MUSCAT, FEB 29
The participation of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's pavilion at the Muscat International Book Fair holds great importance in promoting cultural exchange and introducing visitors from around the world to the cultural, scientific, intellectual, and traditional aspects of Saudi Arabia.
Dr Yahya Al Daud, Saudi Cultural Attaché in Oman, spoke about their participation, stating, "Book fairs serve as crucial bridges of intellectual connection between people. This year, we aimed for a qualitative and diverse participation, coinciding with the founding day of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. We were honoured by Dr Mohammed bin Saeed Al Mamari, Minister of Endowments and Religious Affairs, inaugurating the events,” Several official institutions participated in the pavilion, such as the Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Dawah, and Guidance, represented by the King Fahd Complex for Printing the Holy Quran, which distributed around 7,000 copies in various languages, including English, Indonesian, Urdu, Turkish, and Hebrew.
Mentions Dr Al Daud that "The complex produces 18 million copies of the Holy Quran, translated into 74 languages, with the latest translation being in Hebrew, and they are distributed annually to those interested." Universities like Taibah University, Islamic University, and King Abdulaziz University also participated in a collection of Islamic, scientific, cultural, and historical books.
Additionally, there was a technical presentation for teaching children and those interested in learning the rituals of Hajj and Umrah. The King Abdulaziz Foundation for Research and Archives, a governmental entity specialising in Saudi ancient history and the history of the royal family, presented books on the history of Mecca, Medina, the hejaz region, and Najd. Their latest release focused on traditional Saudi men and women clothing, connected to the society's personality and present in all national events and celebrations.
The enticing aroma of Saudi coffee, flavoured with cardamom and other beautiful spices, also attracted attention. Hospitality coffee is an integral part of cultural heritage, symbolising hospitality, and social communication. Coffee in the Kingdom is a deep-rooted tradition, and its preparation and presentation are considered an art, often accompanied by Saudi dates.
The pavilion design, inspired by the traditional houses of Diriyah in Saudi Arabia, caught the eye. Dr Al Daud explains,"The design is inspired by the houses of Diriyah, a city in the Kingdom that represents a rich historical and cultural heritage. Diriyah is one of the oldest cities in the Kingdom and is listed as a Unesco World Heritage site." Mohammed Ibrahim, a visitor from the UAE, expressed his gratitude for Oman hosting such a wonderful cultural event, emphasising the value of gathering sciences and knowledge in one place. He praised the Kingdom's pavilion for its focus on recent research and religious aspects, encouraging them to continue efforts in promoting books that enhance the love of reading about Islamic religion and direct attention to religious and cultural aspects that contribute to deepening understanding and connecting with our cultural heritage.
Children and adults enjoyed viewing ancient Quranic manuscripts. Children, Jassim and Mohammed Al Hanaei, expressed their admiration for the pavilion's design and interior decor, shaped like a fortress.
They also noted the different clothing worn by the Saudis compared to Omani attire, with Saudis donning traditional Saudi attire. They were fascinated by the displayed ancient Quranic manuscripts and the calligraphy used. They received copies of the Holy Quran as gifts from the Saudi pavilion.
Amani Al Qawadri from Syria admired the Saudi pavilion, describing it as very distinctive. She appreciated King Salman's initiative to distribute free copies of the Quran to exhibition visitors.
As the Syrian Ministry of Culture's pavilion was opposite the Saudi pavilion, she expressed pleasure at the chance to be neighbours with the Kingdom's pavilion. Regarding the exhibited books, she found a unique collection, such as the book on precious stones and other religious books, making Saudi Arabia stand out with its Islamic and cultural diversity. She also commended the pavilion's design, resembling an Arabian fortress.
The Saudi pavilion creates opportunities for writers and authors to meet an international audience, interact with peers from different cultures, exchange experiences, and establish cultural friendships. The Kingdom's presence at an international fair attracts the attention of visitors and those interested in Saudi culture, enhancing tourism opportunities.
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