Sofiia Salopino began her internship at FIME’s Helsinki office in March. It has been over fifteen years since the office last had its own intern. During her internship Sofiia will assist with FIME’s communications and help organise events and language café activities. She will also have the opportunity to familiarise herself with the institute’s network of experts and current research on the Middle East.
Sofiia will graduate this spring with a bachelor’s degree in Ancient Near Eastern languages from the University of Helsinki. In her bachelor’s theses, she examines the linguistic means used in the prologue of the Code of Hammurabi to legitimise power. Her minor studies include Arabic as well as Middle Eastern area and cultural studies, which she intends to pursue further at the master’s level.
Sofiia’s primary academic interest lies in the relationship between the state and religion. She is particularly fascinated by how state formation, politics and religion intertwine in various Middle Eastern countries – from stable states of the Persian Gulf to areas controlled by local informal groups.
“I’m really excited about this opportunity to work at FIME at this stage of my studies. I hope the internship will deepen my understanding of the region’s societies and academic discourse. As my studies in Helsinki are still ongoing, working at the Helsinki office is an excellent opportunity for me,” Sofiia says.