The role of the Sudanese Cultural Attaché in Cairo as guardian of identity and promoter of cultural communication – Something for the homeland – ✍️ Eng. Salah Ghariba
The General Secretariat of the League of Arab States recently attended the first annual meeting of cultural attachés accredited to Egypt. This important meeting highlighted the role of culture as a bridge of understanding, a bulwark of identity and an effective tool for building channels of dialogue between people. Amidst these discussions, it becomes necessary for us to focus broadly on the vital role that the Cultural Attaché of the Sudanese Embassy in Cairo can play, not only towards the large Sudanese community in Egypt, but also in enriching the Egyptian and Arab cultural scene present in the land of Kenana.
Sudan, with its vast territory and ancient history, constitutes a unique cultural mosaic. An identity in which African roots, with their deep Nubian roots and ancient cultural treasures, are closely linked to Arab and Islamic tributaries. This rich identity, evident in music and rhythms, fashions and vibrant colors, literature and poetry, as well as Arabic, African and Nubian architecture, needs a safe guardian and active promoter abroad.
In Cairo, which has become a “Little Sudan” due to its large Sudanese community, the challenge of preserving this heritage from dissolution arises, particularly among the younger generations who are growing up far from the homeland. This is where the essential role of the cultural attaché lies: to serve as a “second cultural home” for the community and a “luminous window of Sudan” onto the host community.
Based on what forum participants highlighted on the need to support cultural identity and the role of attachés, the Sudanese cultural attaché must work through three integrated circles: serving the Sudanese community by stabilizing the roots and the need for groundwork to strengthen the sense of belonging and identity among community members. This can be achieved by organizing or sponsoring periodic events and organizing Sudanese cultural weeks, Sudanese folk music and dance festivals and artistic and literary competitions that stimulate creative writing inspired by Sudanese heritage, establishing a library and mini-museum by providing Sudanese books, magazines and artwork, and documenting and by exhibiting examples of material heritage (fashions, crafts) and music, to be a living reference and memory for the new generation, and organize courses to teach the Arabic language in the distinctive Sudanese dialect and the history of Sudan, in order to connect children and youth with the language and history of their ancestors. This is equivalent to the effort indicated by Dr Hanan Youssef, in the same forum, on the partnership of academic institutions and society in the construction of identity.
Culture provides a bridge to understanding. The Sudanese-Egyptian relationship is unique, deeply rooted in a common history. “One Neil brings us together.” The attaché must exploit this intimacy to present Sudanese culture as a rich tributary that complements the Egyptian and Arab cultural scene, especially in light of technological development and the expansion of digital platforms through academic and cultural partnerships: cooperation with Egyptian universities, cultural centers and publishing houses, to organize joint seminars and mutual art exhibitions, present Sudanese writers and thinkers and highlight commonalities. By highlighting the Arab, African, Nubian and historical ties that unite the two countries, presenting Sudanese culture as an integral part of the Greater Nile civilization, using culture in crises to preserve collective memory during the current Sudanese crisis and organizing events that express the steadfastness and cohesion of the Sudanese people.
The forum, organized by the Arab League, testifies to the importance of common Arab cultural work, highlighted by advisor Youssef Mishari. The attaché must be an active partner, not just a participant, and introduce Afro-Arab identity by presenting Sudan as a model of Afro-Arab identity that combines Arab originality with African depth, which enriches the concept of overall Arab identity, participation in exhibitions and forums, and a strong and distinguished presence in international book fairs and Arab art festivals held in Egypt, so that Sudanese culture is present on the Arab cultural scene. map.
Based on the central and multifaceted role of the Cultural Attaché at the Embassy of Sudan in Cairo, which includes strengthening the cultural identity of the community, enriching the common Arab cultural scene and managing the educational affairs of the Sudanese community in Egypt (general and higher), and taking into account the large number of the Sudanese community and the increasing volume of tasks, it is proposed to strengthen the human staff of the Cultural Attaché at the Embassy of Sudan in Cairo. Attached to the embassy by appointing assistants and specialists in educational affairs (general and higher), for example, specialist or assistant in higher education affairs (universities, institutes and postgraduate studies) to follow the procedures for acceptance and registration of Sudanese students in various Egyptian universities, especially in light of the current circumstances which have increased the number of international students. • Equivalence of certificates and monitoring of regulations and laws related to higher education in the host country, and a specialist or assistant for general educational affairs (Sudanese schools and private educational centers) and I go to the administrator of the Sudanese Friendship School in Cairo to monitor the situation of Sudanese students in Sudanese and Egyptian schools and educational centers, and work to resolve their problems educational. • Oversee the requirements of the Sudanese examinations in Egypt and provide an appropriate environment for their conduct.
Appoint a specialist in the field of culture and social communication to activate the role of the attaché as an identity incubator by regularly organizing artistic and literary activities and forums (as discussed at the first annual meeting of cultural attachés). • Build effective partnerships with Egyptian and Arab academic and cultural institutions, to strengthen dialogue and present Sudanese culture in a professional manner. • Effective use of media and digital platforms to improve cultural awareness
In conclusion, the Sudanese Cultural Mission in Cairo is more than just a diplomatic office; It is a national ship that carries the heritage of an entire nation. Its role today is not marginal, but rather essential, because it is linked to the preservation of memory, the strengthening of belonging and the construction of bridges of understanding. Activating its role optimally is an investment in a cohesive and prosperous Arab future, in which everyone, community and host community, enjoys the richness of diversity and the unity of a common destiny. Strengthening the Office of the Cultural Attaché with these specialists and assistants ensures greater efficiency and more comprehensive coverage of its responsibilities towards the Sudanese community and the host community, making the attaché a vital center that serves Sudan’s educational and cultural mission abroad with great efficiency.
