The International Youth Exchange Programme (Zajel) of An-Najah’s Public Relations Department has recently organized a cultural trip to France and Spain during July 19 – July 31, 2018.

The trip included visiting seven cities; namely, Paris, Barcelona, Syracuse, Madrid, Toledo, Córdoba and Granada. The participants visited the old city and the Gothic Quarter in Barcelona to learn about its historical and cultural features and ethnic diversity.

In Syracuse, they visited Al-Jafería Palace, a fortified medieval Islamic palace built during the second half of the 11th century. In Toledo, they visited several historical sites and learned about its strategic importance in Islamic history and the Iberian Peninsula.

In Granada, a visit was organized to the Arab-Moroccan Neighborhood, Alhambra Palace, Palacio de Generalife, the Great Mosque of Granada and Granada markets. In Córdoba, the students saw the Mosque–Cathedral of Córdoba also known as the Great Mosque of Córdoba, the Old City, the Guadalquivir, the Roman Bridge of Córdoba, the Andalusian Heritage Museum, the Inquisition Museum, Córdoba Cazar and others memorials.

During the visit, Mr. Alaa Abu Dheir, Zajel Coordinator briefed the students on the Islamic sites they visited and talked about prominent related figures in Andalusia such as Abd Al-Rahman, known as Al-Dakhil (“the Entrant”), Tariq Ibn Ziyad, Al-Mu’tamid Ibn Abbad, Abdul Rahman Al-Nasser, the Battle of Sagrajas, Mohammed Bin Abi Amir Al-Mansur, Yusuf Ibn Tashfin, Muhammad Ibn Tumart and the Moors History.

In France, they went to Paris, the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre Museum, Disneyland, the Champs-Elysées and the Seine and other historical and cultural monuments. The visit included training for students on travel systems through airports, train stations, public transport, tour bus services and GPS.

Notes:

The trip is funded and organized by An-Najah’s Public Relations Department that aims to encourage cultural exchange among the University students through Zajel programmes.