By Hannah Gill
In celebration of the University of Louisville’s new Middle East and Islamic Studies and Arabic Language Studies programs, the atrium of Lutz Hall is transforming into an Arab Market, but just for tonight.
Officially dubbed “Al-Souk: Experience Morocco,” this event is sure to offer a sweet taste of Moroccan culture while celebrating the arrival of two unique study programs at U of L.
Lauren Banko, a first year graduate history major and coordinator of the event, said, “The event is both a celebration for the university’s new studies programs, and also the country of Morocco. It is an area of Middle Eastern, French and North African culture, as well as home to the university’s Arabic teachers.”
Located on the northwestern coast of Africa, the country of Morocco is well known for “Al Souk,” the Arabic term for “the market.”
The event tonight will boast all the features of the traditional market, including authentic Moroccan food (couscous or baklava, anyone?), live music and even a few pictures and items from Morocco to set the tone.
“Al-Souk: Experience Morocco” will feature a vendor. The owner of “Road to Morocco,” a new Moroccan cafe and gift shop in downtown Louisville, will have some of the store’s cultural items available for purchase.
The students and professors coordinating this event are hoping that students will take advantage of this opportunity to learn more about the MEIS program and the richness of the Moroccan culture.
Banko said, “This is really the first semester for the MEIS program, so we’d like to get the word out about this new interdisciplinary minor, and about the Arabic course offerings, since Arabic language courses are in high demand throughout U.S. colleges.”
Dr. Nasr Yahyaoui, an Arabic professor at U of L, is equally excited by the expansion of U of L’s language program.
Yahyaoui said, “The growth of the Arabic program is a healthy indicator of diversity in the University of Louisville. Students start realizing the importance of exploring this area that has been for many years, a world of mystery. I hope this will be the beginning of many similar events for the MEIS program, and for the community of Louisville.”
