Jerusalem – March 2, 2025
The launch of the Moroccan Studies Chair at Al-Quds University was officially announced today, Sunday, in Jerusalem, following the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between the Bayt Mal Al-Quds Asharif Agency (BMAQ) , the Moroccan Cultural Center – Bayt Al-Maghrib in Jerusalem, and Al-Quds University.
The signing ceremony was attended by a Moroccan academic delegation, along with deans of faculties and directors of research centers affiliated with the university..
The creation of this academic chair, located in a specialized wing within the Faculty of Engineering at Al-Quds University’s Abu Dis campus, is a key initiative aimed at showcasing Morocco’s rich history and cultural legacy.
This initiative, formalized through a Memorandum of Understanding signed by the three parties, reflects Morocco’s commitment to promoting the values of unity, freedom, justice, and peace, principles upheld by the Kingdom of Morocco under the leadership of HM King Mohammed VI, Chairman of the Al-Quds Committee.
On this occasion, Dr. Hanna Abdel Nour, President of Al-Quds University, hailed the establishment of the Moroccan Studies Chair as a pivotal milestone in enhancing cultural, academic, and research collaboration between the Palestinian and Moroccan people. He underscored that this initiative represents a revitalization of the longstanding historical ties that have connected the two nations for centuries, reinforcing their shared heritage and mutual solidarity.
Dr. Abdel Nour emphasized Morocco’s steadfast commitment to supporting the Palestinian people, particularly the city of Jerusalem, under the leadership of HM King Mohammed VI. He expressed optimism that this collaboration would continue to expand and strengthen in the future, while also conveying his deep appreciation for Morocco’s generous and lasting contributions.
For his part, Dr. Mohamed Salem Echarkaoui, the director in charge of running the BMAQ Agency, highlighted that the creation of this academic chair marks an important step in deepening the historical connection between Moroccans and this sacred land. He noted that the initiative not only reinforces this bond but also expands Morocco’s multifaceted presence in Jerusalem and Palestine, particularly through academic and scientific research.
He underscored that BMAQ, operating under the direct supervision of HM King Mohammed VI, remains committed to supporting Palestinians and strengthening local institutions in Jerusalem. He highlighted the Agency’s scholarships for Palestinian university students, as well as grants for researchers specializing in Jerusalem-focused field studies, humanities, and legal sciences. Additionally, he noted that the Agency actively promotes innovation by offering scholarships for invention and research, alongside annual grants awarded to university students.
Dr. Safa Nasser Al-Din, Chair of the Moroccan Studies Program, presented an overview of the initiative, describing the establishment of the Moroccan Studies Chair at Al-Quds University as a strong bridge connecting Moroccan and Palestinian academics and intellectuals. She expressed her aspiration for this initiative to become a leading model for cultural exchange among the member states of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), fostering dialogue and the sharing of ideas across diverse civilizations and cultures globally.
Dr. Nasser Al-Din outlined the objectives of the academic chair, which focus on encouraging Palestinian students and researchers to further explore the deep-rooted Moroccan-Palestinian relationship, spanning from the past to the present and into the future. She also highlighted the various activities of the chair, including research projects, scholarships, and awards.
She emphasized the strong bond between the Palestinian and Moroccan peoples, a relationship that has further deepened under the leadership of HM King Mohammed VI, Chairman of the Al-Quds Committee and a steadfast supporter of Jerusalem and its people.
The agreement signing ceremony was accompanied by a scientific workshop, led by Dr. Banan Salah Al-Din from the Arabic Language Department at Al-Quds University. The session featured insightful discussions by Dr. Mohamed Chiguer, Dr. Abdel Fattah Al-Bal’amshi from Morocco, and Palestinian novelist and academic Dr. Walid Al-Shurafa, focusing on the role of knowledge in strengthening connections between nations, with a particular emphasis on Morocco and Palestine.
Additionally, poet Mourad Al-Qadiri, President of the House of Poetry Foundation in Morocco, and poet Mourad Al-Sudani, President of the Palestinian Writers’ Union, examined the shared influences and intersections within Moroccan and Palestinian poetic traditions.
The following session, titled Voices of the Arts: When the Artist’s Brush Pierces the Heart of Silence, brought together Sidi Mohamed Al-Mansouri, President of the Moroccan Syndicate of Professional Visual Artists, and Dr. Hisham Mohsen, Dean of the Faculty of Arts at Al-Quds University, for an engaging discussion on the transformative power of artistic expression.
It is worth noting that BMAQ has maintained a strong and enduring partnership with Al-Quds University, offering scholarships and supporting various academic and development initiatives over the years. One of its most recent contributions was the transformation of the university’s campus spaces in Beit Hanina, a project funded by the Kingdom of Morocco. This initiative included the redesign of the university’s entrances, featuring traditional Moroccan architectural elements, further enriching the cultural and historical connection between Morocco and Palestine.
