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.



Symposium in AlUla Outlines Recommendations to Protect Vulnerable Heritage Sites from Fires

The symposium brought together 80 national and international experts in fire management and heritage conservation. (SPA)
The symposium brought together 80 national and international experts in fire management and heritage conservation. (SPA)
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Symposium in AlUla Outlines Recommendations to Protect Vulnerable Heritage Sites from Fires

The symposium brought together 80 national and international experts in fire management and heritage conservation. (SPA)
The symposium brought together 80 national and international experts in fire management and heritage conservation. (SPA)

The Royal Commission for AlUla (RCU) and its strategic partner, the Saudi International Council on Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS), have issued key recommendations for protecting people and preserving history at cultural heritage sites during the AlUla Symposium on Fire Risk Management at Historic and Heritage Sites.

Hosted recently in AlUla, the symposium brought together 80 national and international experts in fire management and heritage conservation, and provided a platform for critical discussions on fire prevention, mitigation, and response strategies specifically designed for historic and cultural sites, which will inform future development of policies and procedures across AlUla’s landmark cultural sites.

Experts shared best practice, case studies, and innovative technologies, emphasizing a holistic approach that prioritizes the safety of occupants, visitors, surrounding communities, and the landmarks themselves, reported the Saudi Press Agency on Monday.

The symposium focused on balancing historic structures heritage preservation with fire safety. Discussions covered the implementation of fire codes like the Saudi Historical Building Code while respecting the unique character of old buildings and maintaining their structural integrity during fires, to protect occupants.

Case studies presented at the event, such as the 2019 Notre Dame fire, highlighted the need for comprehensive fire safety planning and innovative collaboration.

Experts presented practical strategies including fire risk assessments, community training, and tailored roadmaps for specific locations, demonstrating how proactive risk management can protect both lives and heritage.

Chairman of Saudi ICOMOS Princess Nouf bint Mohammed bin Fahad emphasized the urgent need for preventative measures.

“Fires pose an existential threat to priceless historical and heritage sites, endangering their authenticity, integrity and the values they represent. The negative effects of fires on historical and heritage sites remind us of the urgent need to work to prevent such disasters,” she added.

The recommendations from the symposium will guide RCU’s ongoing efforts to improve fire safety at AlUla’s heritage sites, contributing to the broader goals of Vision 2030 and establishing AlUla as a global leader in heritage conservation.