On the evening of May 10, students at Portland State University (PSU) experienced a vibrant celebration of Arab culture during the Arabian Nights event, held in Smith Memorial Student Center’s Ballroom.
Organized by the Arab Student Association (ASA) in collaboration with the Associated Students of Portland State University (ASPSU), the Middle Eastern, North African, South Asian (MENASA) Student Center, and the Iraqi Student Association (ISA), the event offered a delightful mix of drinks, henna, Dabke dancing, and cultural attire.
Malak ElManhawy, ASA’s Vice President and a PSU student originally from Egypt, played a crucial role in the planning and execution of the event.
“We aimed for a green Arab theme and worked on organizing the decor and the tables,” said ElManhawy.
The evening included a variety of engaging activities, such as lectures and live music performed by one of MENASA’s leaders, creating a lively atmosphere for attendees.
As the highlight of the night, participants gathered to perform Dabke, a traditional Palestinian dance that symbolizes cultural unity and resistance.
“Ending the night with Dabke makes for a fantastic finale. Everyone dances together, and it always feels like a great way to conclude the event,” ElManhawy added.
For many attendees, the Arabian Nights event holds a special significance as a platform to showcase Middle Eastern culture.
Abdulkader Tayba, a Lebanese PSU student and the Outreach Chair for ASA, spoke about the importance of the event to the community.
“I’ve attended the Arabian Nights event since I was a kid. It’s a chance for us to present Middle Eastern culture through food, music, and festivities.
ASA represents more than just a student organization; it embodies the growing Arab community at PSU and highlights our culture,” said Tayba.
Tayba assumed the role of Steve Harvey during a Family Feud-style trivia competition, guiding two teams of four through questions related to Arab culture.
“Planning the event was a bit stressful but ultimately rewarding. Transitioning from being an attendee to being involved in the organization has been a fulfilling experience,” he remarked.
One of the crowd-favorite segments of the event was the cultural walk, where participants walked the runway representing various Arab countries like Yemen, Palestine, and Libya while proudly displaying their flags.
Hanae Ejjamri, a Moroccan PSU student pursuing a degree in Preclinical Public Health and serving as the Event Coordinator, outlined the extensive planning that goes into Arabian Nights.
“This event requires comprehensive planning and logistical management rather than pure creativity since it’s a well-established tradition,” Ejjamri explained.
The ASA has successfully organized Arabian Nights for the past seven years, making it the most anticipated event of the academic calendar and drawing the largest crowds in the Portland area.
The event serves as a powerful showcase of Arab heritage, bringing together students and community members to enjoy a night of cultural pride, joy, and camaraderie.
“My favorite part is the fashion walk where participants get to represent their flags and cultural attire. Additionally, being Moroccan, I hold a special fondness for my heritage,” Ejjamri shared.
Given the relatively small Arab community in Oregon, the Arabian Nights event is crucial for fostering connections among Arab students and celebrating their culture in a welcoming space.
“Being part of ASA enables us to come together and celebrate our culture, which often remains unrecognized in broader contexts since the Arab population in Oregon is limited,” Ejjamri concluded.
The Arabian Nights event not only helps illuminate Middle Eastern cultural traditions but also strengthens the bonds within the PSU community, providing a joyous and inclusive atmosphere for all.
image source from：https://psuvanguard.com/arabian-nights-returns-to-psu-for-an-unforgettable-celebration/
