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Diriyah Global Seminar Exploring Mosaic of Cultural Encounters Kicks off

The event also aims to showcase the archaeological discoveries and cultural and historical heritage of Diriyah, which dates back more than 600 years - SPA
The event also aims to showcase the archaeological discoveries and cultural and historical heritage of Diriyah, which dates back more than 600 years - SPA
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Diriyah Global Seminar Exploring Mosaic of Cultural Encounters Kicks off

The event also aims to showcase the archaeological discoveries and cultural and historical heritage of Diriyah, which dates back more than 600 years - SPA
The event also aims to showcase the archaeological discoveries and cultural and historical heritage of Diriyah, which dates back more than 600 years - SPA

Diriyah Gate Development Authority (DGDA) launched the two-day Diriyah Global Seminar, which is organized by the authority under the theme "Diriyah: A Mosaic of Cultural Encounters", SPA reported.

Inaugurated by DGDA CEO Jerry Inzerillo, the event that aims to ignite intellectual curiosity, and foster interdisciplinary collaboration and academic research will be attended by a diverse range of local and global scholars, researchers, and specialists, alongside a group of students. The event also aims to showcase the archaeological discoveries and cultural and historical heritage of Diriyah, which dates back more than 600 years.

Emphasizing the significance of the event, Inzerillo said: "The Diriyah Global Seminar underscores our commitment to establishing one of the world's greatest cultural gathering places — a space that nurtures creativity and innovation and serves as a global platform to engage in cultural exchange. We are hugely excited to welcome experts and scholars to engage in meaningful discussions and extend our heartfelt thanks to Dr. Fahad Alsamari and other members of the heritage and culture committee to ensure Diriyah's legacy is highlighted and celebrated."

The Diriyah Global Seminar will be accompanied by an exhibition that will extend for over a week, showcasing Diriyah's history, heritage, and rich culture.

Organized field visits will be conducted for the forum's participants to explore the heritage and cultural sites in Diriyah and to learn about its ancient history and the massive development and tourism projects being implemented.

Among the highlights are the historical At-Turaif district, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and Bujairi Terrace, where the finest restaurants and cafés from the Kingdom and around the world converge.

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War-damaged Souks Reopen in Syria's Aleppo

People walk along an alley during the reopening of restored bazaars that were damaged during the Syrian conflict in the northern city of Aleppo © - / AFP
People walk along an alley during the reopening of restored bazaars that were damaged during the Syrian conflict in the northern city of Aleppo © - / AFP
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War-damaged Souks Reopen in Syria's Aleppo

People walk along an alley during the reopening of restored bazaars that were damaged during the Syrian conflict in the northern city of Aleppo © - / AFP
People walk along an alley during the reopening of restored bazaars that were damaged during the Syrian conflict in the northern city of Aleppo © - / AFP

Four historic souks in northern Syria's Aleppo, heavily damaged during some of the most intense fighting of the 13-year civil war, reopened this week following their restoration.

"After I reopened my old shop, following the renovation of the market, I felt my spirit return with it," said merchant Omar al-Rawwas, 45, who inherited his family's carpet business at the revived Saqtiya 2 souk.

Once famous for its bustling markets and old citadel, Aleppo's Old City was rendered almost unrecognizable by some of the worst violence in Syria's conflict between government forces and opposition that began after mass protests in 2011.

The fighting in Aleppo, which lasted until 2016 when Damascus recaptured the area with Moscow's support, completely destroyed many of the famed markets in the city previously considered Syria's economic capital.

Four souks in the Old City, restored through combined public and private efforts, reopened Wednesday evening -- drawing officials, residents and charity representatives to the celebration.

"Thank God, things have improved and the country has gotten better," Rawwas told AFP, noting that some of his business is from people returning to Aleppo since calm returned.

"Today, expatriates return from abroad to their homes, finding their rugs damaged by moths. They have them repaired because some of these rugs hold personal memories and others have special value to them."

The revived strip of shops, some reduced to ashes at the start of the conflict, stretches for about 100 metres (330 feet) across the Old City.

In previous years, three other souks of the total of 37 that once surrounded the citadel were restored.

The Saqtiya 2 souk was relatively spared the damage that hit other markets, where restoration work is continuing, albeit slowly, due to the country's economic crisis.

According to UNESCO, as much as 60 percent of Aleppo's Old City was badly damaged in fighting, and of that 30 percent was completely destroyed.

The Syrian army recaptured eastern Aleppo from opposition groups after a siege and heavy bombardment that forced tens of thousands of civilians and fighters to flee.

"In 2012, we fled the souk under bombardment and gunfire. We didn't leave by choice but were forced to," said Abdallah Chawwa, 49, who sells Aleppo's famous olive oil soap.

"I am now back in my shop and my spirit has returned to me."