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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)
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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.

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Tanweer Festival in UAE to Showcase Diverse Cultural Expressions

Held in the Mleiha Desert, Sharjah, this event will feature three days of artistic and cultural activities. WAM
Held in the Mleiha Desert, Sharjah, this event will feature three days of artistic and cultural activities. WAM
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Tanweer Festival in UAE to Showcase Diverse Cultural Expressions

Held in the Mleiha Desert, Sharjah, this event will feature three days of artistic and cultural activities. WAM
Held in the Mleiha Desert, Sharjah, this event will feature three days of artistic and cultural activities. WAM

The three-day Tanweer Festival 2024, themed "Timeless Echoes of Love and Light," will bring an immersive cultural gathering to the UAE on November 22, Emirates News Agency (WAM) reported.

Inspired by the legacy of Jalal al-Din Al Rumi, the festival invites global audiences to engage in shared expressions of music, art, poetry, and cultural exchange, WAM said.

Held in the Mleiha Desert, Sharjah, this event will feature three days of artistic and cultural activities, with over 100 musicians from more than 15 nations, performing across four uniquely designed stages, along with ten workshops and immersive art installations.

The festival’s program integrates performances by renowned artists such as Sami Yusuf, Dhafer Youssef, Kamal Musallam, and Constantinople with Ghalia Benali, each contributing to a diverse artistic atmosphere.

The event will include ten workshops aimed at enhancing creative skills and understanding cultural traditions, from Sufi whirling to calligraphy lighting, led by experienced practitioners.

Visitors can also explore art installations by visionary artists such as Karim + Elias, Ahmad Kattan, and Omar Al Gurg, which will provide reflective and inspirational experiences.

Tanweer’s “Nourish” culinary area will feature 12 vendors offering local and international dishes, reflecting the festival’s ethos of cross-cultural connection through food.

The marketplace will host 14 local and international artisans, showcasing handcrafted items and sustainable goods that celebrate diverse artistic traditions.