The Faculty of Oriental Studies is pleased to acknowledge the publication of the book “Obstacles to Democracy in Sub-Saharan Africa” written by dr. Nagmeldin Karamalla-Gaiballa. Prof. Agata Bareja-Starzyńska, Dean of the Faculty of Oriental Studies, extends her congratulations to the author on behalf of the Faculty. This book provides a detailed analysis of the factors contributing to the difficulties faced by democratic systems in sub-Saharan Africa, with a specific emphasis on the Republic of Sudan.

This book analyses the failure factors of democratic experiences in Sub-Saharan Africa, focusing on the Republic of Sudan. Through historical comparisons, it aims to further our understanding of democratic African state formation in the aftermath of colonialism, the impact of military coups on undermining democracy in sub-Saharan Africa, the formation and structuring of political parties in the region, and the failures and successes of popular revolutions in establishing good governance. To do so, the author weaves a portrait of the current state of democratic governance in Sudan and the broader sub-Saharan region by threading primary data analysis, such as expert interviews and surveyed participants of the Sudanese revolution, along with their personal reflections and observations on life lived in Sudan. Arguing that the nation is in a state of political crisis, the book posits that Sudan marks a potent example of failing democratic institutions in sub-Saharan Africa in the post-colonial era. For further information, please refer to Springer Nature Link

On January 30-31, 2025, the Department of Ancient Near Eastern Studies at the Faculty of Oriental Studies hosted an international group of specialists in New Babylonian economic and administrative texts as part of the DigEanna grant project, directed by Prof. Margaret Sandovich of the Faculty of Oriental Studies.

On February 19, 2025, His Excellency Amirsayd Agzamkhodjaev, Ambassador of the Republic of Uzbekistan to Poland, met with Assoc. Prof. Agata Bareja-Starzyńska, Dean of the Faculty of Oriental Studies, along with the staff of the Department of Turkic Studies and Inner Asian Peoples and students. The meeting focused on the upcoming 43rd UNESCO General Session, scheduled to be held in November 2025 in Samarkand—often referred to as the pearl of the Silk Road and a symbol of Uzbekistan’s rich heritage. The purpose of the meeting was to discuss prospects for academic cooperation, including student projects and opportunities for collaboration with various scientific centers in Uzbekistan.

On 19-22 January 2025, at the invitation of His Magnificence the Rector of the University of Warsaw, His Eminence Javzandorj Dulamragchaa, Khamba Lama of the Gandantegchenlin Monastery in Ulaanbaatar, who is also the highest hierarch of the Buddhist Church in Mongolia, visited the University of Warsaw. The visit was organised by the Department of Turkic Studies and Inner Asian Peoples of the Faculty of Oriental Studies.

On 17 January, the University of Warsaw hosted the Prime Minister of Vietnam, Prof. Pham Minh Chinh. The Prime Minister met with representatives of the University authorities, including the Dean of the Faculty of Oriental Studies, Assoc. Prof. Agata Bareja-Starzyńska, Ph.D. Habil. and delivered a speech entitled “Elevating Vietnam-Poland relations to greater heights, for peace and development in Southeast Asia and Central and Eastern Europe”.

Dr Hatif Janabi, a retired member of the Arabic and Islamic Studies Department of the Faculty of Oriental Studies at the University of Warsaw, has been awarded the silver Gloria Artis Medal for Merit to Culture by the Ministry of Culture. Our sincere congratulations!

Between December 10-14, 2024 a vist to Guinea took place. A delegation from the University of Warsaw included representatives of the Faculty of Oriental Studies, vice-dean dr. Marta Wida-Behiesse and the head of the Chair of African Languages ​​and Cultures, prof. Beata Wójtowicz, the Faculty of Political Science and International Relations (prof. Zbigniew Lasocik and vice-dean Dr. Tomasz Mering) and the Faculty of Geology (vice-dean Dr. Radosław Mieszkowski).

University of Warsaw and Gangneung–Wonju National University signed an agreement for inter-university cooperation. Both institutions will develop mutual relations in areas such as education, research, and cultural offerings. The cooperation agreement between UW and GWNU was signed on December 10th.

We are pleased to inform you that the National Science Centre has published the list of proposals qualified for funding under the PRELUDIUM 23 competition, which includes our doctoral student, Ms. Tenzin Tsenyi. Project title: The Tibetan Guide (gnas yig): A Study of the Literary Genre on Selected Examples. On behalf of the Faculty of Oriental Studies, we extend our heartfelt congratulations!