Dialogue Session at Damascus University on “Arab Nationalism, Islam, and Christianity: A Cultural Integration within the Framework of the Broad Arab Culture”

A dialogue session on “Arab Nationalism, Islam, and Christianity: a Cultural Integration within the Framework of the Broad Arab Culture” was organized by the National Union of Syrian students. The dialogue was attended by Minister of Religious Endowments Dr. Mohammad Abdul-Sattar al-Sayyed, Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research Dr. Bassam Ibrahim, Minister of Information Dr. Boutros Hallaq, President of the National Union of Syrian students Dr. Dareen Suleiman, President of Damascus University Dr. Osama al-Jabban, members of the Executive Office of the Students Union, Vice Presidents of the University, Deans of Faculties and students.

During the session, Minister of Religious Endowments gave a lecture in which he stressed that Arab Nationalism, Islam and Christianity are the basic components of Arab Islamic civilization. He also pointed out that the terrorist war that Syria has been exposed to for 12 years targeted national identity, national belonging and the basic elements of Arab civilization.

In his lecture, Dr. Al-Sayyed touched on the historical depth of the Arab presence in the Levant, stressing that Syria is the cradle of Christianity, and that it embraced Islam in the Levant. He also noted that the Arab Islamic civilization was launched by Arab Christians.

During her intervention, President of the National Union of Syrian Students pointed out the importance of universities as an intellectual platform capable of influencing public opinion. She also stressed the role of the religious institution in combating religious extremism and correcting terminology.

At the end of the session, the participants called for the need to work on raising awareness among the new generation about the dangers of modern liberalism on national belonging, and to intensify intellectual and cultural meetings targeting young people.