شبكة طريق الحرير الإخبارية/                                                    /Silk Road News Network/

Ouargla University Launches “Chinese Corner”: A New Cultural Bridge Connecting Southern Algeria to the Silk Road

KHELIL Abdelkader*

Reflecting the deep-rooted ties and promising future between Algeria and China, Kasdi Merbah University in Ouargla has taken a strategic step to cement its role as a premier academic hub in southeastern Algeria. This week marked the official inauguration of the “Chinese Corner” at the university’s Innovation and Excellence Center. I was honored to attend the ceremony, an inspiring event that showcased our university’s vibrant commitment to global engagement. 

The inauguration was attended by a high-level delegation. The Chinese side was led by Mr. Zhao Pingcheng, First Counselor at the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in Algeria, along with the Cultural Attaché and their accompanying delegation. Representing the university was its Rector, Professor Mohamed Taher Halilat, joined by the vice-rectors of external relations and pedagogy, the Secretary-General, as well as several deans and academic officials. 

This “Chinese Corner” is a groundbreaking initiative—the first of its kind in southern Algeria and only the fourth nationwide, following tracks established in Algiers, Oran, and Constantine. It is designed to be a vibrant hub for cultural exchange, focusing on three key areas: 

Learning Resources: Access to literature and reference materials exploring China’s history, culture, and technological advancements. 

Cultural Events: Interactive workshops and exhibitions celebrating Chinese arts and heritage. 

Student Mobility: Academic networking and guidance on scholarship opportunities in China.

“Witnessing this milestone was a true privilege. The vast distance between the golden sands of Ouargla and the Great Wall of China has effectively vanished. It has been replaced by a knowledge gateway that offers our students a direct window into a global economic powerhouse and the language of the future.”

Vision for a Dedicated Chinese Department

The launch of this corner is just the beginning. The Chinese embassy and the university leadership, spearheaded by Professor Halilat, envision this space as a stepping stone toward establishing a formal Chinese Language Department. This initiative directly responds to the growing enthusiasm among local students and researchers, while aligning with the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research’s vision to modernize Algerian universities and boost their global competitiveness.

Ultimately, the “Chinese Corner” in Ouargla establishes a modern, intellectual “Silk Road.” It proves that universities in the South are fully capable of driving cultural and scientific diplomacy—cultivating a globally-minded generation ready to embrace diverse civilizations and contribute to national development.

Editor-in-Chief of Silk Road News Network*