عربي English Türkçe اردو فارسى
Logo
Latest News
Culture

ICESCO Hails Saudi ‘Jusoor’ Exhibition in Morocco

The exhibition runs through December 31. (SPA)
The exhibition runs through December 31. (SPA)
TT
TT

ICESCO Hails Saudi ‘Jusoor’ Exhibition in Morocco

The exhibition runs through December 31. (SPA)
The exhibition runs through December 31. (SPA)

The Islamic World Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) praised the "Jusoor" exhibition held by the Saudi Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Dawah and Guidance in Casablanca, Morocco.

The exhibition is being held in cooperation with the Moroccan Ministry of Awqaf and Islamic Affairs.

During a visit to the exhibition on Wednesday, ICESCO Director General Salem Al-Malik said that the exhibition is a testimony to Saudi Arabia’s efforts build bridges with various countries and consolidate the values of coexistence and peace around the world, in line with its Vision 2023.

He added that the exhibition highlighted the strong relations between Saudi Arabia and Morocco.

He praised its various pavilions that provide visitors with an opportunity to view rare Islamic manuscripts and literature, photos and documentaries about the holy city of Makkah and Madinah, photos of historical mosques.

Visitors can also tour the Grand Mosque in Makkah virtually, using VR technology.

The exhibition has been previously held in Thailand and Albania. It was opened on December 13 and runs through December 31.

Most Viewed

 
 
Culture

Lanterns Light up Southern Chinese City Ahead of Lunar New Year 

People walk past a light installation ahead of the Lunar New Year of the Snake, at a new year lantern fair in Fuzhou, in eastern China's Fujian province on January 21, 2025. (AFP)
People walk past a light installation ahead of the Lunar New Year of the Snake, at a new year lantern fair in Fuzhou, in eastern China's Fujian province on January 21, 2025. (AFP)
TT
TT

Lanterns Light up Southern Chinese City Ahead of Lunar New Year 

People walk past a light installation ahead of the Lunar New Year of the Snake, at a new year lantern fair in Fuzhou, in eastern China's Fujian province on January 21, 2025. (AFP)
People walk past a light installation ahead of the Lunar New Year of the Snake, at a new year lantern fair in Fuzhou, in eastern China's Fujian province on January 21, 2025. (AFP)

Dozens of giant lanterns in the shape of mythical creatures, flowers and legendary characters light up the night sky in southern China -- a dreamlike spectacle to mark the upcoming Lunar New Year holidays.

As night falls in the southern Chinese city of Fuzhou, lanterns -- some of them 10 meters high -- transform Hongguang Lake Park into a fantastical land of orange dragons, majestic sailboats, fish with sparkling turquoise scales and figures with angelic faces.

"Aren't these lanterns cool?" Lei Haoxin, a 17-year-old tourist wrapped up in a parka due to the cool weather, said.

"Super beautiful, right? We found the place thanks to Douyin," he explained, referring to China's version of TikTok.

"Usually, when we spot something interesting via the app, we try to go there," he explained.

Fuzhou is the capital of Fujian province, known throughout China for keeping many traditional New Year events alive.

Many lanterns are drawn from traditional folklore -- one features the likeness of Mazu, a sea deity popular across southern China, Taiwan and among the diaspora across Southeast Asia.

"This lantern is exquisitely made and looks even better than in the pictures," tourist Luo Meiling told AFP.

Also making an appearance is the mythical Monkey King, Sun Wukong, from the Chinese literary classic "Journey to the West".

Lanterns date back to a thousand-year-old tradition in China and are a common sight in the country, especially around the Lunar New Year, when millions flock to public spaces to take in their bright lights and vivid colors.

And with Chinese people around the world set to herald in the Year of the Snake on January 29, artistic lantern displays in all shapes and sizes have sprung up in towns and cities across the vast nation.

"We feel more of the New Year atmosphere in recent years," Qi, a 42-year-old resident of Fuzhou, who visited the park with her young son, told AFP.

"Mentalities are changing and people are making their children do more outdoor activities now," she explained.

"Many families come here to enjoy the fireworks and the entertainment."