African Countries Culture Day held at KFU

The Institute of International Relations, History and Oriental Studies of Kazan Federal University hosted the African Countries Culture Day "Africa: Crossroads of Civilizations, Languages and Traditions". The event was organized by the Institute and the Department of External Relations of KFU.

The event combined academic research and traditional practices. The program included a thematic roundtable and workshops conducted by students from Africa.

"It is worth noting that this is only a small fragment of a larger event that will take place in the autumn, with the start of the academic year. We are talking about a large-scale scientific forum 'Russia – Africa'. The most beautiful part, perhaps, will be an exciting concert featuring our students, dedicated specifically to the culture and art of Africa," said Elmira Khabibullina, Dean of the Higher School of Oriental Studies – Eastern Division of the Institute.

During the discussion, faculty and students presented reports on the cultural characteristics and traditions of African peoples.

"The topic of my presentation is related to a language internship that took place at the end of December 2025. Our students and faculty traveled to the East African coast, to Tanzania. I spoke about how our intercultural dialogue was carried out," explained Aida Fattakhova, Associate Professor of the Department of Arabic Studies, Islamic Studies and Afro-Asian Studies at the Institute.

The event continued with a practical block – workshops on the art of tying African headscarves, as well as making traditional mask amulets.

"Today we showed masks that have great significance in African culture, especially in Nigeria. We also demonstrated headpieces for girls, which symbolize wealth," explained Ukayegbu Fredrick Chiemeri, a 4th-year student of the Institute of Fundamental Medicine and Biology at KFU.