The Language Center at Al-Quds University
is part of the University Requirement Unit under the Office of the Vice President of Academic Affairs
The Language Center Mission
To provide obligatory English Language courses and elective foreign language courses
Placement Test
The Center conducts the ITP TOEFL Level 2 for incoming freshman students

General Overview

The Moroccan Studies Chair at Al-Quds University is an academic and cultural initiative launched on March 2, 2025, through coordination between Al-Quds University, the Agency of Bayt Mal Al-Quds Asharif, the Moroccan Cultural Center – Bayt Al-Maghreb in Jerusalem, and Mohammed V University in Rabat.

The creation of this Chair forms part of a broad vision to introduce new generations to the Kingdom of Morocco, a nation that, with its deep historical and civilizational roots, stands today as a center for the dissemination of the values of unity, freedom, justice, and peace.

Morocco is considered a cradle of culture and civilization. It is home to Al-Qarawiyyin University in Fez, the oldest university in the world, and has long been a crossroads of Arab, Islamic, and African heritage. The Chair thus represents a bridge between two ancient civilizations, Morocco and Palestine linked by enduring historical, cultural, and spiritual ties.

The initiative seeks to study, document, and highlight these connections within an academic framework that promotes knowledge exchange and mutual cultural enrichment. It also reinforces the dissemination of Moroccan heritage, civilization, and modern identity in Palestine through research, teaching, and cultural events.

Historical and Cultural Context

The Moroccan presence in Jerusalem is one of the oldest and most enduring expressions of fraternity between the Moroccan and Palestinian peoples. The Moroccan Quarter in the Old City of Jerusalem has historically embodied this relationship, serving as a vivid symbol of shared faith, culture, and destiny.

Throughout history, Morocco has played a continuous and active role in supporting the Palestinian cause and in defending the holy city of Jerusalem. This commitment has been reaffirmed under the leadership of His Majesty King Mohammed VI, President of the Al-Quds Committee, who has provided ongoing political, humanitarian, and cultural support to the Palestinian people.

The Agency of Bayt Mal Al-Quds Asharif, operating under the direct supervision of His Majesty, implements various programs to strengthen the steadfastness of Jerusalem’s residents, particularly in the fields of education, culture, and the preservation of the Arab-Islamic identity of the city. Morocco’s role in defending the Palestinian cause and supporting the holy city and its inhabitants has always been acknowledged and deeply appreciated by the Palestinian leadership and people alike.

Vision and Rationale

The establishment of the Moroccan Studies Chair reflects a shared academic and cultural vision aimed at:

  – Introducing new generations to Morocco’s history, civilization, and contributions to human knowledge.

  – Highlighting the strong historical and humanitarian ties between Morocco and Palestine.

  – Promoting academic cooperation, intellectual exchange, and research partnerships between institutions in both countries.

The Chair also seeks to showcase the image of modern Morocco—its openness, tolerance, and cultural vitality—and to emphasize the development that the Kingdom continues to achieve under the wise leadership of His Majesty King Mohammed VI.

Institutional Framework

Name of the Chair: Moroccan Studies Chair – Al-Quds University

Mission: To introduce the history and civilization of Morocco and strengthen Moroccan-Palestinian academic and cultural relations.

Governing Framework: Protocol of academic cooperation signed between Al-Quds University, the Agency of Bayt Mal Al-Quds Asharif, the Moroccan Cultural Center – Bayt Al-Maghreb in Jerusalem, and Mohammed V University in Rabat.

Supervising Institution: Agency of Bayt Mal Al-Quds Asharif

Supporting Partner: Moroccan Cultural Center – Bayt Al-Maghreb in Jerusalem

Host Institution: Al-Quds University

Academic Partner: Mohammed V University – Rabat

Chairholder: Dr. Safaa Nassereddine

Board of Trustees Members:

  • Prof. Dr. Hanna Abd Al-Nour
  • Dr. Mohamed Salem Al-Sharqawi
  • Mr. Ismail Al-Ramli

Scientific Committee Members:

  • Dr. Safaa Nassereddine (Chairperson)
  • Dr. Mo’tasem Al-Nasser – Professor of History, Al-Quds University
  • Dr. Mohamed Al-Sammar – Specialist in Islamic History and Archaeology
  • Dr. Mohamed Bou Salah – Director of the Architectural Restoration Center in Ouarzazate
  • Dr. Mohamed Al-Sheiker – Researcher in Aesthetics, Philosophy, and Discourse Interpretation

Additional Palestinian and Moroccan academics from both partner institutions.

Activities and Fields of Work

The Language Center at Al-Quds University is part of the University Requirement Unit under the Office of the Vice President of Academic Affairs. It offers English Language courses and foreign language electives and hosts around 10,000 students per academic year.

Academic Research and Publication

The Chair supports and coordinates research projects, including the flagship program “Morocco: History and Civilization.”
This project aims to produce academic studies and publications exploring Morocco’s cultural heritage, its Arab-Islamic and African identity, and its long-standing relationship with Palestine.

Scientific and Cultural Activities

The Chair organizes a range of scholarly and cultural events designed to strengthen academic exchange and public awareness, including:

  • Annual Conference on Moroccan-Palestinian Relations.
  • Academic Seminars and Discussion Panels focused on historical, cultural, and linguistic themes.
  • Joint Workshops between Moroccan and Palestinian universities and research centers.
  • Lectures and Cultural Encounters hosted by the Moroccan Cultural Center – Bayt Al-Maghreb in Jerusalem.
  • Collaborative Publications and exchange programs between Moroccan and Palestinian scholars.

These activities aim to deepen understanding of the shared history and promote continuous dialogue between Moroccan and Palestinian intellectual communities.

Academic and Cultural Impact

Through its research, events, and educational initiatives, the Moroccan Studies Chair contributes to consolidating the intellectual and cultural presence of Morocco in Palestine and reinforcing the shared values that bind both peoples.

It also creates an institutional platform for sustainable academic cooperation and joint cultural diplomacy, reflecting the mutual commitment of Morocco and Palestine to preserving heritage, promoting intercultural understanding, and fostering peace through knowledge and dialogue.

Al-Quds University