Latest news with #CervantesInstitute
Al-Ahram Weekly
22-02-2025
- Entertainment
- Al-Ahram Weekly
Cervantes Institute unveils Arabic translation of graphic novel on Dominican history - City Lights - Life & Style
The Cervantes Institute in Cairo and the Embassy of the Dominican Republic published an Arabic translation of Iván Gatón's graphic novel The Wonders of America's Beginnings, introducing Dominican history and heritage to Arabic-speaking audiences. The translation is part of an initiative by the Cervantes Institute (the Spanish Cultural Institute), the embassies of Spanish-speaking countries, and the Dominican embassy to foster cultural exchange. The graphic novel, published in 2024, was written by Dominican author Iván Gatón and titled Las super Maravillas de la Primada de América. It narrates 500 years of historical transformations in America, particularly that of the Dominican Republic, through comics. Iván Gatón's graphic novel The Wonders of America's Beginnings This initiative will allow Arabic-speaking audiences to engage with the Dominican Republic's rich history and heritage through graphic storytelling. A team from Al-Sadat City University, including Jacqueline Maged, Rahma El-Adawi, and Sara Shaheen, translated the graphic novel under the supervision of Professors Yomna Azmi and Rehab Wahdan. The launch event featured contributions from the Ambassador of the Dominican Republic in Egypt, Ysset Román Maldonado; the Director of the Cervantes Institute in Cairo, José Alba Pastor; Gatón; and the translation team. Several Latin American ambassadors and a diplomatic delegation from the Dominican embassy attended. Gatón emphasized that this work is the first of its kind to be translated into Arabic. Ambassador Maldonado and Pastor highlighted Gatón's contributions to spreading knowledge and culture, positioning the Dominican Republic as where the historical process that changed the world forever began. "The event is part of the Cervantes Institute in Cairo's programme, in collaboration with the embassies of Spanish-speaking countries, which focuses on highlighting the history and culture of Spanish-speaking nations, thereby enhancing cultural exchange and bilateral relations between Egypt and these countries," said Pastor. The graphic book The Wonders of America's Beginnings narrates the history of Hispaniola, a Caribbean island now part of Haiti and the Dominican Republic. The author aims to introduce the audience to the landmarks and historical events that significantly influenced global history. Short link:
Al-Ahram Weekly
09-02-2025
- Al-Ahram Weekly
ISECT enhances Egypt-Spain collaboration in tourism, hospitality and heritage - City Lights - Life & Style
The second edition of the International Spanish-Egyptian Congress for Tourism, Hospitality, and Heritage (ISECT) took place from 4 to 6 February. The ISECT, held in Cairo, was organized by the Sinai High Institute for Tourism and Hotels in collaboration with Spain's Complutense University of Madrid. The Egyptian Ministries of Higher Education and Tourism and Antiquities have supervised and sponsored the congress organization. The event was attended by ministers, ambassadors, university presidents, deans of tourism and hotel faculties, and specialists and enthusiasts from Egypt and abroad. It featured diverse speakers, including 25 Egyptian specialists, 24 Spanish experts, and 41 professionals from other countries. Their presentations, under the theme "Time to Share Experiences," covered a wide range of topics, underscoring the spirit of cooperation between the academic communities of Spain and Egypt. At the ISECT, Jose Manuel Alba Pastor, director of the Cervantes Institute in Cairo, highlighted language education's critical role for tourism industry professionals. He emphasized that learning languages enhances tourists' experiences and is a vital bridge for conveying information and culture between the host country and its visitors. Moreover, he pointed out that offering Spanish language programmes and providing learners with accredited certifications could positively impact tourism and enhance cultural understanding. "Tourism is one of the most effective ways to enhance cultural exchange and bring people closer together," Pastor said. "The Cervantes Institute is proud to collaborate with local and international institutions that support cultural proximity activities, particularly in tourism. We were delighted to sponsor the ISECT alongside many prominent Egyptian and international institutions," he added. "These initiatives foster cultural closeness and, of course, contribute to strengthening national economies by developing one of their most significant pillars: tourism.' Pastor also highlighted that such conferences provide an opportunity to discuss the latest developments and scientific research in tourism and hospitality, fostering academic and professional collaboration among experts and enthusiasts in local and global contexts. "This conference [...] included sessions on mechanisms and measures to improve tourists' experiences, enhance the operational efficiency of tourism institutions, and apply artificial intelligence in tourism and hospitality," he revealed. The ISECT's primary objective is to foster collaboration between Spanish and Egyptian academics and professionals in tourism, hospitality, and heritage. The event aims to provide a platform for exchanging knowledge, scientific discoveries, and innovative approaches related to global transformations in these sectors. The Sinai Higher Institute of Tourism and Hotels, established in 1993, is a leading educational institution in Egypt and the Middle East, having trained numerous generations of students in tourism and hospitality. The Complutense University of Madrid, founded in 1499, is one of Spain's oldest and most prestigious universities. Its Faculty of Commerce and Tourism has been a reference in its field since 1971. Short link:
