ABU DHABI, UAE, June 27, 2023 /24-7PressRelease/ — Under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of the Presidential Court, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) launched the ‘Andalusia: History and Civilization’ initiative, underscoring its firm belief in the significance of embracing various civilizations and celebrating shared history in partnership with the Kingdom of Spain.
Organised by the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Centre and the National Library and Archives, the initiative embodies the UAE’s unwavering belief in the power of open dialogue and cultural exchange. The initiative focuses on showcasing the rich legacy of Andalusian civilization, placing emphasis on a wide array of cultural and artistic activities that will fortify the enduring bonds between the two nations. Furthermore, it aims to shed light on the Arab civilization’s presence in Andalusia, highlighting its profound culture of dialogue, tolerance, and the cherished values of openness and coexistence. The UAE strives to propagate and solidify these values as part of its mission.
His Excellency Mohammed Al-Murr, Chairman of the ‘Andalusia: History and Civilization’ Committee, said: “The launch of this initiative emanates from the UAE’s dedication to the global human heritage, actively engaging in its preservation, restoration, promotion, and worldwide dissemination. This endeavour extends an invitation to the public, encouraging them to explore the various facets and constituents of one of the most remarkable historical eras in the Arab world. It also seeks to introduce the newer generations to the rich legacy of Andalusian civilization, encompassing its human, cultural, scientific, and societal heritage. Furthermore, it aims to foster and advance the culture of coexistence and tolerance, which forms the bedrock of Andalusian civilization and remains relevant in the present day.”
The ‘Andalusia: History and Civilization’ initiative entails various artistic and cultural events. One of the highlights is an exhibition of Andalusian art collections that will take place at the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Centre and is scheduled to launch in November 2023. Additionally, there will be two cultural symposiums dedicated to the study of Andalusian culture, literature, and science, featuring experts and scholars from various disciplines. Spain will host the first symposium in September 2023, while the UAE will host the second symposium in February 2024. Furthermore, the initiative will feature captivating artistic and musical performances showcasing the rich heritage of Andalusia. These performances will include the enchanting ‘Muwashahat’ music, symphony orchestra pieces, as well as a fusion of Arab and Spanish melodies.
The initiative aims to showcase the UAE’s commitment to fostering tolerance and coexistence by organising a series of events. It invites both local and international enthusiasts of Andalusian art, history, and architecture, as well as scholars and experts, to explore one of the most significant historical periods. Led by the UAE, this global cultural mission seeks to underscore the Andalusian heritage, highlighting its cultural, artistic, and intellectual achievements that thrived in Andalusia. Additionally, it aims to emphasise the deep-rooted historical ties between Arabs and Spaniards spanning centuries and the rich contemporary Arab-Spanish cultural relations.
The initiative also seeks to deepen knowledge of the unique Andalusian civilization by translating the most important sources of Andalusian heritage across all arts and fields of knowledge and republishing them in Arabic. Through this endeavour, the initiative evokes a flourishing period in human history and enables global exploration of the continuous cultural exchange that took place during that time.
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