Number: MA/25/F2/0/025

Flagship: 2 - Europeanness: multilingualism, pluralities, citizenship

Faculty: FF

Project leader: Záhora, Jakub

This project develops language-based Middle East Studies programmes through joint workshops and the exchange of best practices between Charles University, the University of Copenhagen and the University of Warsaw. Its focus is on integrating intensive instruction in modern Arabic, Turkish, Hebrew and Persian with approaches from the social sciences and humanities to create more comprehensive and sustainable programmes.

The initiative responds to two key trends. Across Europe, area studies have faced declining student numbers and limited funding, making integration of diverse educational components necessary. At the same time, there is growing demand for expertise in Middle Eastern languages and affairs, linked to the EU Neighbourhood Policy, the integration of MENA communities, and the transnational nature of Middle East politics and economics.

Activities include three multidisciplinary workshops, two in person and one online, bringing together language instructors and scholars in history, sociology and political science. These sessions will compare curricula, develop ideas for blended courses and summer or winter schools, and outline new joint educational activities. Outcomes will include a final report with recommendations, the publication of an academic blog post to share findings more widely, and preparation of follow-up funding applications. In the longer term, the project aims to strengthen collaboration, enhance staff and student mobility, and expand the capacity of European Middle East Studies programmes.