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Saudi Cultural Attaché in Jordan Meets Saudi Winning Team

Saudi Cultural Attaché in Jordan Meets Saudi Winning Team
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Saudi Cultural Attaché in Jordan Meets Saudi Winning Team

Saudi Cultural Attaché in Jordan Meets Saudi Winning Team

The Saudi Cultural Attaché in Jordan Dr. Issa bin Fahd Al-Rumaih met on Monday with the Saudi student team that secured first place in all five topics of the English Language Olympia, held in the capital city of Amman.

The Cultural Attaché expressed his pride in the remarkable success achieved by the Saudi students.

He also emphasized how their achievement was primarily due to the support provided by the wise leadership to students.

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Culture

Senegal Tapestry Production Finds New Lease of Life

Senegalese tapestries adorn the walls of organizations the world over. JOHN WESSELS / AFP
Senegalese tapestries adorn the walls of organizations the world over. JOHN WESSELS / AFP
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Senegal Tapestry Production Finds New Lease of Life

Senegalese tapestries adorn the walls of organizations the world over. JOHN WESSELS / AFP
Senegalese tapestries adorn the walls of organizations the world over. JOHN WESSELS / AFP

After cutting away the loose woolen threads from his loom, 28-year-old Senegalese weaver Seydina Oumar Cisse turns the roll to watch the tapestry gradually take shape before his eyes.
Everything from the colors to the design is identical to the original work created by Senegalese artist Cheikh Diouf.
"It's very satisfying," Cisse said, seeing the result of six months' work for the first time.
Cisse is a weaver at the Senegalese manufacturers of decorative arts in the central city of Thies, a leading producer of high quality artistic goods on the African continent.
The establishment's creations adorn the walls of organizations the world over, from the UN headquarters in New York to the African Union in Addis Ababa, as well as the palaces of numerous heads of state.
Tapestry production in Thies was a flagship cultural policy of Senegal's first president, poet Leopold Sedar Senghor, with production now revitalized thanks to a broadening of operations and new partnerships, including with fashion giant Chanel.
The creations are "attracting renewed interest, driven locally by galleries with international stature and a resurgence of interest in textiles and tapestries" on the art market, said Coline Desportes, a researcher at the national institute of art history (INHA).
'Symbiosis of techniques'
Senghor established national tapestry production in Thies in 1966, six years after Senegal gained independence from France, with the goal of "creating a new art for a new nation".
While weaving techniques had previously proved popular in African clothing designs, the art of wall tapestries was little known in Senegal.
Two years before production got underway, four craftsmen headed to France for specialized training, with the new art form representing "the symbiosis of techniques imported from France and traditional culture," according to Senghor.
Over the years the former president's legacy has been kept alive, but not without difficulty.
The state reduced support after Senghor's departure and tapestries went out of fashion, leading production in Thies to almost disappear before orders picked up again in the 2000s.
In the weaving workshops, situated within the white and green walls of former army barracks, the weavers have no room for error.
Each meticulously follows the cardboard lines on their looms, using wool from Europe and cotton from Thies to trace their designs.
'Cultural powerhouse'
Not far away, a group of about 30 American school students listen to a talk given by the head of the cardboard workshop, where the models which guide the weaving process are produced.
The establishment now welcomes tourists and film crews onto the premises, evidencing its commitment to diversifying operations.
Fourteen rooms will soon be available for visitors, as well as an artists' residence, managing director Aloyse Diouf said.
"We want to turn the manufacturers into a cultural powerhouse, a link between art and tourism," he added, although government commissions remain essential to keeping production afloat.
"Tapestry is not necessarily linked to our history and has remained mainly elitist -- it is mainly the authorities who buy tapestries to contribute to Senegal's artistic influence," Diouf said.
"The ownership of this art form by the Senegalese is a long-term project that we are developing by inviting schools to visit the factories".
The establishment now also produces prayer rugs, batik and ceramics, which are slightly more affordable for the Senegalese than the wall tapestries, which cost 1.5 million CFA francs ($2,400) per square meter.

Culture

Paul Auster, US Author of The New York Trilogy, Dies Aged 77

US writer Paul Auster poses before a conference on literature at the Campus del Milán library, University of Oviedo, northern Spain October 19, 2006. (Reuters)
US writer Paul Auster poses before a conference on literature at the Campus del Milán library, University of Oviedo, northern Spain October 19, 2006. (Reuters)
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Paul Auster, US Author of The New York Trilogy, Dies Aged 77

US writer Paul Auster poses before a conference on literature at the Campus del Milán library, University of Oviedo, northern Spain October 19, 2006. (Reuters)
US writer Paul Auster poses before a conference on literature at the Campus del Milán library, University of Oviedo, northern Spain October 19, 2006. (Reuters)

US novelist and screenwriter Paul Auster died of complications from lung cancer at his home in Brooklyn on Tuesday evening aged 77, the New York Times reported, citing friend and author Jacki Lyden.

The New Jersey-born writer was known for a string of acclaimed works including "The New York Trilogy" and "The Book of Illusions".

"We are very sad to hear of the death of Booker Prize shortlistee Paul Auster, whose work touched readers and influenced writers all over the world, and whose generosity was felt in just as many quarters," the Booker Prizes posted on social media platform X.

The literary body shortlisted his book "4 3 2 1" for its award in 2017.

The author of more than 30 books, including poetry and memoirs, told Reuters in 2011 he liked to write by hand in notebooks and then produce the finished copy on a typewriter rather than a computer.

"I feel more alive when I'm working," he said.

"I am convinced that writing is a kind of illness. Who would want to spend his life sitting in a room, putting words on paper? It's a strange occupation. You got to have a great taste for solitude."

Culture

Saudi Arabia Launches Global AI Center for Arabic Language

“The Arabic Intelligence Center” is the first specialized artificial intelligence center for automated Arabic language processing (the King Salman Global Academy for Arabic Language)
“The Arabic Intelligence Center” is the first specialized artificial intelligence center for automated Arabic language processing (the King Salman Global Academy for Arabic Language)
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Saudi Arabia Launches Global AI Center for Arabic Language

“The Arabic Intelligence Center” is the first specialized artificial intelligence center for automated Arabic language processing (the King Salman Global Academy for Arabic Language)
“The Arabic Intelligence Center” is the first specialized artificial intelligence center for automated Arabic language processing (the King Salman Global Academy for Arabic Language)

Saudi Arabia has launched the world's first international center dedicated to enhancing the Arabic language using artificial intelligence (AI).

The center, known as the “Arabic Intelligence Center,” provides automated services and technical support for Arabic language processing.

It aims to strengthen Arabic in the digital realm, making it more competitive globally.

Operated by the King Salman Global Academy for Arabic Language from Riyadh, the center encourages research and innovation in language computing while offering specialized expertise and data infrastructure for AI-driven Arabic language applications.

Dr. Abdullah Al-Washmi, Secretary-General of the Academy, highlighted that the newly established center is the world’s first specialized hub for automated Arabic language processing.

It aims to enrich Arabic content using AI and support research, applications, and capabilities in AI and Arabic language fields.

The center also contributes to achieving the goals of Saudi Arabia’s national transformation plan, “Vision 2030,” aiming for global leadership in this area.

Its vision is to advance the Arabic language using AI, while its mission focuses on providing comprehensive services to empower users to enhance Arabic language leadership locally and globally.

Moreover, the center is made up of five main labs, each with its own role.

The center provides various services like technical and linguistic advice on AI-driven Arabic language processing. It also hosts meetings, courses, and offers licenses for researchers.

It supports studies aligned with its goals and aids in data tagging for joint research. The center aims to connect modern tech with Arabic, preserve the language, establish global linguistic standards, and enhance AI in Arabic language processing, both locally and globally.

The center aims to set and implement standards and rules for automating Arabic language processing.

It wants to foster impactful research and innovations in this field using AI and develop useful applications.

Also, it aims to train people to global standards and localize knowledge in Arabic language processing. By doing so, it hopes to compete with other languages.

Culture

Saudi Culture Minister Meets with French Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs

Saudi Minister of Culture Prince Badr bin Abdullah bin Farhan met in Diriyah with French Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Stephane Séjournet. SPA
Saudi Minister of Culture Prince Badr bin Abdullah bin Farhan met in Diriyah with French Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Stephane Séjournet. SPA
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Saudi Culture Minister Meets with French Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs

Saudi Minister of Culture Prince Badr bin Abdullah bin Farhan met in Diriyah with French Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Stephane Séjournet. SPA
Saudi Minister of Culture Prince Badr bin Abdullah bin Farhan met in Diriyah with French Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Stephane Séjournet. SPA

Saudi Minister of Culture Prince Badr bin Abdullah bin Farhan has met in Diriyah with French Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Stephane Séjournet.

Prince Badr praised the distinguished relations between Saudi Arabia and France, citing the existing work between the two countries in the cultural fields.

Monday’s meeting paid tribute to Saudi Arabia’s participation, represented by the Ministry of Culture, in the International Year of the Camelids march, which was organized on April 20 in Paris by the French Federation for the Development of Camels in France and Europe.

Also highlighted was the outcome of the recent meeting of the Saudi Culture Minister with French Minister of Culture Rachida Dati in which the most prominent areas of cooperation and cultural exchange between governmental and private institutions in both countries were highlighted.

Culture

Madinah Governor Inaugurates 12th Cultures and Peoples' Festival

Madinah Region Governor Prince Salman bin Sultan bin Abdulaziz inaugurated the 12th edition of the Cultures and Peoples' Festival- SPA
Madinah Region Governor Prince Salman bin Sultan bin Abdulaziz inaugurated the 12th edition of the Cultures and Peoples' Festival- SPA
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Madinah Governor Inaugurates 12th Cultures and Peoples' Festival

Madinah Region Governor Prince Salman bin Sultan bin Abdulaziz inaugurated the 12th edition of the Cultures and Peoples' Festival- SPA
Madinah Region Governor Prince Salman bin Sultan bin Abdulaziz inaugurated the 12th edition of the Cultures and Peoples' Festival- SPA

Madinah Region Governor Prince Salman bin Sultan bin Abdulaziz inaugurated the 12th edition of the Cultures and Peoples' Festival, organized by the Islamic University in Madinah, which will be held until May 6.
The governor visited the pavilions of the participating countries and was briefed on the festival's goal of promoting communication, unity, and understanding among peoples. The festival, which also fosters teamwork and promotes Islamic values, nurtures dialogue, coexistence, and peace among nations, and enhances communication between university students and the local community.
Speaking at the inauguration ceremony, Acting President of the Islamic University Dr. Hassan bin Abdulmunim Al-Oufi highlighted the fact that over 100,000 students from over 170 countries graduated from this university, and that they have played a crucial role in developing their societies and homelands.
Al-Oufi said that the festival brings together students from 95 countries, giving them a platform to showcase their cultures, customs, and traditions.
"The festival creates a harmonious and cooperative environment where the East and West unite on the university's premises," he said.
The festival covers an area of 7,000 square meters. Representatives of different countries present over 40 activities and events for families, children, and the community.
The Cultures and Peoples’ Festival is expected to attract over 100,000 visitors. Its wide range of events and activities includes celebrating Saudi Arabian coffee, Arabic poetry, cuisine, tea, and the Year of the Camel 2024. The festival also has entertainment, educational, and cultural corners that provide enriching experiences for visitors.

Culture

Saudi Arabia’s Museum of Contemporary Art Enriches Visitor Experience with Sound Resonance Series

The 'In the Night' exhibition, hosted by SAMoCA, presents the "Sound Resonance Series." SPA
The 'In the Night' exhibition, hosted by SAMoCA, presents the "Sound Resonance Series." SPA
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Saudi Arabia’s Museum of Contemporary Art Enriches Visitor Experience with Sound Resonance Series

The 'In the Night' exhibition, hosted by SAMoCA, presents the "Sound Resonance Series." SPA
The 'In the Night' exhibition, hosted by SAMoCA, presents the "Sound Resonance Series." SPA

The Saudi Arabia Museum of Contemporary Art (SAMoCA) has launched a series of new exhibitions and services that enrich the experience of art lovers and members of the community at the JAX District of Diriyah.

The 'In the Night' exhibition, hosted by SAMoCA, presents the "Sound Resonance Series", a unique vocal experience that invites participants to explore a harmonious blend of artistic expression, stillness, creativity and inspiration through the tunes of more than 20 instruments. A solo session was held on April 28 and three more will be held on May 2, 9, and 16.

SAMoCA is the Kingdom's first contemporary art museum; it seeks to build bridges between local and international artists and offers them the opportunity to exchange knowledge, communicate and grow, contributing to shaping the future of contemporary art in Saudi Arabia and the Arab region.

Culture

Horses Show Off in Versailles, Keeping Royal Tradition Alive

The entrance to the royal stables, in Versailles, Thursday, April 25, 2024. (AP Photo/Aurelien Morissard)
The entrance to the royal stables, in Versailles, Thursday, April 25, 2024. (AP Photo/Aurelien Morissard)
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Horses Show Off in Versailles, Keeping Royal Tradition Alive

The entrance to the royal stables, in Versailles, Thursday, April 25, 2024. (AP Photo/Aurelien Morissard)
The entrance to the royal stables, in Versailles, Thursday, April 25, 2024. (AP Photo/Aurelien Morissard)

The historic Versailles Palace Gardens will soon host the Paris Olympics equestrian sports.
Meanwhile, the select number of riders of the National Equestrian Academy handling the palace's famed royal stables continue to care for their beloved horses: Almost every day at dawn, they enjoy the quietness and splendor of grass lawns and woods of the park of the Versailles Palace, before thousands of visitors from across the world spread in.
The elite academy — founded by French horse trainer and impresario Bartabas who decided to revive the splendid building in 2003 — has only 12 riders. After years of hard work, they take part in a prestigious show at the Great Stables of Versailles every weekend to the delight of spectators, The Associated Press reported.
While the Academy is open to both genders, women form the majority of applicants.
“We are only women here now,” said one of those experienced riders, Fanny Lorré, gleefully smiling as she noted how big of a change it was from the once male-dominated world of equestrianism.
Lorré, 28, is known as an ‘ecuyères’ — the French word for squire or horse rider, and has a vast knowledge of the royal stables' history.
Commissioned by France's King Louis XIV, or Sun King, the stables were built between 1679 and 1682 opposite the palace’s main entrance. They once housed more than 2,000 horses during the 18th century. Now, the Academy’s riders train about 40 horses, notably including Lusitanos, a Portuguese breed known to be a favorite of Louis IV.
The Great Stables were built “just before the King arrived here in Versailles. He wanted very big and wonderful stables because he had a lot of horses,” Lorré said. “Horses at that time were very important in the court and in the everyday life.”
“They built it in only three years, which is quite amazing when you see how big the building is," she added. "And it was also a school for the people at that time (who wanted to) learn how to ride ... a little bit of philosophy, mathematic and everything so they can become the best person in the kingdom.”
Under the monarchy, horses were used by the royal family, its entourage and visitors to go hunting, show their equestrian skills and enjoy rides in the Versailles gardens. They were an essential part of the festivities and a symbol of the King's power.
After the French Revolution, in the 19th century, the army took over the stables, using them for its cavalry regiments until World War II. They were then used as a storage facility for the Versailles district's archives and later for horse carriages until Bartabas stepped in and formed the academy.
Its members are known for their contemporary take on equestrian art. They receive fencing, dancing and Japanese archery classes to help them hone skills used in their weekly shows.
As the Paris Games approach, the palace — which will host equestrian and modern pentathlon events during the July 26 - Aug. 11 — is starting to buzz with excitement.
The Academy members, though not participating in the games, are looking forward to seeing Olympic riders galloping in the gardens of the Versailles Palace, Lorré said.
"There’s a lot of historical meaning have those Olympics in the gardens," Academy rider Dounia Kazzoul, 26, noted, "because the King used to organize a lot of (theater) plays and shows in those gardens. So it’s really great to have that here!"
Grandstands, outdoor arenas and gallop tracks are now being set up for the Games across the park, where up to 40,000 people are expected to attend the cross-country part of the event. Olympic horses will be housed in temporary, air-conditioned facilities built close to the competition site.
The palace itself will remain open to the public during the Games. To coincide with the Olympics, it will be holding an exhibition dedicated to horses and equestrian civilization in Europe from July 2 July to November 3.
The National Equestrian Academy will continue to present its show at Versailles this summer until Aug. 7. Visitors can also discover the nearby Gallery of Coaches, which contains one of the largest collections of coaches in Europe.
 

Culture

Marmalade Fest Celebrates Quintessential British Breakfast Treat

The Dalemaine awards have become a staple in the world of marmalade. Justine GERARDY / AFP
The Dalemaine awards have become a staple in the world of marmalade. Justine GERARDY / AFP
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Marmalade Fest Celebrates Quintessential British Breakfast Treat

The Dalemaine awards have become a staple in the world of marmalade. Justine GERARDY / AFP
The Dalemaine awards have become a staple in the world of marmalade. Justine GERARDY / AFP

The Japanese ambassador raved about the daffodils and the glorious spring sunshine. The Australian envoy joked about beating the "Poms" at their own game. A life-sized Paddington waved and clapped.
On the steps of a centuries-old country house in northwest England, one of the nation's most eccentric cultural events -- the Dalemain World Marmalade Awards -- was in full swing.
Inside, in an oak-paneled room lined with portraits of family ancestors, winning jars of the quintessentially British fruit preserve covered every surface.
"Excellent marmalade, just cloudy," read one judge's report card. "Good color and set," said another. "Jar should be filled to the top," said a third.
Every January and February, when bitter Seville oranges from Spain are available for a few short weeks, marmalade makers shut themselves away in their kitchens to chop, pulp and boil.
Many of those homemade marmalades -- along with other non-Seville marmalades from as far afield as Hawaii, Japan, Taiwan and Australia -- wind their way to Dalemain, which this year received just under 3,000 pots of the sweet, sticky condiment.
The 2024 competition featured 17 categories, including entries from a Taiwanese orphanage in the children's section and a US women's correctional facility in the newly introduced prison's class.
'We got silver!'
Made by boiling together the juice and peel of citrus fruits, sugar and water, marmalade as we know it now was pioneered commercially in the late 18th century by the Keiller family of Dundee in Scotland.
Spread generously on buttered toast, it is traditionally a staple of British breakfast tables as well the favored sandwich filling of children's character Paddington, a small bear from "deepest, darkest Peru".
"We got a silver, which we're delighted about!" said James Stoddart, a prison rehabilitation worker in northeast England, spotting his jail's entry adorned with a silver star.
Two prisoners had lobbied to take part, inspired by one of their daughters who loved Paddington, he said, even though neither of them had a clue how to make marmalade.
"You're not allowed glass inside prisons so we had to really fight to get it in and get it done," he said, adding that 12 jars were eventually produced, including one that was sent to the little girl.
Founded by Dalemain chatelaine Jane Hasell-McCosh, the awards are held annually at the family's historic house in the Lake District National Park and have raised more than £250,000 ($310,000) for charity.
From just 60 jars from the local area in 2005, there are now spin-off events also taking place in Japan and Australia.
Queen and Paddington
Atsuko Hayashi, owner of The English Kitchen in Tokyo, said the pastime had changed her life by helping her to "connect with people" globally.
For London-based Danish photographer Henrik Knudsen, marmalade making was "a very English thing" which he had happily adopted since living in the UK.
But he said getting it right was not an exact science and the results could be unpredictable.
The clarity could be wrong, the peel might be a bit tough, the texture could be too runny, he said. "That's the charm of it."
Marmalade received an unexpected boost during the 2022 celebrations for Queen Elizabeth II's Platinum Jubilee, when the late monarch took part in a televised comedy sketch with Paddington.
'Broad church'
The skit was a welcome reminder of marmalade's qualities at a time when homemade has never been more popular, said Caroline Hodge, winner of the dark and chunky category.
Mass-produced marmalade had "got sugary and that's not flavor", she said, explaining that she had reduced the sugar content of a recipe handed down to her by an aunt and added ginger, turmeric and all spice.
"It's very emotional because my aunt is no longer here and I'm a bit blown away," she said.
"It's not quite Wimbledon but it's definitely the Oscars," she added.
Entries for the 2024 competition included a host of unusual ingredients from chillies and seaweed to caviar and smoked pineapple.
Retiring head judge Dan Lepard said the awards were a "broad church" happy to embrace "all the citrus fruits in the world" -- not just Seville oranges -- as well as unusual flavorings.
For the overall 2024 winner, Stephen Snead, the honor comes with the added bonus of having his marmalade commercially produced for a year and sold in luxury London department store Fortnum & Mason.
The 52-year-old English accountant who won with two jars -- orange and lime marmalade with red chilies and a lime marmalade with creme de cacao -- said he was overwhelmed to be at Dalemain and see "just how far the marmalade family reaches across the world".
"It's just an absolute thrill," he said.
 

Culture

Sheikh Zayed Book Award Names Casa Árabe Cultural Personality of the Year

The award’s Board of Trustees and Scientific Committee decision to name Casa Árabe as this year's Cultural Personality of the Year was unanimous. WAM
The award’s Board of Trustees and Scientific Committee decision to name Casa Árabe as this year's Cultural Personality of the Year was unanimous. WAM
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Sheikh Zayed Book Award Names Casa Árabe Cultural Personality of the Year

The award’s Board of Trustees and Scientific Committee decision to name Casa Árabe as this year's Cultural Personality of the Year was unanimous. WAM
The award’s Board of Trustees and Scientific Committee decision to name Casa Árabe as this year's Cultural Personality of the Year was unanimous. WAM

Organized by the Abu Dhabi Arabic Language Centre (ALC) under the Department of Culture and Tourism - Abu Dhabi (DCT), the Sheikh Zayed Book Award has named Casa Árabe in Spain as winner of the Cultural Personality of the Year category for its 18th edition, Emirates News Agency (WAM) reported.

The award acknowledges and honors Casa Árabe’s achievements in bridging the cultures of the Arab and Spanish people and advancing Arabic language and culture throughout Europe and Latin America, WAM said.

The award’s Board of Trustees and Scientific Committee decision to name Casa Árabe as this year's Cultural Personality of the Year was unanimous, recognizing the institution's success in fostering cross-cultural dialogue.

Throughout its existence, Casa Árabe has welcomed numerous Arab writers, artists and thinkers to engage with Spanish Arabists, all in pursuit of cultivating an environment grounded in principles of tolerance and respect for cultural diversity, WAM added.

Culture

Paris Crowns a New King of the Crusty Baguette in Its Annual Bread-Baking Prize

Baker Xavier Netry poses at his bakery named "Utopie" in Paris on April 26, 2024, after being awarded best baguette 2024 of the city of Paris (Grand Prix de la Baguette de Tradition Francaise de la Ville De Paris). (AFP)
Baker Xavier Netry poses at his bakery named "Utopie" in Paris on April 26, 2024, after being awarded best baguette 2024 of the city of Paris (Grand Prix de la Baguette de Tradition Francaise de la Ville De Paris). (AFP)
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Paris Crowns a New King of the Crusty Baguette in Its Annual Bread-Baking Prize

Baker Xavier Netry poses at his bakery named "Utopie" in Paris on April 26, 2024, after being awarded best baguette 2024 of the city of Paris (Grand Prix de la Baguette de Tradition Francaise de la Ville De Paris). (AFP)
Baker Xavier Netry poses at his bakery named "Utopie" in Paris on April 26, 2024, after being awarded best baguette 2024 of the city of Paris (Grand Prix de la Baguette de Tradition Francaise de la Ville De Paris). (AFP)

Paris has a new king of the crusty baguette.

Baker Xavier Netry was chosen this week as the 31st winner of Paris' annual “Grand Prix de la baguette” prize.

His long loaf beat 172 others.

Competing baguettes were evaluated for taste, look, texture, airiness and the quality of the baking. The jury included a deputy mayor, industry representatives, journalists and six Parisians that City Hall said were drawn at random.

The Utopie bakery in Paris' 11th district that Netry works for wins 4,000 euros ($4,290) and becomes one of the suppliers of the presidential Elysee Palace for a year.

City Hall said uneaten baguettes from the competition were donated to a charity that feeds people who are homeless.

Netry, a baker for 25 years, said the secrets of his success are a good sourdough starter and “a good long fermentation,” careful cooking and "some love and some passion, of course.”