CROSSING THE STRAIT SEMINAR

Córdoba, Spain – April 25-28, 2024

The Crossing the Strait Seminar gathers U.S. Fulbright Scholars and Researchers currently in Spain and Morocco to delve into the multifaceted dimensions of the Spanish-Moroccan relationship, encompassing historical, cultural, geographical, and economic aspects. This three-day seminar will provide grantees with the space to discuss and debate concepts and ideas from diverse academic disciplines. From interdisciplinary workshops to thought-provoking presentations, the seminar offers a platform for sharing unique perspectives and fostering deeper understanding across borders. As intellectual exploration intertwines with cultural exchange, scholars will forge meaningful connections, enriching their comprehension of the region and amplifying the impact of their research endeavors.

Please reach out to Sara Abad (sara.abad@fulbright.es) with any questions.

Objectives of the Seminar

• Foster dynamic exchanges of ideas and perspectives among scholars from diverse backgrounds, nurturing intellectual growth and collaboration.
• Encourage meaningful cross-cultural dialogue among scholars within the Morocco-Spain context.
• Create a platform for scholars to network and establish valuable professional and personal connections.

Opportunities for Academic, Professional, and Cultural Engagement

• Grantee-led workshops: The interdisciplinary workshops are an opportunity for grantees to facilitate dynamic group conversations covering a wide-range of topics, whether they are related to a grantee’s research, or related to broader topics connected to Fulbright, such as being a U.S. cultural ambassador. Workshops can be led by more than one grantee, and they encourage active discussions that create a space for participants to interact in small groups and brainstorm new ideas. They often go beyond the academic, offering exciting reflections that can inspire new approaches to both professional and personal endeavors.
• Individual presentations: The individual presentations are a chance for grantees to present their research to all seminar attendees through brief presentations: 12 minutes for the presentation and 8 minutes for Q&A.
• Cultural activities: This seminar will  immerse participants in the rich heritage of Córdoba, a city steeped in history and cultural diversity. Participants will enjoy a guided tour of Córdoba, which will offer insights into the city’s multicultural past, highlighting its iconic landmarks such as the Mosque-Cathedral and the Alcázar de los Reyes Cristianos. Additionally, participants will have the opportunity to explore the Casa Árabe, a cultural center dedicated to promoting understanding and collaboration between the Arab world and Spain. This dynamic setting will enhance the seminar experience, fostering cross-cultural dialogue and engagement.

The Crossing the Strait Seminar Program at a Glance:

Thursday, April 25

• Morning & Afternoon
  • All day: Grantees travel to Córdoba
  • 15:00 – 20:00: Check-in at Hotel: Hotel Hesperia Córdoba
• Evening
  • 20:30 – 22:30: Seminar Opening Gathering

Friday, April 26

• Morning 
  • 9:30 – 10:10: Opening Ceremony at Casa Árabe
  • 10:10 – 10:40: Keynote speech: Haizam Amirah, Investigador Principal Real Instituto Elcano, Fulbright Alumnus
  • 11:30 – 13:00: Transdisciplinary research workshop at Case Árabe
  • 13:00 – 14:30: Networking Lunch
• Afternoon
  • 14:30 – 16:00 Case Study Presentations at Casa Árabe
    • Commerce an Economic Exchange through the Centuries
    • Enduring Legacies and their Impact on the Arts
  • 16:00 – 17:30 Free time
  • 17:30 – 19:30 Guided Tour of Córdoba
  • 16:00 – 17:30 Free time for dinner

Saturday, April 27

• Morning  
  • 9:30 – 11:00 Case Study Presentations at Casa Árabe
    • Navigating Identity and Belonging
    • Altered Habitats: Exploring Land Use, Biodiversity, and Earth Science
  • 11:00 – 11:30 Coffee Break
  • 11:30 – 13:00 Workshops at Casa Árabe
    • Creative Welness Workshop
    • Migrations: infusing movement perspectives across disciplines
    • Understanding the farmers’ protests
    • Communication and Translation: Across Languages and Disciplines
  • 13:00 – 14:30 Networking Lunch at Casa Árabe
• Afternoon
  • 14:30 – 16:00 Case Study Presentation at Casa Árabe
    • Interaction & Cultural Expression: Then & Now
  • 16:00 – 16:30 Closing Remarks at Casa Árabe
  • 16:30 – 17:45 Free time
  • 17:45 – 19:30 Guided Tour of the Mosque of Córdoba
  • 20:00 – 22:30 Closing Dinner at Bodegas Campos

Sunday, April 28

• Morning
  • Check-out of hotel
• All-day
  • Grantees travel back to host cities

Córdoba, Andalucía: Official Website of the Córdoba Local Tourism Board

Venue: Casa Árabe

All presentations will be hosted at Casa Árabe:

Casa Árabe Córdoba, located in the southern part of the Historic Ensemble of Córdoba, is a captivating architectural complex that blends history and culture. Known as the Casa Mudéjar building, this compound comprises five distinct houses interconnected by galleries, passageways, and staircases, adorned with four courtyards and a tower. Its origins trace back to the 14th century, although the majority of the current structures date from the 15th and 16th centuries. Situated in close proximity to the Mosque-Cathedral and within the area designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Casa Árabe Córdoba stands as a testament to the rich history of the city. 

The historical building housing Casa Árabe Córdoba was granted to Casa Árabe by the Spanish government’s National Heritage agency, providing it with a priveleged and historic location within the city. We invite you to explore more about this wonderful space on its official website.

All participants will stay at Hotel Hesperia. The Commission is handling all room reservations directly with the hotel, so you only need to contact the hotel regarding your reservation if you would like to arrive before Thursday, April 25th, or stay for the night of Sunday, April 28th or later. Please note additional nights must be covered by the grantee. If you would like to book additional nights at the hotel, please email Lidia at lsgrua@hesperia.com or the hotel directly at hhcordoba@hesperia.com, and let them know that you are part of the Fulbright reservation, but that you would like to reserve and pay for the additional nights independently. The Commission will be in touch with you if you require a special room reservation due to traveling with family members.

For transportation to and from the hotel, the hotel recommends taking taxis from the train station. There are almost always a line of taxis waiting outside of the train station, but in case you need to order a taxi, you can download the app Pidetaxi and order one through the app, or call the taxi company directly at +34 957 764 444. For leaving the hotel on Sunday, the hotel reception can order a taxi for you. It is advisable to tell the hotel reception ahead of time what time you need to leave, so that they can order the taxi in advance.