AIT has held a seminar dedicated to World Arabic Language Day
Azerbaijan Institute of Theology (AIT) held a seminar on Arabic Language Teaching in Azerbaijan: Realities and Prospects dedicated to World Arabic Language Day.
AIT rector Jeyhun Mammadov congratulated the participants on the occasion of World Arabic Language Day. He mentioned the contribution of the leading Azerbaijani scholars of Arabic studies such as Aida Imanguliyeva, Alasgar Mammadov, Vasim Mammadaliyev and others to the development of Arabic language in our country.
AIT rector stressed that the Instittue attaches specific importance to the teaching of the Arabic language for the development of students in the field of theology and their involvement in academic researches.
J. Mammadov further spoke about the high religious and spiritual environment in our country. He noted that President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Mr. Ilham Aliyev is pursuing the religious policy formed by great leader Heydar Aliyev successfully and purposefully.
Mentioning the goals set for the development of AIT, the Rector noted that the Institute holds a series of educational activities to develop the younger generation as worthy citizens, strengthen their commitment to their motherland and state.
Professor Imamverdi Hamidov, Doctor of Philology, Head of the Department of Ancient Azerbaijan Literature at the Nizami Institute of Literature of the Azerbaijan National Academy of Sciences (ANAS) delivered a presentation on Features of the Use of Arabic Words and Expressions in Classical Azerbaijani Literature. He informed the participants about reading the examples from classical Azerbaijani literature in original and the use of Arabic words and expressions, which are frequently encountered in classical texts.
Associate Professor Mahir Hamidov, Senior researcher at the East-West branch of the Institute of Oriental Studies named after Z. Bunyadov, ANAS delivered a presentation on East and West, Different Worlds with Common Values in Aida Imanguliyeva’s Works. M. Hamidov spoke about the works of Arabic Mahjar Literature that were stuied comparatively by Professor Aida Imanguliyeva. He said that studying literary heritage of the Arabic Mahjar writers who were well informed about Latso, Budda and Brahma’s thoughts, requires be as knowledgeable as those writers. “In this regard, a comparative study of the literary and philosophical heritage of the Arabic Mahjar literature members proves that Aida is not only an expert in Arabic literature, but also a master of different literary and philosophical trends as well as multicultural values. ”
Associate Professor M. Hamidov further noted that in our globalized world, the works of Professor Aida Imanguliyeva who has devoted a lifetime to the study of these sources, have always been a valuable source for each researcher who seeks to find common values between East and West.
Associate Professor Mammadali Babashli, Instructor at Azerbaijan Institute of Theology, Head of the East-West Department of the Institute of Oriental Studies named after Academician of ANAS Z.M. Bunyadov, delivered a speech on Alasgar Mammadov’s Role and Services in the development of modern Azerbaijani Arabic studies and gave information about the life and works of the scholar. He noted that Alasgar Mammadov was accredited with being one of the founders of Azerbaijani Arabic studies. M.Babashli also mentioned A.Mammadov’s exceptional services in the organization of the Department of Arabic Lanuage and Literature at Baku State University.
M.Babashli said that despite the political-ideological pressure, existing obstacles and the lack of specialists in this field, thanks to the dedication of Alasgar Mammadov, the school of Arabic studies in Azerbaijan revived and soon gained a leading position in the Soviet Union. Touching upon the issue of teaching Arabic in modern times, M. Babashli emphasized Alasgar Mammadov’s exceptional role in the achievements gained since the period of independence, “As if Alasgar, master of Arabic, an enthusiastic teacher, was born to learn and teach a language.”
Associate Professor Ilkin Alimuradov, Head of the Department of Languages and Social Sciences, gave detailed information about the teaching of Arabic at AIT. Speaking about the textbooks, I.Alimuradov said that these books were discussed when the Institute started its activity and relevant decisions were made. He further emphasized that students who complete the syllabus on Arabic language are required to read and understand simple, medium-sized modern Arabic texts written primarily on socio-political and scientific topics, to acquire appropriate translation, oral and written speech skills as well as theoretical and practical knowledge.
Alasgar Mammadov’s daughter Sharafat Mammadova shared her memories of the professor at the event. She stressed that the specialists of Arabic studies who taught by him continue to follow his path today and that the textbook he authored in the systematic study of the Arabic language still keeps its relevance.
Professor Nasrulla Mammadov spoke about the scholarly activities of Professor Alasgar Mammadov and noted that the book he authored is still widely used in the teaching of Arabic.