Kalthoum Odeh Vasilieva: A Pioneering Palestinian Academic in the Soviet Union
Kalthoum Odeh Vasilieva, born on April 2, 1892, in Nazareth, was a trailblazing Palestinian writer and translator, recognized as the first Arab academic in the Soviet Union. Her contributions to oriental studies established her as a prominent figure in Russian academia. Vasilieva was a member of the Imperial Orthodox Palestine Society, which played a crucial role in disseminating knowledge about the Middle East during a time of significant geopolitical interest.
Vasilieva's early education at the Women's Teachers' School of the Imperial Orthodox Palestine Society laid the foundation for her career. After graduating in 1908, she began teaching at the Society's school in Nazareth, where she wrote extensively for various Arab magazines, contributing to the cultural discourse of the time.
In 1913, she married Russian doctor Ivan Vasiliev and moved to Russia in 1914 due to the closure of Russian schools by the Ottoman authorities. Despite the challenges posed by World War I and the Bolshevik Revolution, she remained committed to education and public service, working as a nurse and later engaging in literacy campaigns.
Academic Contributions and Legacy
Vasilieva's academic career flourished in Russia, where she taught at several prestigious institutions, including St. Petersburg University and Moscow State University. Her expertise in Arabic language and literature significantly influenced Soviet oriental studies. Notably, she trained many Soviet scholars, including the esteemed politician Yevgeny Primakov, who credited her with his success in the field.
Her scholarly works addressed various aspects of Arabic culture and literature, including studies on contemporary Arab women's literature and customs among Palestinian Arabs. Vasilieva's legacy extends beyond her teaching; she was also an advocate for Arab interests within the Soviet Union, famously protesting against the Soviet recognition of Israel in a letter to Joseph Stalin.
Kalthoum Odeh Vasilieva passed away on November 24, 1965, in Moscow, and was laid to rest in the Novodevichy Cemetery, a site reserved for notable figures in Russian history. Her life and work continue to inspire scholars and students interested in the intersection of Arab and Russian cultures.
