Yesterday, on the 23.05.2023, the Department of Orientalistics has celebrated its 50th establishment anniversary at the University of Pristina. Besides professors, students, and graduates of this Department, the opening ceremony was greeted by the rector of University of Prishtina, Prof. Dr. Qerim Qerimi, the Ambassador of the Republic of Turkey in Prishtina, Mr. Sabri Tunç Angılı, the Ambassador of Saudi Arabia in Tirana, Mr. Faisal Ismail Hifzi, as well as heads of scientific and research institutions.

In her welcoming speech on behalf of the Faculty of Philology, Prof. Dr. Milote Sadiku, the vice-dean of the faculty, greeted the attendees and emphasized the importance of Oriental Studies, stating that students who complete their studies in this Department have the opportunity to become acquainted with the languages and cultures of Eastern peoples, learn about the Eastern cultural heritage in the Balkans and Albanian regions, as well as acquire knowledge and understanding for interpreting various cultural and political phenomena related to the Orient.

In his welcoming speech, the rector of the University of Prishtina expressed his happiness to be part of the celebration of the 50th anniversary of the establishment of the Department of Oriental Studies, which is one of the oldest departments of the University of Prishtina. He added that the Department of Oriental Studies, established in 1973, has produced a series of scientific and cultural works and has educated orientalists who have made valuable contributions to understanding the Eastern heritage.

Meanwhile, the Turkish ambassador to Prishtina, Mr Angılı, stated in his speech that the Balkans significantly influenced the tradition of thought and state management in the Ottoman Empire. He also declared that Albanians have had a great influence in the past on the Balkan region.

At the end of the ceremony, the professors of the Department of Oriental Studies, Prof. Dr Feti Mehdiu, Prof. Dr. Ismail Ahmedi, Prof. Dr. Iljaz Rexha, Prof. Dr. Muhamed Mufaku, Prof. Dr. Mehdi Polisi, Prof. Dr. Abdulla Amidi, Prof. Dr. Isa Memishi, were honoured and thanked for their work and contribution to the Department and Oriental studies.

As part of the 50th anniversary program of Oriental Studies, a scientific panel discussion was held on the topic of "50 years of Orientalistics at the University of Prishtina," where contributions, achievements, challenges, and the current status of Oriental studies were addressed.

As part of this anniversary, the attendees also had the opportunity to view an exhibition of Arabic calligraphic works by Ejmen Hasani, an MA-level student in the Department of Oriental Studies.