New initiatives to make Madinah eternal capital of Islamic culture MADINAH: ARAB NEWS

CULTURal OASIS: Madinah Gov. Prince Faisal bin Salman with Culture and Information Minister Abdul Aziz Khoja at the opening of a conference of OIC culture ministers in the city. (SPA)

Madinah Gov. Prince Faisal bin Salman on Tuesday announced 13 initiatives aimed at making Madinah the eternal capital of Islamic culture. He said the initiatives have won the support of Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah.

The announcement comes at the conclusion of activities marking the selection of Madinah as the Islamic Cultural Capital.

Initiatives include the establishment of an oasis for Quranic learning to make Madinah an Islamic cultural center. The oasis will have halls for Quranic recitation, discussions and scientific research.

The Quba Cultural Center is another important project, which includes museums, libraries and parks, in addition to a center to welcome pilgrims and visitors. The King Abdul Aziz Library and the Haram Library will also be developed as part of the new initiatives.

A permanent exhibition will be established for the life and teachings of the Prophet (peace be upon him). Another exhibition center will be established to showcase the Prophet’s battles.

There will be a center for Madinah’s written heritage, the governor said, adding that an old Madinah district would be created inside the King Fahd Park. A center for Islamic architecture in Madinah, the expansion of Hejaz Railway Museum and the development of a Madinah research and studies center are other major initiatives announced by the governor.

Meanwhile, Culture and Information Minister Abdul Aziz Khoja launched a conference for OIC culture ministers in Madinah in the presence of Prince Faisal bin Salman. “Promotion of Cultural Rights in the Muslim World in the Service of Dialogue and Peace” was the conference’s title.

“Muslim countries should be armed with cultural content to promote the principles of Islam and deepen the bonds of brotherhood, harmony and understanding,” Khoja told the ministers.

He appreciated the efforts being made by the Islamic Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ISESCO). He also noted Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah’s initiative for interfaith and intercultural dialogue.

The last conference in Algiers had called for coming up with a draft plan of action to activate the king’s initiative. He urged the ministers to support King Abdullah’s initiative.

“This conference comes within the programs marking Madinah as the capital of Islamic culture. During the last year, numerous activities and programs have been held in the city under the leadership of Prince Faisal,” Khoja said.