With a mixture of the fragrance of Arabic coffee and the sounds of Saudi traditional music, the Saudi Open House at Indiana University (IU) welcomed VIP officials, including the Saudi cultural attaché in the United States, Dr. Mohamed Al-Eissa, and Mark Kruzan, mayor of the City of Bloomington, Indiana. Providing a clearer image of Saudi Arabia to the US and the West in general was the mission that some 60 Saudi IU students, including 22 women, committed themselves to.
The event took place Thursday April 23, at the Hilton Garden Inn in Bloomington, Indiana and attracted some 350 guests.
“We wanted to foster greater understanding of our culture to Americans in order to eliminate the stereotypes,” said Loay Alfi, president of the Saudi Students’ Club at IU. “During the past several years, we have found our image being tarnished by a minority of our population, who have twisted the merciful words of God in order to fulfill and pursue their own intolerant agendas,” he said.
Organizers intended to invite decision-makers who would have access to more people of American society and who would deliver the message. The message talks about the country as it is, not as it has been talked about. The theme of the event was “Saudi Culture and Tradition: Between Fact and Fiction.”
The idea of bridging the gap between Saudis and Americans was a source of concern by the mayor. “I am here tonight especially after reading a sentence in the invitation letter — “We are eager to appreciate the multitude of cultures that exist in our world today, while eliminating the stereotypes and false biases that pollute society.” That is an amazing sentence, and I thought I must be here,” he said.
During the event, Dr. Mody Al-Khalaf, director of social and cultural affairs at the Saudi Arabian Cultural Mission (SACM), presented an example of how the media sometimes distort the image of Saudi women, saying: “You should not believe everything you read.” The author of a commentary wrote: “Don’t get me wrong — Saudi Arabia is no friend of mine. Its degrading treatment of women and barbaric punishment practices put it close to the top of my list of governments I wish would get lost.” Al-Khalaf talked about pioneer Saudi women and their success in different fields. Saudi women excelled in fields, including science such as Hayat Sindi, in aviation Hanadi Hendi, in investment and banking Nahed Taher and reaching the United Nations, Dr. Thoraya Obaid. She pointed out that women outstrip men in higher education. “Statistics for the year 2000 showed that out of nearly 32,000 students 58 percent were women,” she said.
Dr. Al-Eissa thanked the students for their efforts. He said: “Given that Indiana is the 5th largest state in terms of the number of Saudi students, the SACM is happy to see their progress.”
University professors were also invited to attend. They enjoyed spending time in tents in the bit of Saudi Arabia that was brought to the event. Traditional cuisines from various Saudi regions were served. Beth Wood, senior lecturer at the IU School of Journalism found answers to questions. “It was refreshing for me to be able to ask the simplest questions without fear of someone making me feel guilty for being ignorant. I truly appreciated seeing Saudi culture from an informed perspective,” she said.
The exhibition included stalls about different aspect of Saudi Arabia.
One dealt with famous games, including camel and horse races. Others featured traditional outfits, including abayas and mishlahs.
Alfi, who is a graduate student in management information system at IU, hopes the event will be bigger next time involving more people from different universities. Guests went home carrying cards and brochures that had online links leading to information about Islam and Saudi Arabia.
