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Saudi Hajj Ministry Organizes Two Holy Mosques and Nusuk Exhibition in London 

Saudi Hajj Ministry Organizes Two Holy Mosques and Nusuk Exhibition in London 
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Saudi Hajj Ministry Organizes Two Holy Mosques and Nusuk Exhibition in London 

Saudi Hajj Ministry Organizes Two Holy Mosques and Nusuk Exhibition in London 

Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Hajj and Umrah, in cooperation with the General Authority for the Care of the Affairs of the Grand Mosque and the Prophet's Mosque, and the Pilgrim Experience Program, organized the Two Holy Mosques and Nusuk Exhibition in London.

The event coincided with the official visit of Minister of Hajj and Umrah Dr. Tawfig Al-Rabiah to the United Kingdom.

The exhibition highlighted the development of the two holy mosques over more than a century, emphasizing the Kingdom's significant service to pilgrims through expansion projects and pioneering digital platforms like Nusuk. The Nusuk platform streamlines Hajj and Umrah procedures with advanced technology in over 20 languages.

During discussions with Islamic leaders in the UK, Al-Rabiah emphasized the importance of deeper cooperation to facilitate the arrival of pilgrims to Saudi Arabia and to support Hajj and Umrah awareness initiatives. He also highlighted how the Kingdom's digital transformation is elevating the quality of services for pilgrims.

Widely praised by participants and visitors, the exhibition underscored the Kingdom's continuous efforts to develop the Hajj and Umrah system, a key aspect of Saudi Vision 2030's aim to provide integrated services rooted in innovation and excellence.

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Culture

'Talking Drum' Looted by France in 1916 Back in Ivory Coast

A crate containing the Djidji Ayokwe drum, at the airport in Abidjan, Ivory Coast. (Photo by Issouf SANOGO / AFP)
A crate containing the Djidji Ayokwe drum, at the airport in Abidjan, Ivory Coast. (Photo by Issouf SANOGO / AFP)
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'Talking Drum' Looted by France in 1916 Back in Ivory Coast

A crate containing the Djidji Ayokwe drum, at the airport in Abidjan, Ivory Coast. (Photo by Issouf SANOGO / AFP)
A crate containing the Djidji Ayokwe drum, at the airport in Abidjan, Ivory Coast. (Photo by Issouf SANOGO / AFP)

The Djidji Ayokwe "talking drum", which was looted by French colonial troops in 1916 and taken to France, arrived back in Ivory Coast Friday, in the latest repatriation of stolen artifacts.

The wooden drum, more than three meters (10 feet) long and weighing 430 kilos (950 pounds), was used by the Ebrie tribe to transmit messages.

It was officially handed over on February 20 after France's parliament approved removing the artifact from the national museum collections to enable its return.

Ivory Coast had asked in late 2018 for the return of the Djidji Ayokwe among 148 works of art taken during the colonial period.

It arrived aboard a specially chartered plane at Ivory Coast's main city Abidjan and remained inside a huge wooden crate stamped "fragile", AFP journalists saw.

"It's an historic day and I feel deep emotion," Culture Minister Francoise Remarck said, welcoming its arrival at the airport, where the Ebrie community also sang and played drums.

"We are living a moment of justice and remembrance," the minister added.

French President Emmanuel Macron promised in 2021 to send the drum and other artifacts back home to the west African country.

It is one of hundreds of objects France is preparing to send back to Africa, with the efforts set to be accelerated by the passing of a new law to authorize mass repatriations.

"We are happy and relieved to know that this sacred piece of our culture is back on its native land," Aboussou Guy Georges Mobio, an Ebrie village chief, told AFP.

The drum will initially be held in a "safe space" to allow it to acclimatize, the culture minister said.

It is due to go on display at the Museum of Civilizations in Abidjan which has been specially renovated.

The "talking drum" was used by the Ebrie community to warn of danger, mobilize for war or call villagers to ceremonies.

It was seized by colonial authorities in 1916 before being shipped to France in 1929 and exhibited in Paris.

Senegal and Benin have also asked for the repatriation of their treasures.

In late 2020, the French parliament adopted a law providing for the permanent return to Benin of 26 artifacts from the royal treasures of Dahomey.

The return of cultural artifacts taken from ex-colonies in Africa and elsewhere has become a sensitive issue, with museums, institutions and collectors in Europe and the United States facing pressure to give them back.

Culture

Red Sea Fund Launches Second Round to Support Film Projects in Production Stage

File photo of the fifth day of the Red Sea International Film Festival - SPA
File photo of the fifth day of the Red Sea International Film Festival - SPA
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Red Sea Fund Launches Second Round to Support Film Projects in Production Stage

File photo of the fifth day of the Red Sea International Film Festival - SPA
File photo of the fifth day of the Red Sea International Film Festival - SPA

The Red Sea Fund, affiliated with the Red Sea Film Foundation, announced the opening of applications to support film projects in the production stage within the second round of this year’s support program, which will continue until March 21, as part of its efforts to enhance the cinema industry and empower innovators in the region, SPA reported.

The round aims to support promising cinematic voices from the Kingdom and the Arab world, as well as filmmakers from Africa and Asia, through financial grants that help complete film projects and present their creative narratives globally, with a special focus on projects ready to enter production and begin filming.

Culture

Prince Mohammed bin Salman Project Restores Historic Al-Jami' Mosque in Tabuk Region

The renovation utilized modern technologies to restore the mosque's original identity - SPA
The renovation utilized modern technologies to restore the mosque's original identity - SPA
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Prince Mohammed bin Salman Project Restores Historic Al-Jami' Mosque in Tabuk Region

The renovation utilized modern technologies to restore the mosque's original identity - SPA
The renovation utilized modern technologies to restore the mosque's original identity - SPA

The Prince Mohammed bin Salman Project for the Development of Historical Mosques has completed the restoration of Al-Jami' Mosque in Duba, Tabuk Region, as part of its mission to preserve the Kingdom's architectural heritage under Vision 2030.

As one of Duba’s oldest landmarks, the mosque is deeply intertwined with the city’s maritime history, traditionally serving as a central meeting point for sailors. Throughout its history, the mosque underwent several construction phases, including significant contributions by King Abdulaziz and King Fahd, before its selection for the current national development project, SPA reported.

The renovation utilized modern technologies to restore the mosque's original identity, increasing its area to 972.23 square meters and its capacity to 779 worshippers. The architectural style is inspired by traditional Red Sea heritage, incorporating natural materials like stone, mud, and wood for intricate mashrabiyas.

Executed by specialized Saudi firms, the project balances traditional standards with sustainability to rehabilitate the site for worship while highlighting its cultural significance. By restoring such landmarks, the project ensures the preservation of the Kingdom’s diverse architectural and social memory for future generations.