Darah Organizes Two Holy Mosques Exhibition, Arabic Manuscripts Seminar in Turkmenistan 

Officials are seen at the event on Wednesday. (SPA)
Officials are seen at the event on Wednesday. (SPA)
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Darah Organizes Two Holy Mosques Exhibition, Arabic Manuscripts Seminar in Turkmenistan 

Officials are seen at the event on Wednesday. (SPA)
Officials are seen at the event on Wednesday. (SPA)

The King Abdulaziz Foundation for Research and Archives, "Darah," organized a seminar on "Arabic manuscripts in Turkmenistan" in partnership with the Saudi embassy in Ashgabat. The seminar began Wednesday and runs through August 4.

The inaugural session of the seminar was conducted under the patronage of Turkmenistan Minister of Culture Atageldi Shamyradov. Present at the event were Saudi ambassador to Turkmenistan Said bin Osman Al-Suwaid; Darah chief executive Turki Al-Shuwaier; and director of the Magtymguly Institute of Language, Literature and National Manuscripts in Turkmenistan Dawud Orazsahedov.

Shamyradov extended a warm welcome to the Saudi delegation and highlighted an exhibition, held along with the seminar, that is displaying the heritage of the Two Holy Mosques over time, including the aesthetics of manuscripts and their historical significance.

He hailed these proceedings as a symbolic step that signifies the ongoing efforts towards cultural understanding between both nations while reflecting their strong and amicable relations. He also emphasized the distinctive position of Saudi Arabia in Turkmenistan's foreign policy.

Shamyradov highlighted the significance of the exhibition focusing on the Two Holy Mosques in introducing Islamic sanctities as well as national, cultural, and civilizational values from the Kingdom to the Turkmen people and the world.

The exhibition dedicated to the Two Holy Mosques featured various sections, including displays highlighting the Year of the Camel, Arabic calligraphy, and Saudi coffee traditions.

Saudi Ambassador Al-Suwaid underscored the mutual commitment of both nations to boost their deep ties, commending Darah for its efforts in preserving and showcasing the historical documentation of the Kingdom within the context of Islamic history.

Orazsahedov expressed his appreciation for Saudi Arabia's organization of the seminar, emphasizing its cultural significance in acquainting the Turkmen community with the rich heritage and cultural identity of Saudi Arabia through the lens of cultural exchange.

The event witnessed the screening of a documentary film focusing on the relations between Saudi Arabia and Turkmenistan.



Saudi Arabia Registers 'Cultural Landscape of Al-Faw Archaeological Area' on UNESCO World Heritage List

The Kingdom successfully inscribed the Cultural Landscape of Al-Faw Archaeological Area in the Riyadh Region on the UNESCO World Heritage List. SPA
The Kingdom successfully inscribed the Cultural Landscape of Al-Faw Archaeological Area in the Riyadh Region on the UNESCO World Heritage List. SPA
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Saudi Arabia Registers 'Cultural Landscape of Al-Faw Archaeological Area' on UNESCO World Heritage List

The Kingdom successfully inscribed the Cultural Landscape of Al-Faw Archaeological Area in the Riyadh Region on the UNESCO World Heritage List. SPA
The Kingdom successfully inscribed the Cultural Landscape of Al-Faw Archaeological Area in the Riyadh Region on the UNESCO World Heritage List. SPA

The Saudi Minister of Culture, Chairman of the Heritage Commission, and Chairman of the National Committee for Education, Culture, and Science, Prince Badr bin Abdullah bin Farhan, has announced that the Kingdom successfully inscribed the Cultural Landscape of Al-Faw Archaeological Area in the Riyadh Region on the UNESCO World Heritage List as a cultural site of outstanding universal value to humanity.

The announcement was made during the 46th session of the World Heritage Committee held in New Delhi, India, from July 22 to 31.

The Al-Faw Archaeological Area is located in Wadi Al-Dawasir Governorate, south of the Riyadh Region. It spans a protected area of 50 square kilometers, surrounded by a buffer zone covering 275 square kilometers. The site lies at the intersection of Rub' al-Khali (Empty Quarter) desert and the terrain of the Tuwaiq Mountain, forming a narrow corridor known as "Al-Faw."

Prince Badr said that the inscription of the Cultural Landscape of Al-Faw reflects the strong support and attention given to Saudi heritage by the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, and Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister.

He explained that the registration of cultural heritage elements, both tangible and intangible, with UNESCO is a testimony to the deep historical roots of the Kingdom and its pioneering role in serving the shared global human heritage under the framework of Saudi Vision 2030, which emphasizes the importance of celebrating the national identity, with tangible and intangible cultural heritage being one of its major components.

"The Kingdom recognizes the importance of heritage, its preservation, and its promotion worldwide in order to establish a solid foundation for the present, chart a roadmap for future endeavors, and support the Heritage Commission in developing national heritage assets," the Prince said.

With the registration of the Cultural Landscape of Al-Faw Archaeological Area, the List of UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Saudi Arabia includes: Al-Ahsa Oasis, an Evolving Cultural Landscape (2018), At-Turaif District in ad-Diriyah (2010), Hegra Archaeological Site (2008), Ḥima Cultural Area (2021), Historic Jeddah (2014), and the Rock Art in the Hail Region (2015).