The Arab Organization for Education, Culture and Science (ALECSO), based on the principles of historical responsibility and the conviction that the Arab-Muslim civilization has always been open to dialogue with other cultures, and wishing to contribute to mutual understanding and rapprochement between peoples, has periodically organized colloquiums since 1997 aimed at strengthening the traditions of dialogue Arab culture and civilization with other cultural super-systems (for example, the Arab-Chinese dialogue in Beijing and the Arab-African dialogue in Cape Town were held in 1999, and the Arab-European dialogue in Paris and the Arab - Latin American dialogue in Tunis in 2002).

Within the framework of this program, ALECSO, together with the Institute of Oriental Studies of the Russian Academy of Sciences, organized a colloquium on "The Arab-Russian Dialogue in the XXI century" in Hammamet (Tunisia) from June 23 to 25, 2003. Interaction of Russian and Arabic cultures and the history of mutual relations".

The colloquium was attended by representatives of the Arab humanitarian intelligentsia (writers, poets, scientists, university professors and public figures) from Algeria, Egypt, Jordan, Yemen, Kuwait, Lebanon, Morocco, Palestine, Syria and Sudan. Russia was represented by a group of scientists from the Institute of Oriental Studies of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow State University, the Institute of Law of the Russian Academy of Sciences and the Institute of Oriental Studies at Kazan University.

The opening ceremony of the colloquium was attended by the ambassadors of several Arab countries in Tunis. Opening the colloquium, CEO ALEXO Monji Busnina highlighted Russia's important geopolitical position and its role in resolving conflicts in the Middle East. The Governor of Nabul Province, Ibrahim al-Bariki, and the Russian Ambassador to Tunisia, Alexander Podtserob, stressed the importance of dialogue between the two great cultures.

Deputy Director of the Institute of Oriental Studies of the Russian Academy of Sciences A. Z. Egorin, who also spoke about the deep historical roots of Russian-Arab relations, delivered a welcoming speech to the participants of the colloquium.

On the first block of problems of the colloquium "Historical roots of Arab-Russian relations", the report of the Dean of the Faculty of Languages of Ain Shams University in Cairo, Makaram Ahmed al-Ghamri, "Russian-Arab cultural dialogue: a historical review"was heard. Russian-Arab relations dating back to the 9th century A.D., she noted, were noticeably revived only in the first half of the 18th century due to the emergence of Oriental studies in Russia, and then with the appearance of Russian scholars in Arab countries in the last quarter of the 19th century. The most important means of mutual knowledge and understanding were translations, primarily of literary monuments and works of classical literature. Offering an original periodization of the main stages of translation from Russian to Arabic and from Arabic to Russian, and referring to achievements in previous decades, the report notes a marked decline in the scale of translations in the 1990s and suggests a number of measures to improve work in this area.

The colloquium demonstrated a new surge of interest in the well-known "Note" ("Risala") Ibn Fadlan, as it was 170 years ago when it was discovered. Tunisian scholar and public figure, chairman of the Russian-Arab Friendship Society Ahmed Khalid, noting the exceptional value of Risala for the history, ethnography and culture of the peoples of Central Asia and the Volga region, stressed that in its genre this work goes beyond the usual travel books, diaries or embassy reports, and at the same time in an original manner of narration and the colorfulness of the language is of considerable interest. Tunisian geographer Ali al-Toumi focused on the analysis of three aspects of Ibn Fadlan's report: the external description of the inhabitants of the Volga region (Bulgars, Slavs, etc.); their daily life and economic activities; moral values and religious rituals.

Ibn Fadlan's travels were also touched upon by Tariq Mansour, Professor of History at Ain Shams University, and Abdeljamil Zinulin (Kazan). Their reports were devoted to the history of relations between the Arab Caliphate and the Volga and Ural regions in the X - XVI centuries.

The report of V. V. Orlov (ISAA at Moscow State University) was devoted to the study of the phenomenon of Eastern despotism in Russian historiography. In his opinion, in the pre-colonial period in the Far Maghreb, many political and socio-economic forms typical of Eastern despotism were absent. This indicates that in the XVII - XIX centuries in the Sherif Empire

page 157

(Morocco) The eastern despotism did not develop, except during the reign of Moulay Ismail. The report of V. V. Orlov, as well as the reports of young scientists T. G. Gritsenko (MSU) "From the history of Russian-Arab relations: Russian communities in Egypt and Tunisia in the XX century" and A. V. Ryasov (MSU) "Types of social progress in the thinking of Arab and Russian philosophers and thinkers", aroused the interest of the session participants and discussions.

B. G. Seyranyan (IB RAS) highlighted cultural ties between Egypt and Russia (50s - 70s of XX century), concerning, in particular, the development of such art forms as circus, folk choreography and classical ballet.

The second block of problems of the colloquium was devoted to the topic "Russian Oriental Studies and its role in the rapprochement of Arabic and Russian cultures".

Adnan Jamous (Union of Arab Writers and Writers, Syria) in the report "Similarities and differences between Russian and Arab cultures" and Abd ar-Rahim al-Atawi (Univ. In the report "The merits of Russian Orientalists in the study of the Arab-Muslim heritage", the authors noted the important role of Russian Oriental studies in the study of Arab-Muslim culture and in the rapprochement of Russian (Russian) and Arab civilizations. They emphasized a number of distinctive features characteristic of Russian Arabic studies. Unlike the Western schools of Oriental studies, it originated, formed and developed in a region geographically closer to the Arab world, and such areas of the Russian Empire (and later the Soviet Union) as the Caucasus and Central Asia, being adjacent to the Middle East in their traditions, culture and religion (Islam), were closely connected with the Arab World. the Arab world, and the Arabic language was known and spoken there. The Caucasus and Central Asia, being culturally part of the Islamic world, simultaneously served as a connecting bridge between two civilizations; Orthodoxy is the closest branch of Christianity to Islam; finally, one of the components of Russian civilization (along with the main one - Orthodoxy) is Islam as a religion professed by a certain part of Russians.

Suleiman Zidie, head of the Institute of Foreign Languages Studies at the University of Damascus, in his report "Perspectives of Russian Oriental Studies: historical and social aspects", gave the following characteristics of Russian Oriental studies: the absence of hostility and opposition of the West to the Islamic world; the approach to the cultures of the peoples of the East from the position of equality; the absence of patronizing and condescending attitude, the desire to

Wajih Fanous, Deputy Secretary General of the Lebanese Writers ' Union, in his report "The role of Arab translators in getting acquainted with the works of Russian writers", noted the important role of translators in the interaction of the two civilizations. He proposed an original scientific periodization of the history of translation activities from Russian to Arabic, starting with the first outstanding translators of the mid-19th century-the Egyptian Muhammad Ayyad al-Tantawi and the Syrian Yusuf Saba, and up to the last period - from the beginning of the 90s of the 20th century to the present.

Dmitry Frolov (ISAA at Moscow State University) spoke about the contribution of classical Arabic philology to world culture. Referring to the achievements in the field of Qur'anic studies in Russia, he noted the importance of the commented translation of the classic work "Perfection in the Qur'anic Sciences" ("al-Itkan fi 'ulum al - Qur'an") by the famous Egyptian scholar Jalal al-Din al-Suyuti (d. 1505), carried out by the ISAA and the Spiritual Administration of Muslims of the European Union. parts of Russia.

V. E. Chagall (Institute of Oriental Studies of the Russian Academy of Sciences) reviewed the works of Russian researchers devoted to various aspects of the development of science, culture and literature in the Arab countries, paying special attention to the works performed at the Institute of Oriental Studies in recent years.

S. A. Frantsuzov (SPbF IB RAS) summed up the results of 20 years of activity (1983-2003) Soviet(Russian)- Yemen integrated expedition, discoveries and achievements of Russian scientists in South Arabia. The success of this expedition, he stressed, is largely due to the participation of specialists from the classical school of Arabic studies and Islamic studies in its work, as well as the personal qualities of its first leader, Pyotr Afanasyevich Gryaznevich.

The third block of problems of the colloquium was devoted to the topic "Mutual influence of Arab and Russian civilizations". Samir Sirhan, President of the Egyptian State Book Committee, critic and literary critic, said in his report "Introduction to the Russian-Arab cultural dialogue from the point of view of literary relations" that the Arab world has become familiar with Russian literature.-

page 158

The early 20th century was marked by the strong influence of Russian literature on Egyptian literature, especially in the short story genre. Major figures of Russian and Arab culture, such as Leo Tolstoy, Vladimir Solovyov and Mohammed Abdo, made an important contribution to the development of the Russian-Arab dialogue at its initial stage, which contributed to the establishment of deep and strong cultural ties between the two civilizations in the following decades. Poet and literary critic, Professor at Omdurman University (Sudan) Taj al-Sir al-Hasan in the report "The concept of a literary school in the theory of Russian literature and its connection with modern Arabic literature" on the example of the creative community of two prominent figures of Arabic literature of the XX century. Mikhail Nuaymeh and Abbas Mahmoud al-Akkad, who took into account the achievements of Russian literary studies, especially its "natural school", showed "what influence they had on the formation of the "modern Arab innovative school" of the second half of the XX century."

The topic of the report of Tunisian poet Monsif Mezghani and writer Mustafa Fersi is Arabic-Russian interaction and mutual influence in the field of literature and translation problems. Monsif Mezghani spoke about cooperation in various spheres of culture, especially in the field of literature, and quoted excerpts from poems by major Egyptian and Arab poets Ahmad Shawki and Hafiz Ibrahim dedicated to Leo Tolstoy; Mustafa Fersi focused on Russian-Tunisian literary ties.

Maria at-Tawfiq, Professor of Russian at the Faculty of Humanities, Moscow State University. Mohammed V (Rabat) in her report "The image of the Russian person in the Arab media" reported on the achievements and changes that have taken place in the era of the modern information revolution.

L. R. Syukiyainen (Institute of State and Law of the Russian Academy of Sciences) in his report "Russian and Arab Law: general and special" noted that the experience of developing modern Arab and Russian legal systems is of great scientific importance (the possibility of effective interaction of European and Muslim legal cultures within one national legal system) and is of practical interest It is of interest to develop effective comprehensive cooperation between Russia and Arab countries, especially in the field of legal education and the creation of joint legal service centers.

A. B. Podtserob in the report " Two cultures: collision or interaction?" Based on extensive factual material, he showed the interaction and mutual influence of the Russian and Arab-Muslim civilizations, the contradictions that arose and the mechanisms for overcoming them that were being formed, and emphasized the general historical trend of mutual understanding and rapprochement between both civilizations.

D. V. Mikulsky (Institute of History of the Russian Academy of Sciences) devoted his report to the great Arab - Muslim historian of the tenth century Masudi and the study of his heritage in Russia. The most valuable descriptions and materials on history and ethnography given in his works are of great interest to researchers of early Russian history and Arab-Muslim culture in Russia, which explains the relentless interest in the work of this historian at all stages of Russian Arabic studies.

The topic of Fasikh Badrakhan's report is the Arab-Muslim cultural influence on the southern regions of Russia-Dagestan and the North Caucasus-since the appearance of the Arabs there in the early eighth century, then the voluntary adoption of Islam by the North Caucasians, and, finally, the reasons for the rapid spread of Sufism in the region in the late eighteenth and first half of the

The fourth thematic block of the colloquium was entitled "Fundamentals and Prospects of the Russian-Arab cultural dialogue".

Head of the Department of Philosophy of the University of Constantina (Algeria) Ismail Zaruhi, in his report "Mechanisms for the development of the Arab-Russian dialogue and methods for its improvement and renewal", said that the development of the Russian-Arab dialogue at the beginning of the XXI century, in the era of globalization, when the peoples of the world are increasingly becoming inhabitants of the "united world village", requires fundamentally new approaches to the development of the corresponding era ethics based on respect for human rights, the development of democracy and pluralism, civil society, the protection of minorities, the elimination of conflicts and antagonisms by resolving contradictions through peaceful means.

page 159

Zuhair Al-Tahat, Director of the Royal Center for Culture of the Ministry of Information of Jordan, noted that despite the most important transition period in its history and the associated economic crisis, Russia continues to be a great power with huge scientific and military potential, huge natural resources and high-level human potential. He provided interesting data on the extent of cooperation between the Soviet Union and Arab countries during the last period of the Cold War, when the latter continued to be the main ally and main source of military and economic assistance for a number of Arab countries. So, back in 1989, 1,350 Soviet military specialists worked in Iraq, 2,300 in Syria, 305 in North Yemen, and 875 in South Yemen. The number of Russian economic and technical advisers in the same year reached 16,660 in Iraq, 2,800 in Syria, 365 in North Yemen, and 1,075 in South Yemen. According to the speaker, the Arab countries and Russia need to be more actively involved in economic cooperation. Similar thoughts were expressed by an adviser to the Minister of Higher Education of Kuwait Ali Halabi, noting that the creation of favorable conditions and benefits for attracting Arab capital to the Russian economy will contribute to the development of bilateral economic ties.

Palestinian publicist Ahmed Sidki al-Dadjani emphasized the growing importance of dialogue between the Arab and Russian civilizations in the era of globalization, which is necessary for both sides to counter new challenges that manifest themselves in various forms.

Tariq Mansour Mohammed, Professor of History at the Faculty of Humanities at Ain Shams University, devoted his report to the history of economic and cultural relations between Russia and the Arab world from the time of Kievan Rus and the Baghdad Caliphate up to the 1990s. He offered an interesting perspective plan for cooperation between Russia and Arab countries in the field of culture and science, emphasizing the special role that can be played by The Institute of Oriental Studies of the Russian Academy of Sciences can also play a role in this.

A. Z. Yegorin, Deputy Director of the Institute of Oriental Studies of the Russian Academy of Sciences, in his report "Russia, Islam and the World in the XXI century" noted that Islam in Russia has played and is playing a significant role, influencing all aspects of life in the country. He stressed that West-centricism and Orientalism are not typical of the Russian mentality, which is largely due to geographical, historical and psychological factors. A. Z. Egorin criticized the ideas about the conflict between Islamic and Christian civilizations that are being discussed in some circles in the West, and gave arguments that indicate mutual understanding and interaction between Russian and Arab - Muslim cultures and civilizations.

M. F. Vidyasova (ISAA) considered the problems and prospects of the development of Arab-Russian economic relations (on the example of Egypt). She described the radical changes that have taken place in the economic relations between the two countries: if in the past cooperation in the economic and technical spheres was carried out by state organizations, now the role of private capital is growing and expanding. In the context of the information revolution and globalization, the winner is the one who has the knowledge. Therefore, it is in the interests of both countries to pay special attention to contacts between their universities and research centers.

Director of the Russian Cultural Center in Tunis N. A. Nazarov devoted his speech to the history and current state of Russian-Arab cultural cooperation. He cited data that from 1955 to 2000, about 300,000 Arab students graduated from Soviet (Russian) universities; there are currently 6 Russian cultural centers operating in Arab countries, while at the turn of the 1980s and 1990s their number reached 13.

G. V. Mironova (MSU) spoke about theoretical, methodological and practical issues of training foreign specialists in Russia, about the peculiarities of teaching Arabic students the Russian language and other subjects.

In general, the colloquium was held in a businesslike, constructive and friendly atmosphere, which was also facilitated by the fact that among the Arab participants there were many graduates of Russian universities and several people who defended their dissertations at the Institute of Oriental Studies of the Russian Academy of Sciences and other scientific centers of the Russian Federation. The Russian-Arab dialogue has shown that the potential for cooperation between the two civilizations is far from exhausted. Many proposals were put forward to improve and improve the relations between the two sides. The colloquium was covered by the Tunisian and Arab press, television and radio, as well as Agence France-Presse.

page 160

press". During the dialogue, several issues of special bulletins called "Responses to the Colloquium in the Press"were published.

The participants of the colloquium agreed that it is necessary to:

- organize regularly - every two years-colloquiums within the framework of the Russian-Arab dialogue in accordance with the agreement signed by ALECSO and IV RAS, holding it alternately in Russia and in Arab countries, prepare for publication the proceedings of the past colloquium;

- to step up efforts to translate the works of Russian Orientalists into Arabic and the research of Arab scholars on Russia into Russian;

- to promote the strengthening of relations in the field of information between the parties, to create a joint website of ALECSO and IV RAS on the Internet, containing up-to-date information in the scientific and cultural spheres;

- activate the work of the cultural centers of each of the parties.

The main result of the colloquium is that its participants came to the conclusion that the Russian-Orthodox and Arab-Muslim civilizations have accumulated a huge positive historical experience of coexistence and mutual understanding and were open to dialogue at all stages; for a long time, as a result of multilateral cooperation, reliable mechanisms for promoting mutual understanding were developed and then improved. the theory of clash of civilizations is not applicable to the Russian and Arab-Muslim civilizations, they are ready for comprehensive cooperation, mutual influence and mutual enrichment.

Permanent link to this publication: