UNESCO Adds Tunisia’s Djerba on World Heritage List

This photograph shows the logo of UNESCO during celebrations marking the 75th anniversary of the organization at its headquarters in Paris, Nov. 12, 2021. (AP Photo)
This photograph shows the logo of UNESCO during celebrations marking the 75th anniversary of the organization at its headquarters in Paris, Nov. 12, 2021. (AP Photo)
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UNESCO Adds Tunisia’s Djerba on World Heritage List

This photograph shows the logo of UNESCO during celebrations marking the 75th anniversary of the organization at its headquarters in Paris, Nov. 12, 2021. (AP Photo)
This photograph shows the logo of UNESCO during celebrations marking the 75th anniversary of the organization at its headquarters in Paris, Nov. 12, 2021. (AP Photo)

The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) has added the Tunisian island of Djerba on the list of World Heritage Sites, a move that was welcomed by the Tunisian people.

UNESCO took the decision at its 45th session in Saudi Arabia on Monday.

Tunisian Culture Minister Hayat Guettat Guermazi said “the Island of Djerba is a witness on a culture that embraces the world at these historic moments, and sends the humanity inspirational messages hailing differences and diversity as a real revolution. With this decision, the dreams of Djerba, the centerpiece of the Mediterranean, have become true.”

Located in the Mediterranean Sea, Djerba is also known as the “Island of Dreams” and symbolizes coexistence among religions.

It is located 500 kilometers south of the capital, Tunis, and includes the Ghriba Synagogue, the oldest Jewish synagogue in North Africa, dating back to about 2,500 years, and hosting thousands of Jewish pilgrims every year.

The island is also famed for its unique architectural designs, such as the “Housh al-Jerbi” and underground mosques.



King Abdulaziz Library Branch at Beijing University Enhances Arab-Chinese Cultural Interaction

The King Abdulaziz Public Library branch at Beijing University hosted a series of cultural events in October. SPA
The King Abdulaziz Public Library branch at Beijing University hosted a series of cultural events in October. SPA
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King Abdulaziz Library Branch at Beijing University Enhances Arab-Chinese Cultural Interaction

The King Abdulaziz Public Library branch at Beijing University hosted a series of cultural events in October. SPA
The King Abdulaziz Public Library branch at Beijing University hosted a series of cultural events in October. SPA

The King Abdulaziz Public Library branch at Beijing University hosted a series of cultural events in October aimed at enhancing cooperation and communication between Arab and Chinese cultures.

The branch welcomed Shanghai Art Collection Museum president Hu Muqing, whose visit was part of efforts to strengthen cultural and artistic collaboration between the two institutions.

During the visit, Muqing was introduced to the library's various sections and cultural programs. He discussed with library officials the potential for future cooperation in organizing joint exhibitions and launching cultural and artistic projects that combine Saudi and Chinese cultural heritage. The two sides explored the possibility of holding events to exchange art collections and artifacts, which would expand the horizons of artistic exchange between the two nations.

The library branch also received a delegation from Saudi Arabia’s Research, Development, and Innovation Authority (RDIA), led by its General Director of Planning and Development for Grants, Dr. Maha Al-Mozaini. The visit aimed to enhance cultural and academic cooperation between Saudi Arabia and China, with discussions focused on opportunities for collaboration in energy, industrial leadership, sustainable development, and healthcare.

As part of its periodic scientific and cultural seminars, the library branch, in cooperation with the Languages Faculty, hosted a cultural and educational seminar on the experience of teaching Arabic and Chinese languages in Egypt. The event was attended by academics and experts in the fields of language, culture, and education from both countries, along with a large number of students interested in language learning and cultural communication.

A delegation from Tianjin Publishing House visited the King Abdulaziz Public Library branch to enhance cultural and intellectual cooperation between the two parties. The visit included a tour of the library's various sections, featuring Arabic and Chinese books as well as photos, manuscripts, documents, and cultural materials that contribute to reinforcing the foundation of knowledge-based relations between Arab and Chinese cultures.