening of the Arab Study Center at the University of Coimbra is a milestone in the history of Arab-European cultural relations. Sharjah's commitment to science, heritage preservation, and dialogue sets an exemplary message that is particularly timely today: building bridges between cultures, exchanging knowledge, and respecting shared history could be the key to a more peaceful, harmonious world.

(Source of the article: Visit to the University of Coimbra in Portugal.)